Fanciful...timey-wimey...too gentle and charming to be called sci-fi, but you get the idea.
In this book, written in the 50s, young Tom Long must go stay with his uncle and aunt to be quarantined in case he caught the measles from his brother.
While there, late at night, he hears the grandfather clock chime thirteen times. He discovers that at this mysterious signal, he is able to walk out the door into a beautiful garden that's not there during the day.
To begin with, he just enjoys playing and exploring. But eventually he makes friends with a girl named Hatty.
Who is she? When is she? And will Tom ever understand the enigma that is his Midnight Garden?
It's a really very touching story by the end, with a surprise twist that will give you all the feels. I suppose it was written for children, but it surprised me and I enjoyed it a lot. Think "The Secret Garden," but with the laws of physics bending. :D

I read this because of a discussion on the lovely Tea or Books podcast. ( )

It's a real shame that I didn't know of this book's existence until I reached adulthood - it would have had a profoundly positive effect on me as a child. A true masterpiece. ( )

I really enjoyed this story. Tom is sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle when his brother has the measles. His aunt and uncle live in a small flat, part of a larger house. There is very little to entertain Tom- the small walled yard has only dustbins and a parked car, and he can’t go out because he might be contagious. He thinks he’s going to die of boredom until he makes a wonderful discovery. When the grandfather clock downstairs chimes thirteen, the back door opens into a vast, manicured garden. Pretty soon Tom is sneaking out every night to explore the garden. He meets other children there, catches glimpses of the gardener and a few adult members of this other household. Only one little girl can see him, and they strike up a friendship. Eventually Tom puzzles out that the children in the garden are from the Victorian era, and also that time moves differently for them. His life becomes so enmeshed in the happenings of the garden that he never wants to leave it.

Funny, if you think about it this book is something of a mystery. Who are the other kids in the garden? where do they come from? why can’t they all see Tom? is he a ghost in their world- or are the Victorian children all ghosts themselves? It all comes together neatly in the end. I didn’t find it sad like some other readers, I rather liked the ending. Very well written, believable characters and lots of interesting stuff to think about time, aging, how relationships change… Definitely one I’d read again, or put into my kids’ hands.

from the Dogear Diary ( )

Tom is staying with his aunt and uncle while his brother is in bed with the measles. At first he dreads it because their apartment - one of several in an old house - has no garden to play in, but he discovers that the grandfather clock in the downstairs hall chimes to its own version of time and opens the back door onto a garden of the past. He wanders that magic garden every night and there meets and befriends Hatty. Time in the garden passes differently, and Tom discovers that the magic won't last forever.
Opening a door to another, magical land is right up there on my list of excellent plot devices, and I *loved* this book when I read it a few years ago, and wish that I'd discovered it as a kid. The twist at the end is very satisfying, too. Charlie wasn't quite as enchanted with it as I am, but he still enjoyed it (or at least he humored me by saying so). ( )

Sent to stay with his Uncle Allan and Aunt Gwen when his brother has the measles, Tom Long is bitterly disappointed and unhappy at the prospect of a dismal holiday spent at their flat, which takes up one floor of an old Victorian house. Lying awake late at night, he is puzzled when he hears the grandfather clock in the lobby striking thirteen, and going downstairs to investigate, he slips out of the house and into a mysterious garden that was not there during the daytime. As it transpires, Tom has slipped into the past, into the Victorian age, when the house was still a great mansion. Here, in this midnight garden, he meets and befriends Hatty, an orphaned girl come to stay in the house, and one of the only people in the past who can see him. They have many wonderful times together in the garden, but all things must come to an end, and one night Tom finds that he can no longer enter the midnight garden - he can no longer travel to the past. In despair, he thinks that he has lost Hatty. But has he...?

