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)

magical read

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

It will take you away. Need a break from your every day grind? Pick this up and find yourself far, far away.

Best novel I have read in a long time

I love the way the story goes through four generations. Masterfully written, and delightfully performed. On one of my top favorites of the year

across generations

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

It was good but I rarely found myself driving around to continue to listen to the book as I have done with some!

What did you like best about this story?

The story was unpredictable at times. I like to see if I can guess ahead what may happen, and many times, the story line surprised me.

What is not to love about this book

A multi generational family story with secrets. Agenda's and plenty of intrigue. When all is doing the right thing but the right thing for them, the results may be terrifying. Some of the selfless acts however has even more devastating results. This book is truly a study in the old saying; the road to hell is paved in good intentions.

But the writing. The authors world building, character formation is brilliant. It is truly a read worth rereading.

The narrator. Well she did an excellent job in bringing generation upon generation with Australian, British and American accents to life where appropriate.

I loved this and old or young, male or female, this is sure to entertain all.

WaAr

A mesmerizing story

I loved it! Best story I have heard in a while. I loved the story and I loved the reader. Thank you!

So good, I listened twice

I really liked this story, I liked all of the main characters. The 3 stories intertwined perfectly. Was so disappointed by her other book, The Secret Keeper. Scared to try another book by Kate Morton because of it.

Fascinating book

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

The story takes place I the UK and in Australia. It's about finding out who you are, where you're from and why your family did what they did for you.

Any additional comments?

This book is easy to listen too, you shift between the early 1900's to 1970's to 2000's. This is a mystery that needs to be solved, and doesn't have any gross killings or deaths.

Beautiful story

This story had so many interesting relationships. I had to go back several times to keep it organized. But it was so beautiful to listen to over and over that I didn’t mind at all.
It was really beautiful.

Twists and turns keep plot moving forward

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

Fascinating story line

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

I loved her voices for the various characters. Her accent was perfect for this audiobook.

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

I think it would have to be Cassandra. She allowed herself to finally come back from tragedy as she delved into the mystery of her grandmother's life. Wonderful ending.

Any additional comments?

This was a long audiobook but the more I listened, the more I became involved with the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Character's Stayed With Me

Enjoyed the story very much! I loved the suspense of the story and the characters have clung to me weeks after I finished the novel. Some of the story line needed more development, especially the characters and some of the dramatic changes in personality/temperament. I enjoyed the performance very well.