48 pages 1 hour read

Garden Spells

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Book Brief

Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Magical Realism

Fantasy
Setting

Bascom, North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Love

Shame & Pride

Mothers
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen follows Claire Waverly, a chef in Bascom, North Carolina, who tends a magical garden with her elderly cousin Evanelle. Claire’s orderly life is disrupted when her estranged sister Sydney returns with her young daughter, fleeing from an abusive boyfriend. The sisters reconnect, overcome past traumas, and explore new relationships amidst the backdrop of their enchanted garden. Includes abuse and gun violence.

Fantastical

Heartwarming

Romantic

Nostalgic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

109,683 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sarah Addison Allen's Garden Spells enchants readers with its blend of magical realism and Southern charm. Reviews praise its whimsical storytelling and rich character development. However, some find the plot predictable and the magical elements contrived. Overall, it's a heartwarming tale that captivates with its unique blend of magic and family dynamics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Garden Spells?

Readers who enjoy Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen typically appreciate magical realism, family dynamics, and charming, small-town settings. Fans of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic and Joanne Harris’s Chocolat would find this novel's blend of enchantment and heartwarming relationships appealing.

4.2

109,683 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

A major protagonist who has lived in Bascom, North Carolina, since childhood and is known for her culinary skills that harness the magic of her garden. She values stability and is cautious in her personal relationships.

Claire's younger sister by six years and another main protagonist, who initially left Bascom to escape her past but returns determined to create a stable home for her daughter. She has a unique talent for hair styling that hints at a special connection to her family's magical legacy.

A 79-year-old supporting character from the Waverley family with the magical compulsion to give people specific items they might need. She serves as a mentor to the Waverley sisters, providing them with family history and support.

A minor character and Sydney's high school contemporary, who struggled with her own self-worth due to outside influences. She seeks reassurance in her relationship with her husband, Hunter John.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Magical Realism

Fantasy
Setting

Bascom, North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Love

Shame & Pride

Mothers
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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