The Secret Garden

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.

10 people found this helpful

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.

8 people found this helpful

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.

6 people found this helpful

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.

6 people found this helpful

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. Her children voices were not the best, but all others were terrific. Talking "in broad Yorkshire" was enchanting.

5 people found this helpful

Wonderful!

Excellent reading. Love it. Buy a new copy everytime the last one wears out

5 people found this helpful

ENJOYABLE

This is a very endearing story and I would highly recommend it. A book for children and adults alike. I hated to see it end.

4 people found this helpful

A very good listen!

Would you listen to The Secret Garden again? Why?

Yes because it was a good story, simple yet not too simple, and very optimistic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary, she started off as a little brat, but became more and more loveable as the story progressed.

Which character – as performed by Johanna Ward – was your favorite?

None really, though she did a ok job with all the characters, I just didn't have a favorite. I did however like the general narration. But if I had to choose a character I would say Mary or Dickon.

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

No, I seen the movie awhile back, so I kind of knew a little about it, and wasn't really suprised by anything, plus it doesn't really have any Oh dang.. moments. Though the book is a little different than the movie.

Any additional comments?

Overall good story and well produced, the only very little complaint I have about it is the album art work for it. It came in a little fuzzy (I have the 4th generation Ipod), and it just annoyed me a little bit, but please don't let that stop you from getting this audiobook. I wouldn't use a credit on it though, since a credit cost more than the book, I just bought the book itself.

2 people found this helpful

#love it ❤️

I love this book but I thought the narration is a bit stiff and I thought the Narrator could be a bit more relaxed . The book is ausome it has 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠( 5 stars) # love the book 🌈❤️

1 person found this helpful

Timeless Classic, Appeals to all Ages

This is a must read for every child and adult alike. Superb narration. #YorkshireMoors #Friends #Magical #Inspiring #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

1 person found this helpful