Lillian’s Garden
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley June 6, 2013
Author Carrie Jane Knowles
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ISBN: 978-1-78099-830-5
Publisher: Roundfire Books
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Website: http://www.roundfire-books.com
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Carrie Jane Knowles has used a very delicate hand to paint a picture of a family in crisis and the very delicate balance often found within families.
Set in the time after the Second World War when society had set standards of behaviour and to show any form of weakness as a family was the thing of scandal and gossip, this is a fascinating look into the world of mental health issues and how it can affect the entire family.
As a new bride Helen learned her love of gardening from her mother in law Lillian: the garden was always a place that gave solace and comfort when family life became too difficult. It was a place Helen could call her own after her in-laws deaths, as Richard refused to allow any alteration to the home, insisting it remain exactly the same as when his parents were alive.
Richard, newly returned from the war, became a very private man, finding returning to normal life far harder than he thought. His solace was his work at the factory where the hum of the conveyor belts helped him drown out his trauma, bringing him some measure of peace. He found himself unable to reach out to Helen and their two children, shutting himself further way as the years moved forwards.
The delicate balance of the family is put to the test when an itinerant preacher comes to the small town creating ripples within, not only Helen’s family, but in the wider community. His devil-hunting style of preaching challenges Helen’s delicate metal state, causing her to fall ever further into depression and self-doubt.
When Helen decides to break all the rules of the household and paints the kitchen a bright pumpkin yellow she realises she may have gone too far in the wrong direction and admits herself, with the help of long-time friend and town Sherriff, Greyjack, to a mental institution.
Richard is ashamed of Helens breakdown and refuses to let their children know where she is, preferring to let them think she walked out on them.
It takes tragedy far greater than anything imagined to make Richard face his guilt, Helen to take the final steps to returning home and all of them to accept that life is not about being perfect it is about living, sharing and coming to terms with the many aspects of being a family.
Deep, enriching, fascinating and completely enjoyable Lillian’s Garden will long remain with you as a beautiful story of love, hope renewal and survival.