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)

Lovely book

Such a beautifully written story and so very entertaining. Loved every minute of listening to this charming story.

I love this author and narrator

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

There were so many. Good and bad. I have a young child so that scene will haunt me.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Caroline Lee is fantastic. Ear candy! You can just lose yourself in these type of books.

Who was the most memorable character of The Forgotten Garden and why?

I could never choose between the 3 leading ladies.

Hours of enjoyment

Where does The Forgotten Garden rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook ranks very high on my list of favorites.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the story moved forward as it changed from early 1900s to 1975 to 2005.

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

Caroline Lee made the story come alive with her accent and voice changes for the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I listened to it during my lengthly commute to and from work, and enjoyed the anticipation of continuing the story each day.

Any additional comments?

I had not previously read or listened to any novels by Kate Morton. The Secret Garden caught my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. I will listen to other audiobooks by her.

Touching story and interesting characters

Would you listen to The Forgotten Garden again? Why?

I rarely read or listen to a book more than once. This is a story with many sides so I just might listen again!

What about Caroline Lee’s performance did you like?

It was easy to follow the intention of the writer in her inflection and emphasis.

Beautiful and mysterius

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It depends on who I will recommend it to. But in general, Yes.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I didn't. But she is a very skilful narrator. I loved her rather decent Aussie accent.

If you could rename The Forgotten Garden, what would you call it?

The Hidden Garden.

Any additional comments?

I thought it was a well written, romantic and mysterius story. During the story I thought how it would end but Mrs Morton was able to delay my thoughts almost un till the end. I liked it very much and have now ordered the House of Riverton.

Loved it

Sorry for the story to end. Loved listening to Caroline Lee and enjoyed the story.

Excellent

I love a good long audiobook to get me through running and commuting. This was fantastic. A lovey mystery read by a wonderful actress. I highly recommend it.

First Time Kate Morton reader

I REALLY liked this book. I loved hearing it from different perspectives and how each time it transitioned I was on the edge of my seat wanting more of that person. I also really enjoyed the narrator. She did a good job of acting out the different voices. I am looking forward to more Kate Morton!

Wonderful

Would you consider the audio edition of The Forgotten Garden to be better than the print version?

No. I think both versions has its enchantment.

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

I loved when Cassandra found Clara and find another piece of the puzzle that is the past of her grandmother. But I think the biggest moments, is the possibily to observe the situation from two points of view (sometimes 3),, as we can follow the discoveries made by Cassandra in 2005 with their questions about what would have happened at the time; we can follow the discoveries made in 1975, and how they happened, and sometimes we can see how it happened in'originalmente, from

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No at first, but at some point I was captured by the story and I could not let go until I reach the end of the mystery.

Any additional comments?

The story is wonderful. The way the author presents the facts to the reader are engaging. Every discovery made, every new question we find ourselves on the verge of something so exciting that it is impossible to leave the book aside. It's a story for people who like mystery and life stories. Here there is no great novel overwhelming, but there are stories that make us question the value of things.

This was a good listen

I enjoyed listening to this book. I liked the way the story moved from the past to the present following 3 women thru their lives.