Strange Gardens

Strange Gardens by Michel Quint is a poignant exploration of family dynamics and personal history, published by Penguin in 2002. This edition spans 84 pages and is presented in English. The narrative centers on a young French boy who grapples with embarrassment over his father’s clown performances, which he perceives as painful rather than entertaining. The story takes a turn when a relative shares a tale from the dark days of the Second World War, revealing the complexities of his father’s past.
Readers will find a blend of literature and contemporary themes as the boy learns about an act of courage that had tragic consequences. The narrative delves into the concepts of hope and remembrance, illustrating how a clown’s role transcends mere entertainment to honor the dead and acknowledge the past. This edition invites readers to reflect on the interplay between personal shame and familial legacy, making it a thoughtful addition to the genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
A young French boy is sorely embarrassed by his father’s antics in a clown suit; his father is not a good clown, he’s just painful, and his son wonders why he insists on these humiliating performances. Then one day a close relative tells the boy a story about his father, taking him back to the dark days of the Second World War. A tale of how an act of courage had tragic consequences, how hope reaches even the hopeless, and how a clown helped to honour the dead and the past.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Strange Gardens” about?
Who is the author of “Strange Gardens”?
When was “Strange Gardens” published?
What is the ISBN for “Strange Gardens”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
