The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
The Heirloom Garden is about the bonding that happens between individuals and generations that is facilitated by the common interest in gardening, flowers, and nature. Specifically, the story tells of two women who share the common life experience of war and loss, and how they each deal with it. They come together because of their common love of flowers, not only for their beauty and fragrance, but the memories of the gardeners who came before them. Caring for garden plants preserves the memory of loved ones and friends, especially if we are fortunate enough to have plants that were shared or passed on to us by friends and family.
All I personally know of Michigan is the Detroit suburbs, but Shipman’s descriptions of the old resort neighborhoods along the shores of Lake Michigan, the way he paints the gardens, climate, fragrances, and topography made me feel that I now know that state a little better. I recommend this great summer read not only to people who garden, as I do, but to all readers, who will surely identify with the characters and life circumstances Viola Shipman writes about so well.
Submitted by SB
