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)

Well thought out, great story!

I enjoyed it immensely and couldn't put down my iPod. The way it went through the different time periods was well done. I loved the story and highly recommend it. Definitely worth a credit.

Lovely story

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

Lovely story, very descriptive writing

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

Finally finding out what happened to Eliza

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

no

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

would not rename

Any additional comments?

Absorbing great read

Oh YES!

Easy to listen to, entertaining - a new book to add to my favorites! Will go find other Kate Morton titles and hope they are to be as prized!

The Forgotten Garden

I loved this book! I am now an official Kate Morton fan! Caroline Lee's reading of this book, contributed to my feeling as though I was witness to every page. Kate's descriptions were so clear that I could see every room, cottage, person and plant. The story moved along at an unhurried pace, which allows me to get acquainted with each character. Having listened to The Forgotten Garden twice, I don't want to say goodbye to my new friends. However, I'm sure I will visit them again in the future. I highly recommend this tenderly sensitively book.

Unforgettable

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I don't know if it was because of the story or because of the narration. Probably both. The musical interludes were very brief and I found them to be helpful. It was the fairy tales that concerned me most. I expected them to be boring. They were not. They are very much a part of the story though you may not fully appreciate how at the time. I just wish I had made a note of exactly where to find them so I could relisten to them later, after I finishing the book.

One of the most enjoyable books I've listened to

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

Fascinating, compelling, intriguing

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

Near the end when all the strands begin to come together

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

No

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

No, I wanted to stretch it out as long as possible.

Any additional comments?

Although the story moves back and forth through time, it was never confusing and it was fun putting the clues together as it went along. I don't listen to "romances" very often but the touch of fantasy mixed with mystery made it very enjoyable.

My first read by Kate Morton,,,

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

The adventure that Kate Morton takes you on with this book is wonderful. This is the first book I have read by her and will not be the last.

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

Caroline Lee is a wonderful narrator,,, could listen to her forever!

Garden

This was a wonderful book, very complex characters and I loved the 100 year span of time.

Remarkable story telling.

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

I enjoyed the style of writing and the expert way in which it was narrated.

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

The beginning, the middle, and the end. The entire book was very memorable.

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

This was my first listen. It won't be my last.

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

I listened to it on a road trip from Ontario to Myrtle Beach, SC. It was the perfect length.

Any additional comments?

I will be listening to Kate Morton's Secret Keeper narrated by Caroline Lee on the drive back to Canada starting tomorrow morning bright and early. I can't wait.

fairy tales brought alive

thoroughly enjoyable ... story is intriguing woven around delightful fairy tales ... we'll developed mystery