Question #5

This blog was made to summarize the links I have found to answer Question #5.

Biography of Helen Humphreys (Wikipedia)

Helen Humphreys was born March 29, 1961 in London, England. She has written both novels and poetry. She now lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Book Review (Canadian Books and Authors)

In the book review I found, the reviewer mentions that, "It's obvious that Humphreys is a poet. Her writing is lyrical, beautiful, and her characters leave a lasting impression. The book itself has an old-fashioned feel, antique even, with its smaller size and gorgeous cover. This is a book about longing and it is definitely worth reading" (Canadian Books and Authors).

Britain During WWII - Britain Alone (BBC)

This section of the website explains what Britain went through during the war.

For Example, "The story of the Battle of Britain resounds through the years as one of the defining moments of recent British history. Dr Chris Bellamy examines what happened, and explodes some enduring myths concerning this crucial conflict"(The Battle of Britain).

Devon, England (Wikipedia)

This website explains what Devon (or Devonshire) in England is like as this is where the book takes place. There is a geological section of Devon on this site that would explain the conditions for growing various plants. "[B]ecause of the occasional presence of a soft, sooty coal, which is known in Devon as culm. This formation stretches from Bideford to Bude in Cornwall, and contributes to a gentler, greener, more rounded landscape" (Wikipedia).

Helen Humphreys Official Website (Helen Humphreys)

As the title of this link explains it is the author's official website. On the home page it discusses many of her accomplishments as well as use of her books by others (i.e. film production). You can click on links that will further explain her other works as well.

Interview with Helen Humphreys (January Magazine)

Again, this is as the title claims, an interview with Helen Humphreys. This goes through everything from her inspiration for The Lost Garden as well as her writing career. The inspiration for this novel was taken from her own parents' lives, "The Lost Garden opens during the time of the blitz in London, an event both of Humphrey's parents lived through. A lost RAF [Royal Air Force] pilot figures prominently in the story and one of Humphreys' grandfathers disappeared in 1941 and was never found again. The other grandfather found a lost garden on the English estate where he was living at the time. He worked with the garden: brought it back to its own fullness and, after his death, the estate was sold to a condo developer and the garden was lost again: this time forever" (January Magazine). She is also asked how she got into writing when she was kicked out of school, and how she is taking a break from poetry right now so her writing can evolve from the "I" poems.

Summary & References (Lorenzo Reading Series)

This site goes through all of her accomplishes following each of her books and summarizes The Lost Garden.

The Flower Encyclopedia (Flower Possibilities)

This is just a website that I felt I should include as you could search from a variety of different flowers and learn their origins, specified handling techniques, colours, etc. This is one of the better sites I found, but it does not contain every flower as it would be much larger.

The London Blitz, 1940 (Eye Witness to History)

This site discusses the London Blitz that were described as the goings-on and what the population witnessed. There is also a witness account on this site from Ernie Pyle a key correspondent, describing one of the attacks he witnessed.

The Women's Land Army (Spartacus Educational)

This site explains the women's land army, in The Lost Garden the main character Gwen Davis leaves her home in London to head a group of girls for the women's land army."During the First World War the government established the Women's Land Army. The severe shortage of labour persuaded the government to reform the organization and by 1944 there were 80,000 women volunteers working on the land. The majority already lived in the countryside but around a third came from Britain's industrial cities" (Spartacus Educational).