Of Earthly Delights
Goldy Moldavsky. Holt, $19.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-250-86332-4
Happiness comes at a cost in this lush modern gothic romantasy from Moldavsky (Just Say Yes). Rising senior and aspiring artist Rose Pauly is disconsolate when her parents’
contentious divorce results in her relocation from New York City to Meadow Falls, Conn. Then wealthy, handsome Hart Hargrove invites Rose to one of the infamously debauched garden parties that he and his twin sister, Heather, host every solstice at the family’s sprawling estate. Rose nearly declines, since Heather seems to hate her, but accepts following needling by new friend and town nerd Lowell, whom she brings as her plus-one. Upon touring the massive garden and its 16 distinct “rooms” with horticulturist Hart, Rose falls head over heels for both the garden and her host. The two spend an idyllic summer together among the blooms, but strange stories and even stranger encounters make Rose wonder whether something sinister lurks at the heart of all that beauty. Moldavsky’s tale unfolds via an omniscient third-person narrative shot through with foreboding ambiance and punctuated with puzzlingly anachronistic vignettes. Though the cast, which cues as white, feels undeveloped, sumptuous prose conjures vivid imagery and a dreamlike vibe that complement the darkly fantastical plot. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (May)
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Reviewed on: 02/20/2025
Genre: Children's