The China Garden - Softcover

Berry, Liz

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0380732289 ISBN 13: 9780380732289

Publisher: HarperTeen, 1999

Synopsis

When Clare moves with her mother from London to Ravensmere, an historic English estate, she can't shake the feeling that the residents already know her, especially Mark, a maddeningly attractive biker. Clare also feels compelled to take midnight walks in Ravensmere's abandoned China Garden. Then her mother reveals that their own past is tragically linked to the estate. But when Clare discovers that Ravensmere is in grave danger, will she risk her future-and Mark's-to save it?

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Like a jewel box with hidden drawers and compartments, this finely crafted, multilayered novel holds many secrets. Early on, events unfold at a leisurely pace at Ravensmere, an old English country estate where 17-year-old Clare intends to unwind for a few weeks before entering university. But questions and curiosities begin to accumulate, drawing the reader inexorably into a whirling mix of disparate, even outlandish elements-this is at once a ghost story, a romance and a coming-of-age drama, with psychic phenomena as well as historical and even ecological themes. In Berry's (Easy Connections) skilled hands, however, these motifs fall satisfyingly into place, piece by piece. The villagers seem to have anticipated Clare's arrival, and there is repeated, cryptic mention of the "Guardians" of the "Benison," an ancient treasure whose nature-the novel's deepest, most compelling secret-is not revealed until the final chapters. Only then does Clare learn the startling truth about her connection to Ravensmere and her strange, supernatural role in preserving its future. Berry builds a setting and atmosphere richly laden with mystery and suspense, in which the ordinary often masks unexpected interconnections and the extraordinary is natural to the story's wildly imagined terrain. Ages 14-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up?This unusual book is a fantasy, a romance, a mystery, a tale of family feuds, and a coming-of-age story all rolled into one. Clare Meredith, 17 and waiting to hear the results of her school exams, goes with her widowed mother to Ravensmere, an ancient English estate, where she's oddly attracted to a handsome biker. Clare makes friends and enemies; sees visions; learns of past Ravensmere women and of her previously unknown connection to the area; and rethinks her plans for the future. All of this is intertwined with legends of a magical Benison and its two Guardians. Ordinary teens will find The China Garden overwhelming, if not incomprehensible. It is very British, full of unfamiliar words and phrases. It is laden with historical, mythological, architectural, and religious references that would baffle many adults. There are also two annoying narrative breaks. However, Berry's novel is a rich, involving read for those select few who are highly literate and enjoy long, detailed romantic fantasies.?Ann W. Moore, Guilderland Public Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperTeen
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0380732289
• ISBN 13: 9780380732289
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288