The Garden: A Novel by Clare Beams

"The Garden" is a haunting exploration of pregnancy as a haunted house, set in 1948. Irene Willard, desperate to give her husband a child after multiple miscarriages, seeks treatment at an isolated Berkshires hospital. Run by the enigmatic Doctors Hall, the facility promises to cure her condition and "rectify the maternal environment." However, as Irene delves deeper into the doctors' methods, she uncovers unsettling truths about the facility and its mysterious walled garden.

Drawing comparisons to Shirley Jackson and "Rosemary's Baby," the novel delves into themes of motherhood, childbirth, and the historical control and manipulation of the female body. As Irene and her fellow patients navigate the hospital's secrets, they are drawn into a perilous quest to harness the power of the garden for themselves, facing unimaginable risks in the process.

Written by the acclaimed author of "The Illness Lesson," "The Garden" is praised for its eerie atmosphere, masterful prose, and incisive exploration of societal attitudes towards women's bodies. The novel offers a chilling portrayal of the ways in which women have been policed and manipulated throughout history, while also delving into the complexities of desire, power, and control.

With its evocative imagery and compelling narrative, "The Garden" is a gripping tale that will leave readers haunted long after the final page. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of gothic fiction and the exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. ❤️📚❤️