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)

surprisingly great listen.

Wow. Just Wow. Amazing storytelling, this was a wonderful listen. I got this as a gift, and really enjoyed it. The writing drew.me in from the start. I am hoping to read or listen to more by this author. and rhe narration was incredible. loved that an Australian author used a narrator who is Australian.

Wonderful!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story..the writer is so talented in the way she weaves in and out of the story lines. Although longer than most books I have listened to I did not want this one to end. I can't wait to listen to more from this author....absolutely FABULOUS!! .

Fascinating story line

At first I had a problem keeping the characters straight. As the story progresses I was pulled into it. The characters are so well written that I felt like I was watching them. It was fun to be inside the story enough to try to figure it out jumping from one generation of characters to the other. Elegant writing and great story. Keeps you guessing. I really enjoyed the book. The narrator is superb.

Fantastic story

Couldn't wait to finish it. Now I wish it wasn't over. Will look for more books by Kate Morton.

very interesting story

I really like the story. It was very intriguing. Oh, it was somehow a little confusing though going back and forth through time. I had to really try to follow closely where we were and what era we were in. The one thing I didn't like at all and could completely do without was the silly music. . I did not need That's silly music. I would have given it five stars. Had it not been for that.

Drew me into a different world

The story of Nell's family is as fascinating as the story of the search for her secrets. The characters - tho as stereotypical of the fairy tale genre of Eliza's writing - were never-the-less engaging and believable. The threads of multiple stories in multiple ages woven together perfectly.

Transports you to another time

I love the book and the reading of it. It really brings other times and places alive. I could almost see the Melbourne coast and smell the greenery in the gardens. It's just a wonderful story all around. #transporting #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Been a long time since I enjoyed a book this good

Usually I want to get to the end of the book so I can see how it ends, but I was dreading the book ending because I didnt want to lose the characters. I loved, felt betrayed, saddened and all the other emotions that the main character went through! I have not connected with characters in a book like this before. I will definitely read more books from Kate Morton

A magical tale 😊

I became quite caught up in the story & tho I thought I’d figured it out - I was surprised. A good read!

Loved it!

Almost 21 hours of pleasure! That's what I thought when I bought this book, and I was correct. I did not want this to end. Even though The Lake House is still my favorite one by Kate Morton, I loved this one. I loved Caroline Lee 's performance. She is very natural in her performance.

Again, this is a five star writing, five star narrating. I know I will listen to this book again and again.