Books & Chocolate
I love to read just about anything, as long as it's fiction. I read for me - that means I read what I want, when I want. My reviews tend to mostly be based on how I'm able to personally connect with the story/characters. They are not intended to influence someone to read, or not read, a particular book. I always encourage people to take a chance and make up your own mind.
Oh, and I love chocolate.
The Forgotten Garden
I've had The Forgotten Garden on my shelf for a long time. I've wanted to read it, but it's just so LONG. I finally decided to tackle it so it would stop haunting me from the bookshelf.
There is no denying that Morton can write beautifully. But, the book was so LONG. It wasn't only that it was over 500 pages. It's that the pace is slow too. I felt like it was taking me forever to get through it. I kept reading, hoping there would be some sort of twist that would shock me and make it all worth it. Nope. Nothing I didn't expect at least halfway through the book.
If the writing wasn't so wonderful I would have rated this lower than a 3, but I have to give credit to the talent the author has for stringing words together and generating a lovely setting with somewhat intriguing characters. I think it just could have been done in about 200 fewer pages.
I wouldn't tell anyone not to read this book, especially if slow, drawn-out stories are your thing. If that's the case, you will probably love this book. It is a beautiful book, just not the book for me.
