Here’s a chatty synopsis for your historical novel thoughts:

Set during and after the war, this beautifully reflective novel delves into the lives of those left behind and those who returned forever changed. Alice, a wife left on her own, finds solace in a walled garden—a sanctuary that becomes her therapy and salvation. But when Stephen, her husband, returns from the front, he’s no longer the man she remembers. Haunted by anger and unspeakable secrets, he struggles to reconnect.

As Alice seeks companionship with the young reverend—himself hiding a serious illness—the cracks in the village begin to show. The men who survived the war are burdened with grief and unspoken trauma, secrets they’ve kept locked away. As these truths slowly come to light, the story explores healing, understanding, and the scars—both visible and hidden—that war leaves behind.

A deeply moving tale about reflection, moral struggles, and the emotional toll of war. It’s a poignant reminder of the resilience and heartbreak of those who lived through it, shedding light on what we now recognize as PTSD. Perfect for fans of character-driven historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The deprivation, hardship and emotional difficulties of the post - war era are described well during the first quarter of this book. So much so that I didn't feel there was any story, just a depressing litany of awful conditions and lack of togetherness as husbands and wives withdraw from each other. While some characters are hopeful about the future (the doctor) they seem to believe they are superior to other people rather than being willing to work together. I didn't like the characters, the repetition of all that is depressing and the lack of progression, there seemed to be no story. I stopped reading at this point.

I was sucked in by this cover but this is at its core a postwar novel and not the sort I'd tend to gravitate to. I did pick up the audibook which was a mistake as I did not like the narrator and that let the book down however I think it is one that will appeal to it's demographic and I'd be interested in reading more (physically) from this author, especially in other settings!

An emotional and heartfelt story in a topic area I love reading about people and their different experiences. Beautiful writing, composed well and with characters who I just wanted to keep reading about over and over. Lovely book and story from debut author.

The world wars and their fictional accounts are not amongst my most favourite narratives. There is such a lot of fiction surrounding these times in history that it is rare to find a book that says anything new. However this book is less about the Wars than about their continuing impact on the people who have lived through them. It's themes include penitence, guilt and the ability to forgive yourself.

The author takes us beautifully through the messed up lives of just a few characters picked out from a much larger cast. There is perhaps a little too much meandering of the narrative to make this a truly great book but it certainly sticks it's head up above the parapet in a crowed genre. It is probably more than a 3.5 star for me whilst not quite a 4 star

A very touching novel. Once you get the characters stories the book seems to flow better.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Walled Garden is a gorgeously written novel that beautifully evokes the post second world war period. It focuses on the impact of war on those who fought and those who were left behind on the Home Front and how their lives are changed when the men return.
I love historical novels set during this period and the author really brings the period and the characters to life. There is a real sense of loss and longing underlying the novel which helps the reader to get a sense of the trauma experienced. It’s set in the Suffolk countryside and the author’s descriptions of the natural world are beautiful. I did feel that this was a little slow paced at the start and it took me a while to get into but once I did this was an immersive read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

This is a historical fiction story. The writing is very descriptive. I felt a lack of connection to the characters. The story also felt weak in places.

This novel explores the impact of World War II on each of the main characters. Those fighting or imprisoned had terrible experiences, which are so damaging it is hard for them to see a way forward in the early, post war period. Those left on the Home Front are equally changed, by worry and the challenge of managing, by the Blitz, by not being fit enough to serve.
There are so many assumptions, misunderstandings and exasperation to be managed as a result.
This beautifully written piece ( the passages about the natural world are especially lovely), reminds that there is still a world worth living for, and a future to put heart and soul into.
I read this alongside a factual history of the build up to D Day and a podcast devoted to the history of WWII. This novel was a very good reminder that the end of the conflict was just the start of the challenge for many who lived at this time.
A super read with an uplifting conclusion.

I was so excited to read this, the book explores the impact of the war on those who have returned but also those who were left behind. It really added something to the normal post-war historical fiction book by looking at the women left behind and the impact on them of the men coming back. The characters were so well written and their relationships were what made the book for me.

