Searching For Answers

The Garden Of Lost Secrets by A.M. Howell is a wonderful children’s historical novel, just perfect for ages ten years and over.

The action is set in 1916, halfway through the first World War and seen through the eyes of Clara, a young girl. She is already scarred by events as her father was a victim of mustard gas.

Fear seems to be a natural state of affairs after being sent to stay with an aunt and uncle in the countryside. Everything is new, her aunt is not the friendly person she once was, and her brother is still at the Front. Clara has to adapt and rely on her strength of character. Like many, she is also holding onto a secret that is weighing her down.

Everyone responds differently to grief. We have to follow whichever pathway seems right to us in order to get us through.