Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener impresses with its atmospheric storytelling, engaging characters, and detailed setting. Reviewers praise its ability to blend mystery with a Victorian-era ghost story vibe. However, some find the pacing uneven and the ending slightly predictable. Overall, it's well-received as a spooky, thought-provoking tale suitable for middle-grade readers.

A reader who enjoys dark, atmospheric tales with a mix of mystery and supernatural elements would love The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. Fans of Coraline by Neil Gaiman and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket will appreciate its eerie storytelling and richly developed characters.

In The Night Gardener, siblings Molly and Kip flee Ireland and find themselves trapped in a house where a demonic tree drains the life force of the inhabitants. As they navigate the mysterious happenings, they uncover dark secrets about the tree's power and the cost of its wishes, ultimately seeking a way to break the tree's hold on the family living there. Includes themes of death and grief.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Fantastical

Jonathan Auxier

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Night Gardener and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Night Gardener Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Night Gardener Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Arrivals”

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Night Gardener Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-13

The Night Gardener Part 1, Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-20

The Night Gardener Part 1, Chapters 14-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Pursuits”

Part 2, Chapters 21-28

The Night Gardener Part 2, Chapters 21-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 29-32

The Night Gardener Part 2, Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 33-39

The Night Gardener Part 2, Chapters 33-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Departures”

Part 3, Chapters 40-47

The Night Gardener Part 3, Chapters 40-47 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 48-56

The Night Gardener Part 3, Chapters 48-56 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Night Gardener Character Analysis

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Themes

The Night Gardener Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Night Gardener Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Night Gardener Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Night Gardener Essay Topics

The Night Gardener

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Night Gardener?

Reading Age

Book Details