The reason it isnt a full 5 stars is because I felt the pacing at the start was a little slow but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. The reveal made me cry which is huge because I do not cry at books, definitely recommend looking at the trigger warnings.

Great for fans of historical fiction who also love the countryside, the way that the land and nature is described made me feel like I was there in the house with the characters.

Loved it, thank you for Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy!

In Sarah Hardy's enchanting debut novel, "The Walled Garden," readers are transported to the post-World War II village of Oakbourne, where the scars of war are etched not only on the landscape but deep within the hearts of its inhabitants. Hardy weaves a luminous tale of love, resilience, and the haunting impact of war, reminiscent of the works of Anna Hope, Sadie Jones, and Elizabeth Jane Howard.

The year is 1946, and the men have returned home, their bodies marked by wounds, both visible and hidden. The village of Oakbourne is a tableau of healing and shattered spirits. At the heart of the narrative is Alice Rayne, wedded to Stephen, the heir of the deteriorating Oakbourne Hall. Once a gentle soul, Stephen has emerged from the war a bitter and tormented stranger, concealing secrets that torment Alice's imagination.

As Oakbourne Hall teeters on the brink of collapse, Alice grapples with the challenge of reconstructing her marriage amid the post-war chaos. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Suffolk countryside, transitioning from the starkness of winter to the rejuvenation of spring. In a bid to salvage the remnants of her life, Alice turns her attention to the walled garden, a metaphorical oasis that holds the promise of renewal.

Hardy's prose delicately navigates the complexities of love and trauma, painting a poignant picture of human resilience in the face of adversity. The walled garden becomes a symbol of hope, its blossoming flowers mirroring the characters' journey from despair to rebirth. As Alice finds herself entangled in a forbidden love, the novel explores the transformative power of emotions in the aftermath of war.

"The Walled Garden" is a captivating love story that transcends its historical setting, resonating with timeless themes of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Hardy's portrayal of post-war England is vivid and evocative, capturing the essence of a community grappling with the aftermath of conflict. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the healing potential found in unexpected places.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

An honest and heartfelt book detailing the ravages of war and the impact it can have long after the last bullet is shot and the last bomb dropped. Characters living with secrets of their lives during the war.

A really good piece of wartime historical fiction that had me gripped from the beginning. Glad I read it and would recommend this book to my auntie

The colourful cover drew me in to this wonderful book by Sarah Hardy. The men returning to the village of Oakbourne after WWII are not the same as when they left, they are traumatised in different ways and are struggling to get to grips with being home. Floundering in a different way are the loved ones they have returned to, who are not sure how to deal with these acute changes. Alice is married to Stephen, they live in the dilapidated Oakbourne Hall, and on his return their happy marriage dissolves into one of avoidance and fear. Alice finds renewed strength and optimism in her walled garden. The book encompasses the idea of healing after the trauma of war and how resilience, compassion and faith and can give people hope after such loss. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I came back to this book after I abandoned it a few months ago. I am so pleased that I did! It's dark, there are big secrets, and the beginning is slow, but it is completely worth it. The mood of the book reflects the period that the story is set in. The writing is beautiful too - highly recommended for anyone who enjoys post war historical fiction!

Emotional read of post world war 2
Even though it has a nice flowery cover, laying behind is a story of truth and horror of what people survived. Very well written book

Compelling with great characters. I really enjoyed the explorations. Of male and female experience of the immediate post-war period. A slow burn which made a mice change, although some of the dialogue did get a little repetitive.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, this book has one of the best covers I have ever seen,

A fantastically written historic account of the effects of war. Very sad in places. A recommended read.

I loved this story. It was beautifully written, It was slow to get going but what a wonderful story it turned out to be. It was compelling and set in 1946 it really did portray the effects of the war on people after the war and their ongoing battles. It was heart wrenching at times and certainly touched my heart.