The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen - Review

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description: Gothic Magical Realism w Victorian Historical Fiction Backdrop

Mood: Time for Tea - and Resisting the Patriarchy in Gentle Ways 

This novel is such an endearing story of strong spirited - but extremely downtrodden and naïve- Harriet's struggle to break free from the constraints of not only Victorian society, but those who wish to use the rules of their society against her for their own selfish gains. Although loneliness and forced solitude cast a dark shadow on even Harriet's earliest memories, she is never truly alone even in her darkest times. This is definitely the part of the story that I found most touching, and most integral to Harriet's journey to self-discovery.

Harriet loses her mother at a young age, and her father unfairly blames her for it. As a result, he detests the girl and locks her away for the remainder of her adolescence; barely providing her with necessities and keeping her away from society. After threatening to lock her away in the asylum, he disappears around the New Year, assumedly because he is a known debtor.

Of course, Harriet has the company of her 'peculiar' garden that responds to her in unusual and delightful ways once he's gone. But the garden surrounding her home at Sunnyside House is both a comfort and a constant reminder of the tragedy that binds her to the place, fearing that she doesn't deserve to leave the the building itself that she describes as coffin-like. This complex relationship isn't the one that I believe truly saves Harriet, however, at least not alone.

Even from a very young age, her cousin Eunice has visited as often as possible. Admittedly, that was very little when they were younger and Harriet was locked up. But since Mr. Hunt's departure, the two have visited weekly until Eunice must move some distance away from London to take care of a sick elderly relative of her husband. 

Just as Eunice is leaving, however, Harriet stumbles into two new accidental friendships. One with Amelia her new housekeeper, and the daughter of her father's previous housekeeper. And another with an actress named Anna who is the cousin of the scoundrel who will marry Harriet in an attempt to control her.

These female friendships are paramount to Harriet's success in finding her way. While these women held no obvious power in Victorian society, their power came from the simple kindnesses, understanding, and support that they offered to one another. Harriet's story may not have a traditional happy ending, but I found the ending to be quite lovely and inspirational nonetheless.