First book for me by this author. I felt it was too long, unnecessarily so, bringing about a feeling of impatience similar to waiting for water to come out of a previously drained container. I hope that makes sense. I lost patience with the construction of the story as well as it bounced around back and forth in time featuring various main characters between decades and differing places. Ugh. I did not abandon the book, so that's something positive, I suppose. Not sure I will try this author again. An excellent, well-developed mystery. Kate Morton is one of my favorite writers. I love her ability to move the story between different historical periods without ever missing a beat. I also admire her ability to write complex female characters. She's very good at defining and exploring relationships in order to further the plot. This story takes place in London and Cornwall in the early 1900's before moving to Australia for the remaining years. Nell's true identity is a mystery but something that she learns to accept as the years pass. It is only after her death, that her granddaughter, Cassandra, learns of the mystery and the cottage in Cornwall that Nell has left her. Cassandra's decision to leave Australia and view the cottage in Cornwall is the impetus for unraveling the mystery of her grandmother's birth.
What do You think about El Jardín Olvidado (2008)?
Beautiful...Magical....totally captivating...I just love this book
—jueunhae