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The Savage Garden

Author: Mark Mills
Publisher: Harper
Category: Book

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Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

96 reviews
Sales Rank: 969

Media: Paperback
Pages: 400
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 4.9 x 1

ISBN: 000716193X
EAN: 9780007161935
ASIN: 000716193X

Publication Date: July 2, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available

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Customer Reviews: Read 91 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Different July 2, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Not the type of book I normally read, but well written, art and history a good combination. Found it a little slow to start with, but the twists and turns were good, and as secrets unfolded quite gripping. Caz

4 out of 5 stars

Not the best book ever but I loved it all the same June 20, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this book, and unlike other reviewers found it fast-paced, rather than slow-paced. Mills keeps everything relevant, and there weren't loads of sidetrack storylines, which can often make a good novel slightly infuriating. Very much a summer read though. Not one if you're looking for a literary great, but if you want enjoyable, easy reading with a couple of twists, and great story-telling then this is definitely worth a go!

I, for myself, loved the Renaissance garden, with all the Classical references - Echo and Narcissus being my favourite of Ovid's Metamorphoses. And I also loved the image of late 50s Italy that was created. Really made me want to escape!

4 out of 5 stars

Really Interesting Read June 18, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful

I had never read a book by Mark Mills before and I stumbled across this one in our staff room. I was intrigued by the subject matter and became quickly immersed in the story.
The book follows Adam, a university student who is encouraged to travel to Italy by his lecturer to write about Villa Docci, an old historic family home. Adam travels to Italy to write a thesis on the 400 year old memorial garden in Villa Docci. The garden contains grottos and statues depicting Greek gods and goddesses and Adam quickly becomes enchanted with it. But it soon turns out that the garden is holding a dark family secret that Adam discovers.
The characters are very believable and the descriptions of the scenery are brilliant and so real. By the end of the book, you can clearly see the emotional journey that Adam has taken and light relief arrives in the form of his brother Harry.
Overall, I found the book slow to start but definitely worth persevering.

2 out of 5 stars

A below average story, pleasantly told June 12, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Quite easy to read... despite the underlying topic relating to renaissance art history, which I know very little about, I think it is described in such a way that does not alienate philistines like me and I actually feel educated in such things now.

Having just undertaken a research based project, I can also empathise in the lead character a little.

If I sat back to think about the plot though, I probably wouldn't have much to write home about as it is 'struggling for friends' to be honest.

After a quarter of the way through, I predicted how it would unfold, desperately wanting to be wrong... Alas, any surprises I had were minor and instantly forgettable.

Just to save anyone else wasting their time:

He goes to Italy, gets laid a few times, discovers the hidden meaning behind a garden is a confession of murder, solves a recent murder of Emilio (which was always pointing at being his brother - yawn!), gets in a bit of a scrape as a result of his endeavours trying to out the killer, just before going home to get a first in his degree and live happily ever after... Oh yeah and gets the girl in the end!

Despite my nonchalance, I quite enjoyed the escapism which the book provides. We have had very warm weather this last week and it is easy to imagine kicking about in hotter climates, being young again!

I would prefer something a little less pleasant with more gorey twists and unexpected turns for my next read though!

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful June 10, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Fantastic read. Keeps you guessing until the end but is wonderfully written - will appeal to all types of readers from Rankin fans to Morton fans. Mark's previous book - The Whaleboat House - was his first and although a good book you can see how much he has developed when reading this book. I could only put it down very reluctanctly :-)