Comments (16)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 16 of 16 items
Jul 16, 2022gilljak rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Helen Humphreys captures both historical time and the heart with her stories of women who endure loss.
Apr 10, 2020uncommonreader rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
In many ways, this is an interesting story of a lonely, plain 35 year old horticulturalist assigned to supervise a small group of the Women's Land Army in 1941 on a Devon estate. The descriptions of the flowers and gardens are lovely. …
May 28, 2019dbarry111 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful! English countryside during the war... many beautiful interlocking stories!
May 12, 2019DanglingConversations rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book, I cried and I smiled and I learned a bit about the role of poetry in tragic times. I found the comment by Cisely (February 2013) poignant and insightful. Still this is a woman who was never loved by her mother, was a…
Feb 12, 2018Juan7ita rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Almost too beautiful writing. Quick read. Ending came too fast...so not satisfying. Sad.
Apr 23, 2017
Was hoping for a little more from this book. Skipped alot of paragraphs.Rather dull.
Feb 01, 2015WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It is the spring of 1941. Gwen Davis, a shy young horticulturist is sent down to Devon to help with the war effort. Her job is to turn an old overgrown estate garden into fields of potatoes and vegetables that will help feed England. Her…
lysiasroad
Mar 01, 2013
One of my favourite books and author. The writing is beautiful and really does transport you to 1940's war torn England.
Feb 02, 2013CiselyMore rated this title 0.5 out of 5 stars
I found this a very disappointing book. Gwen is a totally self centered person, not interested enough to even find out the other land girl's names. She spends most of her time in the 'secret garden" not training the girls to produce…
booklady413
Aug 14, 2012booklady413 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
If you are a 1940's fiction lover like me, you will love this book. In addition any anglofile or flower lover would also enjoy this read.
Dec 07, 2011azor rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I felt like i had seen this story. the images were so vivid. It would make an incredible BBC production!
Oct 01, 2011vcc rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and storyline of this short novel. Humphreys' story of love and loss during the Blitz is intregruing, poetic, and touching. (April 2005)
Jul 06, 2011morebooksplease rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Although short in length, this gem is long on thoughts regarding longing, loss and faith. I was truly moved by it - not every book is meant to be 'a thrilling read'.
Apr 05, 2011GingerKaren rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
When Gwen escapes blitz stricken London in 1941, she finds solace with an assignment with the Land Girls growing vegetables for the war effort. On a neglected Devon estate she also finds a secret garden that she starts to restore in her…
Feb 09, 2010tosui rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
A so so book. Not overly thrilling to read.
Nov 03, 2009steinie73 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is a short novel, but it needs to be read slowly to appreciate the beauty of the language.