The Lost Garden- Helen Humphreys----Journal 2
The next significant point that I found in the book revolves around the theme of friendship. At the beginning of the book, Gwen Davis is all about strictly business, which we see doesn't always work out the best for her because the girls don't want to have to listen to a 'drill sergent' which they refer to Gwen as, when they are just learning how to plant potatoes. She soon realizes that her method is not working, and finds a new friend amidst her problem. Raley, who is a Canadian officer waiting for a posting to the front lines with his men. Gwen doesn't understand how Raley has so much control over his boys and can be friends with them at the same time as well, when Gwens girls have no respect for her, leave the gardens whenever they want and don't give a care as to what she has to say. Raley lets her in on his secret for being a leader and a friend and when Gwen stops acting like a drill sergent and gives the girls some privileges like the dance that is held once a month, and letting them go off for picnics, we see that they start to show respect and listen to what she has to say. Gwen sees this is an advantage, as she and the girls can get a lot more done as they can communicate much better and being more friendly. " You don't seem like the others"(37). One girl that Gwen really seems to connect with is Jane, as she is different from all of the other girls and seems to have an understanding of what Gwen is going through, they soon become best friends. Overall the theme of this section of the book is friendships as many friends are made.