Oh friends, I adored this book! As a fan of The Secret Garden and Rebecca, I especially loved it. I noticed elements of both weaved throughout and quite enjoyed Julia’s writing style. And with The Enchanted Book Club’s upcoming trip to England, it was that much more fun to read. Let’s discuss!
Discussion Questions:
1. The Last Garden in England features five heroines. Do you have a favorite or one you relate to most?
2. Which version/time period of Highbury House would you most like to visit?
3. Was there a love story that resonated with you most?
4. Do you typically enjoy books that feature multiple perspectives shared over different time periods? If so, do you have any recommendations for other books in this format?
5. Do you think The Last Garden in England includes any elements of classic literature?
6. Feel free to share any other thoughts you have!
2. Which version/time period of Highbury House would you most like to visit?
3. Was there a love story that resonated with you most?
4. Do you typically enjoy books that feature multiple perspectives shared over different time periods? If so, do you have any recommendations for other books in this format?
5. Do you think The Last Garden in England includes any elements of classic literature?
6. Feel free to share any other thoughts you have!
Karen Werth says
I enjoyed this book and thought the author did a good job with going back and fourth between the three time periods of 1907, 1944 and 2021. I liked all the characters from each time period and how History was woven into each story. Loved the description of each garden room. When Venetia is designing the garden rooms, Matthew sees the theme she is working towards and makes the comment, “ Each room represents the life of a woman……”. This is question number 9 in the back of the paperback copy. I found that train of thought fascinating. The Highbury House and garden rooms are characters too and their story through the years somewhat fits in with the elements of classic literature. A very enjoyable read.
Monica Wilson says
I had read this book several months ago in preparation for my husband and my trip to England this past April. I loved the book’s multiple time periods and enjoyed seeing how they intertwined. I also liked the explanations on how the gardens were designed into “rooms”. One garden that was mentioned in the book was Hidcote Garden and when we stayed in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, we had a chance to visit Hidcote! I thought of the book a lot when we were there! (I missed the author talk yesterday, but am looking forward to watching it when I can!)
Wendy Stanley says
I really liked Diana. I like the growth in her character from grieving widow to survivor. I liked the way we found out her husband wasn’t the man we thought he was and had actually treated her poorly. I also really liked the way Stella wasn’t cut out to be a mother to her nephew – I love that not all women are forced to be maternal. All the female characters were so different. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Karen Mitchell says
1. I liked all five heroines. I honestly cannot choose a favorite. Each character was unique
2. I would love to see the garden in all three time periods. Like someone mentioned above, the garden itself is a character, and I would like to see the evolution of the garden.
3. While not a traditional love story, I like Diana and Bobby/Robert’s love story the best.
4. I would love recommendations for similar books as well as books set in England and Scotland. We’re going to London and Edinburgh next June.
5. Yes, the characters are memorable and develop throughout the novel. The settings, especially the garden, are an integral part of the novel. Also, the book is just so satisfying to read from start to finish.
6. Obviously I enjoyed this novel. I think one of the more interesting parts was at the very end when Matthew changed his entire name to start his new life with Venetia in the US.