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The Secret Garden cover art

The Secret Garden

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Narrated by: Johanna Ward
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Summary

Mary Lennox, a spoiled, ill-tempered, and unhealthy child, comes to live with her reclusive uncle in Misselthwaite Manor after the death of her parents. There, she meets a hearty housekeeper and her spirited brother, a dour gardener, a cheerful robin, and her willful, hysterical, and sickly cousin, Master Colin.

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.

Public Domain (P)1992 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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)

What listeners say about The Secret Garden

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Wow 10000000000 out of 100

I loved this book it is filled to the brim with exiting chapters I listen to this story every night before bed this it the 37 time I have listened to it it is grate for agess 8-14 it has so much imaganation and is so exiting my. Mum loves it and she is 51 he even watched the film P.s sorry a bout spelling I am only 9

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Mistress Mary Quite Contrary


A very different story, with very unusual characters and a beautiful message for all.

This is one of those books I missed in my childhood, but a visit to a restaurant in Spain called The Secret Garden and an interview in radio 4 recommending it gave the inspiration to read it.

Nothing was like I expected, the main character is very contrary, the events in her life are devastating but her courage and growth in the story are beautifully achieved. Some elements are very much of its period but others are well ahead of its time. I especially like how the mundane became magical and the magical became normal.

A book full of beauty and hope, with children, other children will grow to love.

A very good reading, with wonderful accents and characterization; a perfect listen.


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6 people found this helpful

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Wonderful hearing this well loved story come alive

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

Magical, reminiscent, endearing.

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

The final chapter when Archibald Craven has his 'awakening' travelling in Europe.

What about Johanna Ward’s performance did you like?

The accents and tone of voice were right for the different characters.

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

It certainly made me smile several times.

Any additional comments?

I read this as a child. Listening to it as an adult (in my 40s) brought much of my first reading back to me. A joyful experience listening to it.

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6 people found this helpful

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A childhood favourite

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

Beautiful, thought provoking and comforting. This is one of my favourite books of all time and having it on audiobook forever makes it so much more accessible when I need to relax. Doing an English degree, one can get lost in the course content, but this is what I fall back on time and time again. It was one of the first books I read independently and therefore it will always mean something to me. It was beautifully read with the correct emotion for each character.

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

I loved the moment when colin walks for the first time. As a person with a disability, I know how liberating this is. Having that read to me was very very comforting.

Any additional comments?

I loved every minute of this and would recommend to everyone to read or listen to.

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Amazing

That is so wonderful I could live off it I would recommend it to enyone

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enjoyable

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

My son was reading this at school and did not understand it so we got the audio and the whole family listened and really enjoyed the story.

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Charming children's story

I listened to this with my 9 year old daughter. Initially on a long car journey, but we didn't finish it in the car so we finished it over several bed-times. It was innocent, charming and the pictures painted so vividly by the beautiful writing. I would recommend this classic for children and adults to enjoy together.

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4 people found this helpful

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magic is in the story :)

very nice yorkshire accent. the narrator was good, very enjoyeble to listen. like it much.

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Fantastic read. Well narrated.

Having never read this as a child it's been on my TBR for a while. Johanna Ward's narration is excellent. She really brings Mary in particular to life. Highly recommended.

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Loved it

I first saw the film years ago when I was a child. I loved it then, but I'd never read the book. I'm glad that I have, the film and the book (from what I remember if the film) follow closely with each other. I really enjoyed reading this and the audible version is great too. A real classic that I will be sure to read again.

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