From INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR Sara Alexi, who ranks as one of Amazon.co.uk’s TOP Literary Fiction authors
The first in the Greek Village Collection
Sara Alexi weaves this entrancing story of the burgeoning relationship that develops between two people from very different backgrounds and cultures; an English woman living in Greece and the Pakistani illegal immigrant who becomes her … becomes her gardener and house boy.
Each brings their own problems, their own past baggage, and she approaches these with sympathy and understanding as well as exploring the nuances and differences in therir cultures as they become more and more dependent on each other.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading…
What other readers have to say about The Illegal Gardener …
‘A really intelligent, moving book.’
‘Sensitive with beautifully crafted characters that you really cared about.’
‘The Illegal Gardener’ is a story of betrayal, love, trust and friendship. Not a romance but perhaps a lesson in life on just how young minds can be damaged by spite or thoughtlessness, and how those same minds can be repaired by true friends.’
‘I was captivated from the start unable to put the book down.’
‘The Illegal Gardener’ is a delightful story, filled not only with love of Greece but a deep understanding of the varieties of love which can bring people together.’
‘reminiscent of Remains of the Day.’
‘The author has huge potential and if she keeps writing and developing like this then I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see her name on a future Man Booker list!’
‘A good tale well told. Shades of Steinbeck and Bradbury.’
‘A most charming and sensitive book.’
If you like Gerald Durrell you’ll love this book…
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Great depth to the characters – like real people, none are either all good or all bad, but a complicated mix of personality, experiences, and motives. By the time I finished, I felt as though I’d lived in Greece for a while, myself. Can you miss a place you’ve never been?
An entertaining read about the relationship that develops between a divorced woman and her illegal gardener set in Greece. It also presents an interesting look into the conditions illegal immigrants may have to live in and “hierarchy” of illegal immigrants based on where they are from.
This story was wonderful. I loved it and the story has stayed with me. I wrote a full review on Amazon. Ms. T
Best book I’ve read in a long time. Took me out of my daily life into a very foreign one, but made me feel at home there. I’ll definitely continue this series.
I read this book in 2 days. The two main characters are from different worlds. They are different, but each are searching for something to make their lives better. Better for them or their families. Looking forward to book 2.
I’m the type of person who, once I start a book, typically finish it even if I don’t like it. For this book, I’m glad for that; for me this was a slow starter, and it took me a while to get behind the main female character. Once I did, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the sequel.
This was a truly good book. I would definitely recommend.
The setting is aptly described. The characters are unique enough to be believable, and it has a kindness about it that I like. One thing others me, not being very computer-wise, I’m not sure if it is that easy to learn computer languages. Thus the 4 star
A bit of a slog. Parts were ok, but I gave up half way through- couldn’t really relate to the characters
This is a lovely story about an unlikely friendship. It’s a very good read.
A more than entertaining read, poignant, touching, realistic—-the characters come alive against the backdrop of Greece and the middle east
To walk a mile in the shoes of an immigrant is not as interesting as delving into the thoughts and dreams of an immigrant. This books accomplishes the latter. The two main characters overcome stereotypes and prejudice as they struggle to make a life away from their birthplace.
I found it hard to believe the two main characters would have shared so much intimate information. It all seemed a little pat to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Illegal Gardener. The characters were real to me, as was the depiction of the way in which illegal people live in Greece…and elsewhere. While it could easily have devolved into a happily-ever-after romance, it ended in a far more realistic manner for the main charcters, something I greatly appreciated!
I really loved this story! It’s not my usual genre, but the reviews were great, so I thought I would check it out and am glad I did. I appreciated how deep and honest the two main characters were with themselves. I’ve since read the sequel, Septic Cyril, and am now reading Black Butterflies by the same author.
A great contrast in two cultures and this novel provides insights into immigrants and illegal visitors in a touching way.
A delightful look into illegal aliens, but not the ones we normally think of in the US. But rather people migrating into other countries at great peril in search of a better life.
The Illegal Gardener is a picture of the problem of illegal immigration going on in the world. The total lack of rights and protections for the immigrant is held up for viewing.
Juliet, after a divorce, buys a rundown house in Greece and moves in to do her online translating. She hires a couple of immigrants as day workers to clear her …
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. The characters were wonderful.
A beautiful story told with compassion for the characters. Integrity, a word not often used in the review of fiction, flows from the two main characters who are authentically represented.