The Comfort Book Club / Life in the Garden by Penelope Lively

Welcome to May's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about this month's book club choice, 'Life in the Garden' by Penelope Lively There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion: Myriam, Eriko, Laura, Marie, Catherine and Caroline.
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[vasilikianastasopoulou]

Dear Miranda I'm watching your videos the last three years or so. You are such an inspiration for my readings. Many of your suggested books have been a real delight. Compliments for the fabulous aesthetic and warmth of your videos and vlogs!
And of course, i always enjoy the presence of your lovely mom!
Thank you❤

[bookprincess]

What a wonderful surprise to go into the evening....📖

[MJ-in-Canada]

“Life in the Garden” is one of my favourite Comfort Book Club choices of all time. Thank you! 🌻I agree with Donna that it leads you down many a rabbit hole.🐇 I enjoyed researching every little gem of information that Penelope Lively sprinkled throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves gardening or spending time in gardens. It would also make a thoughtful gift to the gardeners in your life.

[teresaparkins]

Hello Miranda and Donna, well! I have been holding off watching because I couldn't find 'Life in the Garden' on my bookshelves and I didn't want to spoil the reading experience before I bought a copy. However, I could hold off no longer and enjoyed listening to the discussion .... but as you talked I had the feeling that I recognised this book. As soon as I finished watching I knew I had to have one more look through my shelves and, yes, you've guessed there was Penelope Lively's book tucked up in a corner and what a joy it is when that happens. Now you can imagine what is going straight on my bedside table for reading tonight. Thank you both so much for this lovely discussion and to your voice mail contributors who were so insightful in their comments. Happy reading, Teresa 📚🌹

[catherinemcconkey]

Lovely chat - you're both so sweet together. Your mum is so cozy and warm:) ❤

[inlaterdays]

I was busy all day yesterday, but I've been looking forward to watching this ever since the notification went up! This morning, I was able to sit down with a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy. I absolutely love reading about gardens, so I loved this book. It made me extra aware of some of my neighbors' gardens as they started blooming this spring. I really enjoyed the discussion, too! Thank you both for choosing this book.

[sandyokey]

I saved this video to enjoy today so I wouldn’t feel rushed, yesterday being a little busy. I smiled when you and Donna spoke about not being gardeners as I am not either. In all truth, I can kill silk, so plants and gardens are loved and appreciated from the distance of a book page or window. 😊 as always, I enjoyed this video and thank you both 💕💐💕

[Michelle-Loves-Books]

I missed out on reading this book with all of you, but it definitely sounds like one to dip into. Looking forward to that!😀

[mhairigilchrist]

Lovely discussion on a book I've still to read, but it has whetted my appetite. I am a nominal gardener in possession of a lovely big garden which was lovingly tended by my in laws and Sister, and was a great playground for small boys with Nerf guns 😂. With the exception of the plants originally put into the garden, the rest is made up of plants that nature herself has chosen to plant 😉. An inexpensive climbing rose is enjoying the natural trellis it makes it way around giving off the most beautiful scent. Anyhoo, I must order this book from the library, as I do enjoy a book on gardens and this one sounds delightful. Thank you both again for the interesting discussion. x

[ingaurban]

Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you so much for this wonderful video. I always enjoy these videos so much where you to talk so fondly of inspiring books. Have a wonderful weekend❤

[DibBaggy]

I'm really looking forward to reading Jane Austin's Pride & Prejudice, June is my birthday month so reading Jane Austin will be the perfect gift 🤩

[virginiaanderson]

So glad I turned in - Nick of time. I wasnt sure with the new schedule what time on the last Thursday it would be with our time differences 💕☺️Thank you for opening us to this wonderful book about gardening and you are correct, you are so lucky with your weather for the gardens - I am now in a hot climate so, it is limiting to what can weather the heat. Enjoyed this book, thank you again!!

[carolbialy]

Another winner, thank you! As a professional gardener for 30 years, I admit to being ever so slightly cynical when someone suggests a nonfiction garden book but my trust in you is obviously complete because here I am thoroughly enjoying this. I would love to read a Wharton work with you! Thanks Miranda and Donna. What a delight!

[silviajordanova]

So lovely❤ Thank you, dear Miranda!📚🌹🌻

[Bearcub]

Thank you both for the lively discussion! So uplifting as always enjoyed listening to everyone’s thoughts on the book too😊

[carolinesimmill]

I really found Life in the Garden a very interesting book. I enjoyed learning about the history of gardening. Roman box hedges and the gardens designed by Capability Brown for the rich really did remind me a bit of Pemberley all those impressive grounds, trees grouped together and the lake which Mr Darcy made famous by his swim in the television version all those years ago. The hard work and the planning of the gardens by Monet were in themselves a work of art by the sounds of things and I have seen photographs of Monet in his garden who must have felt really proud of what he achieved. Penelope Lively is straight forward and uncomplicated to read and I could imagine the gardens she described so well. Thank you Miranda for introducing me to this lovely book and hello to Donna who spoke so nicely about paintings of gardens.

[stephanienygaard]

I really enjoy these book discussions, Miranda and Donna! I am a garden admirer and love reading about gardens. I've tried over the years to become an actual gardener, but I need to be honest with myself that I would much rather be writing a poem about a garden than digging in the dirt. :) My husband is an actual gardener, though, so I can admire his work.

[debbiew]

Penelope’s opinion of The Secret Garden is probably the source of her robin’s disapproval 😉.

I am envious of English gardens and so agree with you Donna that prairie gardeners cherish the garden season and don’t take it for granted. The frost-free season where I live usually runs from May 25th to September 12th, and I have seen snow in every month except July. We pack in a year full of garden love into those few months of joyous colour and scent. I agree with the author that gardens are very personal. I have memorial plants/trees chosen to reflect the personality of the person I am remembering - turning sadness to beauty. I do keep a garden journal as well which helps me to appreciate the garden even more (photos included)!

[laurac]

I borrowed and read the ebook of this and loved it so much that I bought the hardcover. Thank you for introducing this to me. (I love Tom’s Midnight Garden too.)

[myriammourani]

Excellent video, as always! I always learn so much about the book after listening to everyone's discussion. It makes me want to re-read the book to see what I missed!