Book Reviews - Author Karen Jewell | In the Garden of Sorrows

Book Reviews

A “memorable debut” . . . . “Jewell entices with her multidimensional characters” in this “confident and dramatic family saga.” – Publishers Weekly

"Just started the book and am half way through. Can’t put it down. It is written beautifully. Would love to read more from this author."

“Karen’s meandering, moody yet matter-of-fact style was a joy to read. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Prepare yourself for a slowly simmering and downbeat read, yet a superb one, nevertheless.” – 5 Stars, Matt McElvoy, Senior Editor, MJV Literary

“The author does an exceptional job of building her characters, making them identifiable and relatable. . . . This is a lovely story, beautifully told, and one I can highly recommend.”

“A perfectly told story of loss and redemption, set in a uniquely American landscape and time period. Jewell writes in simple and beautiful prose. Her descriptions of farm life in the early 1900s ring heartbreakingly true, as does the love of a mother for her sons. Another Marilynne Robinson in the making, but somehow more powerful. And one of the best books I have ever read.”

“Jewell’s prose is assured and inviting, laying bare the hearts of these characters and conjuring a convincingly detailed past . . . . Powered by richly touching connections between Jewell’s people, the novel pulses with feeling.”

– Editor’s Pick, BookLife

“The inspired detail, of farm work and weather, revival meetings, and community relationships that span generations, are gravid and quietly lovely, yet this novel also churns with passion and risk.”

“It seems initially incongruous to connect steamy romance with a tale about grief at first glance, but such is the mastery of the author’s emotive narrative and keen speech and thought presentation that we understand exactly where Isabel is . . . . In the Garden of Sorrows is a uniquely pitched and realistic historical work from the not-too-distant past that taps into everything it is to be human . . . .” – 5 Stars, Readers’ Favorite

“Jewell offers up a really lovely and subtle exploration of the human condition. Very highly recommended.” – 5 Stars, Readers’ Favorite

"Once you get into this novel, you won't want to put it down. The story examines a woman's heart, picking up steam (and steaminess) and evoking a post-world war I world in which the main character, Isabel, reacts to her son's death in a way that endangers her marriage and her values. It's a beautifully written work, and won't disappoint readers looking for a literary novel. At the same time, it definitely has a plot which builds to a climax no one will forget. This is a remarkable first novel from a gifted writer."

“A novel that makes wonderful use of its historical setting to create an evocative portrait of a woman torn by grief and awakened by desire.” – Kirkus Reviews

"“I truly enjoyed this novel. It was very well written. I loved the character development, and the unique, creative, prescient gifts of “sight” interwoven into the narratives of main character Isabel and her deceased mother. The evolving story lines consistently kept my interest. Most interesting additional characters were the multi-dimensional traveling evangelist, and the wise Doc, Isabel’s trusted, lifelong friend. I read this fast-paced novel in less than one day.”

"In the Garden of Sorrows marries literary fiction with a strong plot that kept me turning pages. The author, with her impeccable prose, memorable characters, believable action, and an unforgettable sex scene, plunged me into Isabel’s changing early-twentieth century world. No spoilers here, but the story kept me guessing until the very end—how can Isabel’s choices possibly work out? If you judge books by how long they stay with you and by how truthfully the characters resonate with what you know of the world, you will not want to miss this novel."