A haunting and brilliant tale, Tom's Midnight Garden is a book I first encountered as a young girl, reading it, loving it, and then, despite its story staying with me through the years, forgetting its title. I can remember many times, thinking of that odd, enchanted story I used to love about the boy, the grandfather clock that struck thirteen, and the nighttime garden. This was before computers were ubiquitous, and I wasn't sure how to track it down. I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me to ask a children's librarian, but in any case, I happened across it by accident one day, in my early twenties, snapped it up, and reread it. It was like coming home. Originally published in 1958, Tom's Midnight Garden won the Carnegie Medal that year, and it is not difficult to see why. It is an almost perfect book, addressing the pain of childhood, the joy and difficulty of friendship, and the nature of time and of dreaming in perceptive, sensitive ways. The conclusion, in which Tom discovers that old Mrs. Bartholomew, who is his aunt and uncle's landlady, is actually Hatty, grown old, and that it is her dreams of her own youth that have allowed him to travel to the past, always sends a shiver down my spine. They say the past is always with us, and I think that this is because we carry it with us - in our memories, and in our dreams. Philippa Pearce has chosen a unique way of exploring that idea, and she has done it brilliantly! Beautifully conceived, beautifully told, and beautifully written - this is a true classic, and is one I enjoy rereading from time to time, since rediscovering it. ( )

Wow! Wow! I can honestly say I am totally blown away. This is one of the best books ever written. My heart is pounding and I am short of breath. When I finished i just sat in silence for ages quite stunned. THe story will live with me for a long time, always a good sign.

I was given this book by a distant relative who i think was getting rid of it. It was just sat on my shelf doing nothing. A short book I could squeeze in between reading two 'proper' books. So glad I did

Please please read this. Tom has been sent away to live with his boring aunt and uncle in a dull flat cause his brother Peter has measles. Tom is bored and listless the only thing of interest is a grandfather clock in the hallway. When he is lying awake one night he hears the clock striking 13. Getting up to investigate he finds a mysterious garden at the back of the house that is definitely not there during the day. Many adventures follow with a girl he meets in the garden and who seems to be the only one to be able to see Tom. We find out the secret of the garden and Hatty at the end of the novel. A multi-layered novel that is a must read for young adults and adults alike. Also explores the nature of time, imagination and growing up.

154 pages, edition printed in 1972. 31st place on Waterstone's favourite children's book poll in 1997. ( )

Evokes the past, and childhood, and the notion of generations in a thought provoking and sensitive way but what really remains for me are the feelings and the imagery of this magical yet quiet book that tells an age old story of boy meets girl and the old and the young. ( )

This book stuck with me long after it was first read to me by my wonderful school librarian. This was one of those fine books that was read to us during our library time in my recollection, stretching out the suspense day by day and leaving us at the edge of our cushion-padded seats. I remembered most keenly the clock striking thirteen, and the strange way time was both past, present, and future all melded into one with each influencing the other as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It left a mark on me at the time, and a far larger one than I even realized until I reread it as an adult.

[b: Tom's Midnight Garden|543086|Tom's Midnight Garden|Philippa Pearce|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348198004s/543086.jpg|530403] falls into the category of classic children's books that are truly endless. It reads almost like a fairy tale, easing you into a world so slowly that without realizing it you are there with Tom living more in fantasy than in reality, the dullness of day to day eclipsed by the magical world of imagination. It's a ghost story, a mystery, a beautiful sci-fi tale of time slips and illusion that recalls back a childhood few of us have now lived with such striking detail that it tugs at your very heartstrings. This is a beautiful book, and the ending is among the most beautiful in literature that I have yet experienced.

I highly recommend this book be reread by anyone who grew up with it, and to be read by those who didn't. Don't worry about being too old, it will only take you an hour or so to read... but in that time you'll live at least two lifetimes, and hopefully be left with a smile on your face. ( )

Loved this book. A beautifully written time travel story. My 12 yr old loved it too. Thanks for the recommendation Suzy! ( )

Wonderful the first time, more wonderful again. My book group seemed to like it a lot, too. Some of us want things clearer, others like the space for imagination given by a little ambiguity. I appreciate this fantasy that feels grounded in the real. It is so much more believable for me. ( )

Tom was going to spend the holidays with his brother Peter, and they had planned everything about it. But could anything be worse than Peter catching the measles? And to add on to troubles, Tom had not had them yet, and his parents were worried that he would catch them, so he was sent away for as long as they thought was good for him at his uncle and aunt's.

