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)

intriguing. well written.

this is an excellent mystery told well. I particularly liked that there was very little blood, no gore, and no smut. well done!

Fantastic story

I was so engrossed with the characters and a story with so many twists and turns. I usually can figure out what is going to happen, not with this book. It had me to the last chapter.

UNFORGETTABLE...

Would you listen to The Forgotten Garden again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to this book again because it was so beautifully written and to get more aquainted with the characters at the beginning of the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eliza had to be my favorite character because she was so noble, yet very human at the same time. I loved her character. I thought Nell was a close second with many of the same characteristics as Eliza.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

Caroline Lee did an amazing reading of all of these characters, depicting each one with their own personalities. Her lyrical accent added so much flavor to the book, that I couldn't imagine the story without it now. I want to listen to it again, just to enjoy her flow of the story.

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

I enjoyed this book immensely, it has been put on one of my all time favorites list! Just beautifully written and in such a way that as the story drifted from one era to another it was easy to follow along without the jolt you usually get when such time changes happen in other books that I have read. A truly enjoyable read.

Any additional comments?

I LOVED IT! This is the first Kate Morton book that I have read....and I am already looking for another of her books.

4.25 Stars

The Story was great, it was just a little long winded. Overall enjoyable, she is a wonderful writer.

Loved it!

This was the most beautifully narrated audio book I've heard. It's a good story, too.

One of my favorite books

I have not enjoyed all of Kate Morton's books, but this one I listen to and then reread. I love the story. I love the multigenerational theme. I just loved everything about it.

Lovely tale of uncovering family secrets

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

I enjoy audio versions because they force me to linger and appreciate every word, where I sometimes skim through print versions. Morton's stories are worth savoring slowly via audio.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Caroline Lee is a good reader overall. She lacks an ear for English regional accents--her Cockney and Cornwall accents are as the English would say "rubbish"--which I found a little distracting.

Enchanting

This is one of those books where you find yourself sitting in the driveway listening... unwilling to turn the car off. One of my very favorites!

Awesome

Love Kate Morton. Didn't disappoint as usual. Read all her books. They're great! Easy to listen to.

loved it

I found it totally addictive . couldn't stop listening. Now to find more by this author.