The China Garden [Paperback]

Liz Berry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1999

When Clare moves with her mother from London to Ravensmere, an historic English estate, she can't shake the feeling that the residents already know her, especially Mark, a maddeningly attractive biker. Clare also feels compelled to take midnight walks in Ravensmere's abandoned China Garden. Then her mother reveals that their own past is tragically linked to the estate. But when Clare discovers that Ravensmere is in grave danger, will she risk her future-and Mark's-to save it?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Like a jewel box with hidden drawers and compartments, this finely crafted, multilayered novel holds many secrets. Early on, events unfold at a leisurely pace at Ravensmere, an old English country estate where 17-year-old Clare intends to unwind for a few weeks before entering university. But questions and curiosities begin to accumulate, drawing the reader inexorably into a whirling mix of disparate, even outlandish elements-this is at once a ghost story, a romance and a coming-of-age drama, with psychic phenomena as well as historical and even ecological themes. In Berry's (Easy Connections) skilled hands, however, these motifs fall satisfyingly into place, piece by piece. The villagers seem to have anticipated Clare's arrival, and there is repeated, cryptic mention of the "Guardians" of the "Benison," an ancient treasure whose nature-the novel's deepest, most compelling secret-is not revealed until the final chapters. Only then does Clare learn the startling truth about her connection to Ravensmere and her strange, supernatural role in preserving its future. Berry builds a setting and atmosphere richly laden with mystery and suspense, in which the ordinary often masks unexpected interconnections and the extraordinary is natural to the story's wildly imagined terrain. Ages 14-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?This unusual book is a fantasy, a romance, a mystery, a tale of family feuds, and a coming-of-age story all rolled into one. Clare Meredith, 17 and waiting to hear the results of her school exams, goes with her widowed mother to Ravensmere, an ancient English estate, where she's oddly attracted to a handsome biker. Clare makes friends and enemies; sees visions; learns of past Ravensmere women and of her previously unknown connection to the area; and rethinks her plans for the future. All of this is intertwined with legends of a magical Benison and its two Guardians. Ordinary teens will find The China Garden overwhelming, if not incomprehensible. It is very British, full of unfamiliar words and phrases. It is laden with historical, mythological, architectural, and religious references that would baffle many adults. There are also two annoying narrative breaks. However, Berry's novel is a rich, involving read for those select few who are highly literate and enjoy long, detailed romantic fantasies.?Ann W. Moore, Guilderland Public Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (October 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380732289
• ISBN-13: 978-0380732289
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #564,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Young Adult mystery!, July 7, 2001

By 

Athena (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The China Garden (Paperback)

Clare Meredith and her mother move to a historical estate named Ravensmere, for the summer. Her mother will work as a private nurse for the Ravensmere's owner, Mr. Aylward. As Clare explores the town, Stoke Raven Village, she finds that everyone knows more than she sees. She soon meets Mark, the classic bad boy biker who enchants our heroine. Clare is determined to find out Ravensmere's true meaning and intention and what happened with her mother who reveals her tragic past linked with Ravensmere. She takes midnight walks to the abandoned China Garden and must figure out a way to unravel the mysteries of Ravensmere.

Liz Berry has amazing imagery in this book, the garden and the whole region of Ravensmere is beautifully depicated. She described a good 'Picture postcard England'. The mystery puzzle was always amusing to guess. The suspense was packed for the next piece of the puzzle. I loved trying to find the true meaning of the Bension, the true purpose of Ravensmere. The foreshadowing is laughable when you finish the book, making you wonder why you did not see it. Mark and Clare have a modern day romance. Mark's bad boy affect and his characterization makes almost any teenage girl lust for him. The simple incorporation of every and modern day fantasy is a wonderful touch to the alluring mystery. The pieces are woven brilliantly and this is what a Young Adult mystery should be.

A great Young Adult mystery, suspense, romance and fantasy novel. It captures you.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read, January 5, 2007

By 

truefeather77 "truefeather77" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The China Garden (Paperback)

This wasn't masterfully written, but it was frequently breathtaking, and what a fascinating world she creates!

She combines the fated feeling almost of a horror story - "once you enter, you can't leave" - with a romantic story seasoned with ancient Celtic customs and standing stones.

The authenticity, completeness, intricacy, and creativity of her world makes this book well worth the read. If you have any interest in Celtic mysticism, ancient indigenous religions, or heroes tall, dark, and enigmatic, you must read this book. Very satisfying and thought-provoking, exciting, and intriguing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, multifaceted piece of literature, February 4, 2005

By 

S. Oliver "dreamer" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The China Garden (Paperback)

I first read this book at 13 and I have to say it is still my favorite. The sheer detail of it is amazing; liz berry makes you feel like you are actually there. A blend of a love story, history, (perhaps made up for the book?) fantasy and spirituality this book is almost impossible to put down. I would recommend it to anyone who likes love stories, though it is so much more than that. This book's true treasure lies deep within its pages.