When he gets into the flat, the first thing he sees is Mrs Bartholomew's grandfather clock. It strikes at the wrong hour, perhaps donging three times when it is four, and seven times when it is nine; but its hands are always pointing at the correct time. Anyhow that it strikes, though, it has not yet struck thirteen.

Thirteen..thirteen. No clock, whether it is broken like Mrs Bartholomew's or not, has ever struck thirteen. To find out, Tom explores downstairs, and finds a large, beautiful garden. But in the day time, the garden is not there. So every night, on the thirteenth strike of the clock, Tom quietly goes downstairs, and finds the garden. And every time, peculiar things happen... ( )

This story is magical and lovely and written in that style of English children's stories that I absolutely love (think The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and probably a few others I can't think of right now. It might come across as a slightly naive view of childhood, but I actually think it's pretty accurate. I kind of wish it was a little more fleshed out (a la Secret Garden, which is one of my favourite books ever and I haven't read it in far to long) but that's a minor quibble. Fantastic. The language is rich and evocative and beautiful. Plus, my edition had some lovely illustrations. Cannot recommend enough. Some children may find it a little difficult, as the language is somewhat old-fashioned (only a little) and in some places quite difficult, but I think most would find this a wonderful reading experience! ( )

Dramatization of book. When Tom's brother comes down with the measles, Tom is sent to live with his aunt and uncle for the summer. It could be a boring summer in their flat but one night Tom hears the clock in the hall chime 13 o'clock. What does it mean? Tom gets up to explore and when he steps outside, finds an incredible garden in the back that doesn't exist during the day. Each night, when the clock chimes 13, Tom goes to the garden and plays with Hatty, a young girl who seems to grow significantly older each time he visits. When it is time for Tom to return to his family, he discovers the magic secret of the time changes in the garden and how they are connected to the old woman who lives in the upstairs flat.

This story is magical and lovely and written in that style of English children's stories that I absolutely love (think The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and probably a few others I can't think of right now. It might come across as a slightly naive view of childhood, but I actually think it's pretty accurate. I kind of wish it was a little more fleshed out (a la Secret Garden, which is one of my favourite books ever and I haven't read it in far to long) but that's a minor quibble. Fantastic. The language is rich and evocative and beautiful. Plus, my edition had some lovely illustrations. Cannot recommend enough. Some children may find it a little difficult, as the language is somewhat old-fashioned (only a little) and in some places quite difficult, but I think most would find this a wonderful reading experience! ( )

This story is magical and lovely and written in that style of English children's stories that I absolutely love (think The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and probably a few others I can't think of right now. It might come across as a slightly naive view of childhood, but I actually think it's pretty accurate. I kind of wish it was a little more fleshed out (a la Secret Garden, which is one of my favourite books ever and I haven't read it in far to long) but that's a minor quibble. Fantastic. The language is rich and evocative and beautiful. Plus, my edition had some lovely illustrations. Cannot recommend enough. Some children may find it a little difficult, as the language is somewhat old-fashioned (only a little) and in some places quite difficult, but I think most would find this a wonderful reading experience! ( )

Tom's Midnight garden - a reread of this poignant ,sad yet hopeful book. Tom is sent away to stay in an old house turned into flats,dark and bare,with no garden,no friends,nothing.But one night the ancient grandfather clock in the hallway strikes 13,and when Tom unbolts the back door,instead of the dustbins and old rubbish,there is a beautiful garden,and little girl to play with. Time will play many tricks on Tom,and the ending is heartbreaking yet hopeful.A little gem of a classic.I tend to mourn a little for the disappearance of this sort of classic children's book.For many today,the pace would be far to slow,there isnt enough action and vibrancy,but I think the intelligent sensitive child could still gain great satisfaction from this book.What a time the post war decade was for great childrens literature - the Narnia books,Charlotte's Web,The Little Prince,Pippi Longstocking,The Little White Horse,Rosemary Sutcliffe's fine historical novels-.All wonderful,thoughtful,evocative,intelligent,and they stay with you for life.
( )

My first encounter with “Tom's Midnight Garden” occurred in 1989. I arrived home from school, switched on the TV, and became absorbed by a BBC adaptation of “TMG”. This was perhaps the second episode and I ensured that I saw the rest of the series. I also kept an eye out for a repeat broadcast, which transpired either later that same year or maybe in 1990. Whenever it was, I watched every episode and enjoyed them as much as, if not more than, when first seeing them.

