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roswell_publishing's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
r00sroos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death and Racism
fandomsandfiction's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
what to expect:
- enemies-to-friends
- epistolary elements
- generations of found family
- a heartwarming cast of characters
- the healing properties of gardening and nature
- studio ghibli, but with more diversity (iykyk)
If I could describe this book in 3 words it would be: charming, comforting and warm <3
Following the dual stories of Winston and Bernice in the present, as well as the bygone days of Maya, this is a testimony to gardening, community, and family - both the ones of blood and the ones of choice. It's told in multiple povs AND multiple timelines, yet it's not confusing at all. The flow is seamless. It feels completely natural to be spending one moment in 1980 and the next moment in 2019! The different narratives envelop you, like a loving hug, and take you on the warmest, cosiest ride! The story is split into the 4 seasons and each season begins with a letter written by Maya in the present (since the narratives follow her past). I loved how all the stories connected and I loved how even the grumpy and neurotic characters found their way into my heart!
Despite its comforting presence, this book does not shy away from difficult topics. Issues of death, grief, racism, xenophobia, relationship difficulties, women's rights, and inequalities in the workplace are all explored, but in a gentle (and still nuanced!!) way that leaves you with the message: the world is tough, but we still find reasons to live (isn't this a ghibli quote???)
- enemies-to-friends
- epistolary elements
- generations of found family
- a heartwarming cast of characters
- the healing properties of gardening and nature
- studio ghibli, but with more diversity (iykyk)
If I could describe this book in 3 words it would be: charming, comforting and warm <3
Following the dual stories of Winston and Bernice in the present, as well as the bygone days of Maya, this is a testimony to gardening, community, and family - both the ones of blood and the ones of choice. It's told in multiple povs AND multiple timelines, yet it's not confusing at all. The flow is seamless. It feels completely natural to be spending one moment in 1980 and the next moment in 2019! The different narratives envelop you, like a loving hug, and take you on the warmest, cosiest ride! The story is split into the 4 seasons and each season begins with a letter written by Maya in the present (since the narratives follow her past). I loved how all the stories connected and I loved how even the grumpy and neurotic characters found their way into my heart!
Despite its comforting presence, this book does not shy away from difficult topics. Issues of death, grief, racism, xenophobia, relationship difficulties, women's rights, and inequalities in the workplace are all explored, but in a gentle (and still nuanced!!) way that leaves you with the message: the world is tough, but we still find reasons to live (isn't this a ghibli quote???)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
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