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Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Narrator: Johanna Ward
Format: Unabridged
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
Language: English
Release date: 08-18-08
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 256 votes
Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10
Publisher's Summary:
With the help of the robin, Mary finds the door to a secret garden, neglected and hidden for years. When she decides to restore the garden in secret, the story becomes a charming journey into the places of the heart, where faith restores health, flowers refresh the spirit, and the magic of the garden, coming to life anew, brings health to Colin - and to Mary, happiness.
Critic Reviews:
"It will rapt most children away, for after fifty years, its spell is still as strong; a blend of power, beauty, vivid interest and honest goodness. Yes, if this is magic, it is good magic." (
New York Times Book Review)
Members Reviews:
Cynical old bag loved it
I'm in my 50s, but had never read this classic. (Saw the film and Broadway version). My usual taste is non-fiction or Ruth Rendell and other contemporary mysteries/thrillers. I LOVED IT! Beautifully written, full of insight into human nature and appropriate/inspiring for all ages. Go for it. Especially for a time when you need a good healthy dose of hope.
As good as it used to be
On a whim I downloaded The Secret Garden for a road trip. I read it 20 years ago and loved the story, but like all things over time I had forgotten the context of the story. It was such a joy of re-discovery to go back to the Yorkshire Moors and the secret garden. The narration was superb which added to the magic of the classic story.
Great Book
I wish I had read this as a kid, but my school did not require much reading at all and that which was required was usually photocopied and stapled together. A sad affair, I know, however this book was wonderful, fun and made my laugh and feel great over and over again.
Glad we chose this narrator
Would you listen to The Secret Garden again? Why?
It was fun to listen to someone else read this book. I have read it many times, but had never heard the correct "yorkshire" pronunciation. The "yorkshire" is important to the book, and my experience of this book was greatly enhanced by hearing it. Reading the book can be difficult (especially for a child) because of the dialect, listening to it made all the difference.
There were so many narrators to choose from, so my 10 year old and I listened to sample after sample to narrow it down to this version. I know the story well, but the 10 year old had not read it. We could hardly stop listening.
What did you like best about this story?
In this story skinny, cranky, unlovable Mary meets spoiled, sad Collin and through their relationship with each other, and a few down-to-earth friends, heal themselves by turning their attention outward to nature. I love how the children are able to help each other, instinctively figure out what is good and healthy, and keep such a wonderful and important secret safe until they can reveal it to those who are most precious to them.
Which scene was your favorite?
I love the scene in the secret garden when Collin stands up and walks and the gardener Ben cries.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When they sang the Doxology I was very moved.
An Old Story, But Wonderful
I never read this as a child, but should have. To me, the true test of a children's story is whether it appeals across the generations. This one does. As much as it is another variation on an old theme (children, in their simpleness, being smarter than adults in helping others, such as Pollyanna), it is worth reading.
The narration was adequate.
