The Forgotten Garden

By: Kate Morton

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

Length: 20 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A foundling, an old book of dark fairy tales, a secret garden, a maze, an aristocratic family, a love denied, a mystery - The Forgotten Garden is a captivating, atmospheric, and a compulsive listen about the past, ghosts, family, and memories from best-selling author Kate Morton.

Thirty-eight year old Cassandra is lost, alone, and grieving. Her much loved grandmother, Nell, has just died and Cassandra, her life already shaken by a tragic accident 10 years ago, feels like she has lost everything known and dear to her.

But an unexpected and mysterious bequest from Nell turns Cassandra's life upside down and ends up challenging everything she thought she knew about herself and her family. Inheriting a book of dark and intriguing fairytales written by Eliza Makepeace Rutherford - the Victorian authoress who disappeared mysteriously in the early 20th century - as well as a cliff-top cottage on the other side of the world, Cassandra takes her courage in both hands to follow in the footsteps of Nell, on a quest to find out the truth about their history, their family and their past; little knowing that in the process, she will also discover a new life for herself.

©2008 Kate Morton (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"This debut page-turner...recounts the crumbling of a prominent British family as seen through the eyes of one of its servants....Morton triumphs with a riveting plot, a touching but tense love story and a haunting ending." ( Publishers Weekly)

Just loved it!

I've read all but one of Kate Morton's books and next to The Lake House, this was my favorite. The narrator does a fantastic job and I find myself caught up in the lives of Eliza, Nell, and Casandra.

A gripping story that is beautifully expressed

I highly recommend this book to those looking to listen to an engaging tale that cannot be set down. Once I started listening, I simply HAD to keep listening, uninterrupted, to the end. I absolutely enjoyed this book in every way. Excellent reader, gripping characters, all elements contribute to advancing the story. Delightful!

Incredible depth of ancestry and it's story.

Loved the generational story, and how the storyline was presented, while fairy tales with symbolism were woven throughout. The great depth of characters has made me want to start preserving stories in my own heritage. Family and it's stories, good and bad, make up future generations, and the twist and turns of their lives are of future consequence and often defining. Another fantastic read/listen by this incredible author and narrator pair... my favorite yet!!

Delicious

What did you love best about The Forgotten Garden?

How the story was developed was as intricate as the maze in the story, and it was wonderful to follow.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Forgotten Garden?

to discover at each point how each person's role fit together, truly an intricate puzzle.

Which scene was your favorite?

For me the final scene was the best when all was known and finally the different pieces came together.

If you could take any character from The Forgotten Garden out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Eliza for sure, she was the most colorful and had the most character.

Any additional comments?

This book was masterfully written and surprised me continually how the author developed each piece of the story and wove it together into an intricate fabric which was not complete until the final chapter was completed.

Favorite

This will be one of my all time favorite boks. Both the writing and the reading of it was superb!

Excellent use of period time language.

Descriptive to a whole new level. It's like learning a whole new language. Loved it. Kept me engaged. Can't wait to listen again. Great story line with turns and twists.

One of the best I've listened to.....

I have been an audio book listener for years and I believe "The Forgotten Garden" has to be one of my favorites. The story was riveting and, although I normally only listen to audio books during my commute to and from work, I took this one into the house and listened well into the night on several occasions. A great "read"!

Captivating story

What made the experience of listening to The Forgotten Garden the most enjoyable?

The story itself and the way it was told by the speaker

What other book might you compare The Forgotten Garden to and why?

The Lake House, suspenseful & detailed

What does Caroline Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her captivating voice, I loved it

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole story moved me

Any additional comments?

I didn't want the story to end

Thoroughly enjoyable

If you could sum up The Forgotten Garden in three words, what would they be?

A Sweeping Epic

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nell. She lost everything, couldn't even remember what she lost, but her desire to get it back was so strong that she attempted to risk everything to get it. Her devotion to family, even though having a complicated and fractured family history was compelling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

This book sucked me in after the 1st 10 minutes. Then I couldn't stop listening. When I returned home, and had to turn it off after my commute, it was a disappointment. But turning it back on the next day was a joy. I have finished it yet, but I know I will be sad when I finally have to let go of this wonderful and entertaining story.

Long but worth the wait for the ending

What made the experience of listening to The Forgotten Garden the most enjoyable?

The narrator did an excellent job.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elissa Magpiece. She had such a way with people. Liked †hat she did not try to conform, to fit in to society.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the outdoor scenes along the ocean

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The relationship that formed between Cassandra and Christopher

Any additional comments?

I had to pay attention to the chronological order of the book. It jumped around quite a bit. It was a little slow at times.