The Summer Garden
by Paullina Simmons
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Book Summary Information
Author: Paullina SimmonsEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Published: 2006
ISBN: 1582882320
Number of pages: 776
Publisher: Madison Park Press
Book Reviews of The Summer Garden
Book Review: A Realistic Ending to a Terrific Series - BRAVO PAULLINA! Well Done!
Summary: 5 Stars
This third installment in the trilogy strongly finds its footing amidst the backdrop of America's Cold War. Tatiana & Alexander stumble along the way, trying to adjust to the more "mundane & everyday" course of living. They're trying to keep the fireworks alive in their marriage against the reality of 1950s conformity & conservatism (Simons really captures this era Extremely Well, reflective of peers, pressures -- very reminiscent of "Revolutionary Road").
On the path to rediscovering themselves and each other, this realistic portrayal of a Post-War Marriage finds universality no matter what era we're in, no matter which war. We all have our battles to face, be it our inner demons, our outer conflicts, finding meaningful work, while trying to meet each others needs and grow together. Everyday life ain't always easy.
To the Critics of this fine Swan Song, I say this: the thrill & adventure of the first 2 books (Bronze Horseman, Tatiana & Alexander) has No Place in this book! It is simply Not Realistic. The pacing is appropriate. And I still could not put the book down - I did not want this journey to end. For indeed, it is a journey of a lifetime.
To the Cynics of this story, is your life so fascinating & intense Every Day? Is it even possible to live it on the Edge like that? Bronze Horseman/Tatiana and Alexander captures all the highs & lows of a rollercoaster. And Summer Garden has plenty of highs & lows of its own. But it cannot be sustained in the "do or die" mode of WWII. It is not realistic.
My Grandfather fought in the French Resistance in WWII, hiding his family, risking his very life -- Can You Imagine the INTENSITY? The Stress? The Fear? The Audacity?
His reward was surviving and finally making his way to America, to make a home, make a life. The adjustment was Not Easy. So when I tell you that his love for my Grandmother surpassed all love stories, that their Old World Kitchen always smelled of food and bread, as my Grandfather twirled my Grandmother around the kitchen, kissing her in front of us grandchildren (mind, they were in their 70s and still in love as ever), I can say with certainty that Paullina Simons caught the True Essence of Survival and a Fully Lived Life.
And yes, my Grandfather carried his past along. He was Not Perfect. He was larger than life, like Alexander, even Cocky and Dominant like Alexander -- He Had To Be! It was HOW HE SURVIVED! And my Grandmother adored him for who he was -- just like Tatiana.
A Gorgeous Coda to Storytelling, that waaaay surpasses Diana Gabaldon's beat-the-horse-to-death Outlander series. The beauty here is that Paullina Simons wrote a satisfying life story in only 3 books. How I wish there was more! (I am looking forward to reading the anecdotal stories in the Cookbook, Tatiana's Table, next.)
Give this book a credit for what it is - a love story. And if you decide not to read it based on some pulp-fiction cheap romance reader critiques, then it's your loss. If you think you can do better, I challenge you to write your great american novel and get it published by a real publisher. Go for it. I dare you.
Meanwhile, I get the joy of cherishing these books again and again. Having lived vicariously through my Grandparents' stories of survival and love, I can tell you that Simons got it pegged in all 3 books! Bravo!
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