Official Review: Elizabeth’s Garden
Post by kdstrack » 29 Nov 2019, 16:04[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “Elizabeth’s Garden” by Phillip Leighton-Daly.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Elizabeth’s Garden is a children’s book written by Philip Leighton-Day. It is a coming-of-age story about young Elizabeth, who loses a parent and discovers her inner strength by helping others and fighting for justice in her community.
It was Sunday morning. Elizabeth (Liz) and her parents were on their way to church when a group of pirates approached them. While trying to defend his family, the pirates killed Liz’s father. Liz and her mother left their home and moved to the mission. It was here that Elizabeth cultivated her garden.
Liz developed a friendship with the narrator. They hatched a plan to steal a boat from the cedar cutters (a group of criminals.) After taking the boat, they took something else from the criminals that spurred them on to get revenge. They came after Liz and the narrator. How will Liz be able to escape? Can she trust the law officials to help her?
This short book is a quick read at a mere seventeen pages without any chapter or section breaks. The story’s setting is Australia, and the author incorporates numerous elements of the culture in the narrative, including vivid descriptions of endemic trees and animals. Readers will also learn about the habits and customs of the Aboriginals. I found this educative and exciting.
I liked the development of Liz from a quiet child to an assertive young adult who pursued her goals. I was disappointed that the story did not give more emphasis to Liz’s care and development of the garden. I was hoping for a more in-depth explanation of how she chose her crops, worked and weeded the ground, and shared the harvest. The author did allude to Liz’s garden and her efforts to work it and share its bounties with others. I felt that a stronger highlighting of the garden would have enhanced the emotional ending.
I found the author’s descriptions to be a dynamic addition to the book. At the same time, the target audience may be confused by some of the regional terms incorporated into the story. Phrases like “bush tucker,” “paddies for breakfast,” and “bushrangers” could be included in a glossary of terms for young readers unfamiliar with the Australian dialect. Some of the words would be difficult for children to understand. Terms like “sclerophyll scrub,” and “angophoras” would be beyond most children’s comprehension.
I think this book fits better under the genre of a young adult book. Liz is sixteen years old in the story, and I believe that young adults would identify easier with her experiences, decisions, and attitudes.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The author told an intriguing story that was entertaining and informative. I enjoyed the excellent editing, as I only found one error while reading. The text is free of any offensive language or sexual connotations. There is only one brief, yet gruesome, description of the killing of a freedom fighter. This story would be a welcome addition to any high school history class. Younger readers could enjoy this story with an explanation of some of the less-familiar terms. Adults interested in learning more about the history of Australia would enjoy this story. This short book would not appeal to readers looking for a lengthier read with a deeper plot.
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Elizabeth’s Garden
View: on BookshelvesLatest Review:Elizabeth’s Garden by Phillip Leighton-DalyTopMiller56Posts:166Joined: 22 Jul 2019, 19:30Currently Reading:Bookshelf Size: 16Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-miller56.htmlLatest Review:The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid
Post by Miller56 » Yesterday, 16:09Thanks for the review. This sounds like a short, but interesting read.Latest Review:The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew PellucidTop
Stephanie ElizabethPosts:1274Joined: 18 Jul 2018, 15:412019 Reading Goal: 402019 Reading Goal Completion: 132Currently Reading:Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its AftermathBookshelf Size: 66Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephanie-elizabeth.htmlLatest Review:Better With You by Hattie Lou
Post by Stephanie Elizabeth » Yesterday, 18:17This sounds like a lovely book, and I agree with you, it should be aimed at a teen audience. It looks like Liz evolves into a caring woman. Strong character development is a must-have for me, and this book sounds like it has it. Thanks for the excellent review!Latest Review:Better With You by Hattie Lou
Phillip Leighton-Daly's Short Stories. 