The Red Garden; Alice Hoffman

Title: The Red Garden
Author: Alice Hoffman
Publication Year: 2011
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library
Date Completed: 2/21/2011
Setting: fictional New England
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommend: Yes

The Red Garden is delightful collection of (14) interrelated stories, each story builds to set the stage for stories that follow. Set in the fictional, New England town of Blackwell, MA, the town, founded in 1750, by settlers William and Hallie Brady. It was formerly called "Bearsville", but was renamed in 1786 to encourage newcomers to the area. Located somewhere in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts,  the "red garden", is the place where only red plants can grow, and where passions run high. It is the place where those who seek the truth can find the answer.

Each of the stories progress chronologically, and involve such events as the Civil War, World War, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, as well as the Great Depression. Other more commonplace themes such as marriage, life struggles, loss, and even ghosts can be found in this collection.  My favorite story was The Principals of Devotion, where a loyal dog protects the grave of his former owner.

The characters were believable, most of the stories were enjoyable and the stories were a mixture of heartwarming and tragic. Some of the stories seemed a bit short, and, in my opinion, either should have been eliminated or expanded upon. Readers who enjoy a book where magical realism has the ability to sweep you away, should enjoy this book.