The Memory Gardener

By Meg Donohue
** Publication Date 25 November **
4 stars



Everyone has things in their past they’d like to forget. Or have buried somewhere deep. But there are also those things that you wish you could remember. The good stuff. 


Lucy is a landscape artist and gardener. She has the gift of more than a green thumb, she would almost claim that the scents of plants find her. Over her young life, Lucy has had mostly positive experiences with her gift. There is one time in her past that has led her to think that her gift can do more harm than good. 


Maybe that’s why she’s avoided being home for any time. Her mom passed away just six months ago. Lucy has been on the road for years now. She finds a job, moves into low cost housing while she completes the job, and then moves on. When her last job ended, she headed home to Bantom Bay, a small town on the California coast. 


What she finds when she gets there is a father who has not been taking care of himself. He doesn’t leave the house, which worries Lucy. She also finds her mom’s planner. In there is a visit to Oceanview Home, a place for seniors. When Lucy finds it, she also finds that they are looking for someone to renovate the gardens. Lucy is intrigued.


This was such a lovely novel. A story of a young woman trying to figure out the next steps in her life, alongside a lot of elderly people trying to survive their later years. Lucy is a kind and warm and so gracious to the people she comes in contact with. While she does have a gift, her greatest gift is her generosity of spirit. 


The story flows well, carrying you through both trying times and happy times. The characters at the home are truly unique, and sometimes very sad. I will admit that parts of this book made me cry. Sometimes good cries, but sad as well. Meg Donohue has the ability to keep the reader engaged and excited about what’s to come.


I loved this book and will absolutely want to dive into some of her other work.