A few years ago I saw advertised a 1999 film adaptation of “Tom's Midnight Garden”. Even though I was in my thirties by then, my fondness for that 1989 series meant I had to see this version, which I enjoyed too.

With all this in mind, I’ve often wondered if the book would be appealing or whether it’d be too childish for a “grown-up man” to get into. Having read a few reviews first, noting that many adults have read the book *as* adults, not as children, I felt I’d give it a go.

Verdict? Brilliant!

I realise now how faithful the film and especially the TV series are to the novel. Although it’s written for children it that doesn’t mean grown-ups can’t appreciate the charm, intelligence, and imagination that make this a wonderful piece of escapism.

The characters are all well-drawn, particularly the main two. Tom comes across as a little selfish at times, but bearing in mind he’s a young lad, this doesn’t make him unlikeable in any respect.

Hatty is my favourite. She’s endearing in every way and, had I been a young boy drawn back through time into a garden were only a couple of people could see me (if only!), I can’t think of a better playmate than Hatty. In fact, I don’t think the story would’ve been as strong as it is if Tom had instead befriended another boy, so it’s a good move by the author to choose the lonely orphan girl for Tom’s friend.

Something about this entire story – the concept, the time-travel, the two main characters – that makes it more than just a children’s story. Just as the 1989 TV series has stuck with me all these years, no doubt the book will do so too.

Some people talk about their “inner-child”/”child within” and I think “Tom's Midnight Garden” evokes just that. It’s a warm albeit slightly sad feeling. The last few paragraphs are beautifully touching.

This novel is both a classic and – no pun intended – timeless. ( )

I´ve had this book for a long time and just barely got to it. It is listed as one of the top ten Carnegie medal winners, and I couldn´t agree more.
The book is about Tom Longmore and the summer he was sent away to his aunt´s house because his brother Peter had measles and his parents didn´t want him catching it.
Tom is devastated to leave because he had plans to spend the summer in his garden building a tree house with his brother; but instead is sent to his aunt´s flat, which has no garden at all.
One night, he listens to the grandfather clock in the landing strike thirteen times, so full of curiosity, Tom goes downstairs to investigate it. What he discovers is the most magical garden just outside the door where there was nothing there before.
Each night, he visits the garden, where he also sees several children there playing. Funny thing is no one can see or hear him; it´s almost as if he were a ghost. That is until he meets a girl called Hattie who can actually see him. They spend the time playing and talking to each other.
Now, time passes differently in the garden than in real life; and soon Hattie starts to grow up while Tom remains a young boy. As the days go by, Tom dreads going back home because he will no longer have the magical garden or Hattie to play with, so he desperately tries to find a solution to his problem.
The story is beautifully woven and you really have no idea how it is that the garden comes to be and why Tom seems to travel back and forth through time when he is there. When the reason is revealed, it couldn´t have been more perfect. I love reading award winning books for children of all ages and always come back with a great experience in my hands; but I can honestly say that Tom´s Midnight Garden has one of the most beautiful endings I have come across. That last paragraph feels like someone is reaching out to hold your heart in their hands. Just perfect. ( )

1999, BBC Audiobooks, Full Cast Dramatization

From the Publisher:
When his brother catches measles, Tom is sent away for the summer to stay with his uncle and aunt and is thoroughly fed up about it. What a boring summer it's going to be. But then, lying in bed one night, he hears the old grandfather clock in the hall strike the very strange hour of 13 o'clock. What can it mean? As Tom creeps downstairs and opens the door, he finds out ... a magical garden, a new playmate, and the adventure of a lifetime. Una Stubbs stars as Aunt Gwen in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization.

