The Secret Garden

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrated by: Josephine Bailey

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

When Mary Lennox's parents die from cholera in India, the spoiled orphan is transplanted to her uncle's 600-year-old gloomy and secretive estate in England. She is certain that she is destined for misery at Misselthwaite Manor. When Mary meets the old groundskeeper, he is the first to tell her what he thinks of her: "We was wove out of th' same cloth. We're neither of us good lookin' an' we're both of us as sour as we look. We've got the same nasty tempers, both of us, I'll warrant."

However, she soon discovers an arched doorway into an overgrown garden, locked shut since the death of her aunt 10 years earlier. Fate grants Mary access to the secret garden and she begins transforming it into a thing of beauty, unaware that she too is changing.

Public Domain ©2003 Tantor Media, Inc. Originally published 1911.

A sweet story; excellent performance!

Performance was so good! Lovely story of learning to live and learning to love again

Naturally Beautiful Story

I have heard of this classic novel many times over the years but had not planned to read or listen to it. I was convinced I should read it after listening to "I Can See Clearly" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. He's been one of the great teachers of my life. He described the impact this story had on his life as a child. I was convinced I should read it. I listened to the majority of it as I walked each day. Listening to the story made me much more aware of nature, the plants and trees, the birds, bugs and even the air and skyline. My respect for nature deepened as I listened and discovered the healing powers of being outside through the voices of children. It's worth mentioning that I developed a morning walking habit during this time. My body needed and continues to need the exercise and experience of being outdoors. I've been stagnant much to long and as the children in the story I am becoming stronger, healthier, more observant and grateful through my daily communion with the great outdoors.

wasn't fond of the narration

The narrator was boring, did not captivate me and did no justice of the story. With a good narration and story teller, this story is a favorite😽😿

Wonderful!

The narrator was amazing. The story itself was beautifully written. The pace in which the story unfolded was very refreshing and enjoyable. I also loved the eloquent and clever language usage.

A Secret Too Long

I've often heard how wonderful this story was but now I know. The narration was terrific as well and I can't believe I finished it on Father's Day...so very appropriate.

well done

very well done
the story, the narrator, all did a great job.
I will listen again.

Magic and happiness!

This is my winter SAD go-to read. The characters each come to life after major traumas. Just listening to it, and the broad Yorkshire accents, and you'll feel your mood rising, like the crocus pushing through the snow!

My daughter read this when she was young.

The audio version has to be better than reading only with your eyes. This was .... simply & Wonderfully executed.

The magic of life and childhood

This warm-hearted story of 3 quirky children wants to remind us of the magic of being alive and the wonder of childhood.

A personal favorite from childhood, hearing it aloud brought the story to life in beautiful ways. Especially the Yorkshire voices. Although not in a position to speak of its authenticity, it was much more alive and vibrant than the uninformed voice in my head.

Josephine Bailey's narration enhanced the story for me. As with the book itself, it guided me back to childhood and the rather different manner in which a child perceives the world. Each character's voice is unique, and she shifts effortlessly between them in a dialog-rich story.

As a child, my favorite character was Dicken, and I might have been a little in love with him. Many years later, I find myself especially charmed by the minor character of his mother with her pluck, warmth and practical nature. Mary's ability to adapt to her new life without resentment or bitterness, inspired my admiration for her simple and direct courage.

This is a wonderful book for both children and adults. It is charming and lifts one's spirits. I recommend it to anyone who values children and childhood and is willing to be caught up in vibrant descriptions.

Good Easy Listening

What did you love best about The Secret Garden?

IT was a pleasant, peaceful story.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters were all good people.

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

This is my first book by this narrator but she is very talented and versatile.