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)

captivating

Emotionally engaging and well read. I can't wait to listen to more by this author.

Thoroughly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. At times it is a little hard to follow, but it is well worth the effort.

Easy, fun listening..

A bit drawn out at times but I liked the over all story and suspense. Enjoyed listening to every morning

A Fun, Comfortable Read

I really enjoyed this book. The changing POV is well done and easy to follow. The story is allowed to flow without too much back tracking or repetition. Each character provoked a strong reaction from me, whether it was positive or negative. Each had enough of a backstory to give a sense of why they were the way they were and help move the story along but I would have liked a little more detail. But really that's just me being selfish. Great narration.

Weaved as a tapestry.

A story interwoven as a tapestry of tragedy, strength, love, sorrow and answered questions of the deep Mysteries of a family.

An Amazing Story

I am so hooked on K. Morton stories, she weave's web to keep you listening...

Enjoyable

I am sure this book is not for everyone, but for me it was an enjoyable listen. I especially liked the person who performed the reading. Some other reviews stated it was a predictable story and maybe it was, but still I liked the story.

Entertaining

The author creates a story unfolding layer by layer making it a page turner. I found myself delighted at every turn. Some I saw coming and some I didn't. No profound themes here (except perhaps our connectedness with the past) but a solidly entertaining story.

this is a lovely getaway kind of read

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

felt like a vacation

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

can't think of any one of a kind

Which scene was your favorite?

that is a hard one so many

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

all very touching story

Any additional comments?

a must read for anyone

Captivating story

I really enjoyed the story of a little girl lost. It was a bit confusing at first with three story lines, but then it made sense as time went on and the story had many surprises as well. Narration was also very good. Very enjoyable.