My Review:
Thoroughly enjoyed this BBC production of Tom’s Midnight Garden. I love that Tom shares every moment of his adventure with his brother, Peter, and that he meets with the elderly Hattie on his side of 13 o’clock. Pearce manages the notion of time beautifully – the skates, for one, are an ingenious idea. I was reminded while listening of a precious moment I shared with my father as a young child when he told me there are some doors in life through which only little people can pass. Highly recommended. ( )

After taking so long to get through Swallows and Amazons this was a really nice quick read.

Had read it before as a child but could only vaguely remember what happened in it so it was almost like reading a new book except I sometimes knew what was coming.

Was interesting to study it and see how it was adapted for the stage. Actually found quite a bit to say about it for my essay.

Really enjoyed reading it, think it would make a good story to read to a class or as a bedtime story because of the way the chapters are laid out and the length of them.

Must read more of Philippa Pearce's books. ( )

This is a great post-war children's classic about time travel (nominated as one of the best 100 books, films and TV programmes about time travel in a recent a magazine I saw); and also about loss and yearning for a particular place. It starts very well and ends a little sadly, but very nicely tying together the present and the past. I did think it sagged just a little in the middle, but it contains a lot of magic and I would recommend it to readers of any age who like light fantasy. ( )

Captivating, engaging, magical and a lump in my throat at the ending.
No wonder, it's a classic. ( )

This book was my first encounter with time travel. It is still one of my favorite books of all time. I wish I could write like this. ( )

I know I read this years/decades ago; all I could remember of it when I picked it up more recently was the story's premise. Having now reread the book, I can understand why: the tale's all right as tales go, but the setup's great.

It's the summer vacation. Because his brother and bosom buddy Peter has measles, Tom's sent off to the city to spend a few weeks living in a flat with his dull Uncle Alan and his gushing Aunt Gwen. At first he's bored rigid; but then one night the clock downstairs chimes 13 and he sneaks out of bed to discover that the house's back door, which normally opens onto a cluttered yard with dustbins, instead opens onto a large Victorian garden. There he meets and becomes devoted to Hatty, a little girl about his own age who's the only person (so it seems) who can see him; she's an orphan who's been brought here to be raised with her snotty rich cousins, a move resisted by her ghastly aunt. (It turns out that one other person can see him, the Bible-thumping gardener Abel. At first Abel assumes Tom's a demon, and tries to drive him off. Later he becomes more friendly.)

With each fresh nightly visit of Tom to the garden, Hatty ages by months or even years; it becomes apparent to us that Tom, although real to himself, is in effect Hatty's imaginary friend; and, sure enough, as Hatty progresses from child to young woman, she becomes less and less able to see him . . . But she never forgets him, as he and we find out in the final stages of the book, when it emerges that the crabby old woman who owns the house in which Tom's aunt and uncle live is none other than Hatty.

The two old friends have a grand reunion, during which the splendid other half of the time-traveling mechanism is spelt out. Complementing the Tom-is-Hatty's-imaginary-friend part of the setup is that each night, in her bedroom above Tom's, Hatty has been dreaming of her childhood; so Tom has been visiting not a garden that's out the house's back door but Hatty's dreams. Thus the reason Hatty had Tom as an imaginary friend in her childhood, and can recall him as such, is that she's meeting him in her current dreams, which is also why Tom knows all about Hatty's childhood. So, as far as the story's concerned, two types of vision -- two types of imagination, if you like -- combine to create real-life events.

It's a wonderful feat of fantasy conception, and Pearce pulls it off really well, with plenty of sense-of-wonder. As noted, the adventures Tom and Hatty have together in the world of the garden are, while entertaining and readable, far less memorable. But that doesn't matter in the context of this book's other strengths.
( )

Not actually a childrens' book at all. A meditation on youth, aging, change and memory.. ( )