The Homesick Garden By, Kate Cruise O’Brien ‘The Homesick Garden’ by Kate Cruise O’Brien was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It tells the story of the life of a teenage girl, Antonia, whose life is turned upside down by the unexpected pregnancy of her unmarried aunt, Grace. The novel explores many controversial issues, including, alcoholism and child abuse. The story is told through the eyes of Antonia. Isolation:The theme of isolation is vividly …showed first 75 words of 843 total…

…showed last 75 words of 843 total…if she’s tipsy. If it’s mum, he carefully corks the bottle and glares.’’ When she complains, she just gets a ‘‘you are my wife and therefore my responsibility.’’ There is more conflict in the novel between Grandma and Elizabeth. ‘‘Grandma bullied mum in a bad way’’. ‘‘Sometimes I’d like to strangle her’’ said Elizabeth. There is also conflict between Elizabeth and Grace. Antonia thinks that sometimes ‘‘Dad likes Grace more than Mum.’’