Review: The Moonlit Garden by Corina Bomann

[Stacie16]

The Moonlit Garden, originally published in German and available in English translation, is literary & historical fiction that reads like chick lit, light and romantic. The intriguing idea of the story of a violin, the people who have owned it, and a mystery surrounding it is what will initially spark reader's interest. The storyline alternates between Lilly, an antique shop owner in present day Berlin, and Rose, a famous violinist in early 20th century England. The violin is mysteriously left in Lilly's shop by an unknown man who claims she is its owner. Lilly sets about on a series of journeys around Europe and Asia to uncover the mystery behind the violin. Despite this intriguing set-up, the story develops slowly, with language, particularly dialogue, that seems cliche and unrealistic. The character of Lily, a widow in her 30s, reads more like a young teenager, and while Rose is the most developed and interesting character throughout, the rest fall flat. Perhaps the most attention was paid to the descriptions of the settings, which will appeal to those who dream of travel. Overall, this felt like a story with great potential that didn't quite meet my expectations for literary or historical fiction, but instead took the path of a light, somewhat forgettable romance. If you are a fan of romance or chick lit, however, this may be your cup of tea.

*Note: This review is based on the English language Kindle version.