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The Secret Garden
- Narrated by: Virginia McKenna
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
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The Secret Garden
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Summary
What the Narnia books did for wardrobes, The Secret Garden did for the walled garden. Few readers can fail to share with Mary Lennox that inexplicable thrill of anticipation at the notion of an enclosed and secret world, bursting with potential life and beauty but remaining hidden from view.
As Mary herself observes, 'Here was another locked door, added to the hundred in the strange house'. When she finds the key to the secret garden, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and enables other characters in the novel to open doors and windows into their own lives, bringing vitality and vigour back to the inhabitants of Misselthwaite Manor.
The author's interest in theosophy is perhaps reflected in the journey of the crippled Colin, who believes he can heal himself through positive thinking. And, as the roses return to the garden, so they bloom in Mary's cheeks - as she discovers an ancient and timeless magic that every gardener will recognise and understand.
Published in 1909, it is one of Frances Hodgson Burnett's most popular novels with adults as well as children. It has been adapted countless times for stage and screen and spawned spin-offs and sequels all over the world.
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What listeners say about The Secret Garden
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rain
- 19-04-20
Beautiful, enchanting, brilliantly performed
Virginia McKenna gives an absolutely incredible performance of this beautiful, beautiful book. When I read it as a child, some 50 years ago, I was enthralled by the secret garden - My favourite character was Dicken. McKenna gives such an amazing performance her Yorkshire accent so perfect. She breathes ‘wick’ into the story In the magical way springtime brings the garden into flower. I enjoyed every second and experienced a period of what can only be described as mourning when it was over. Highly recommended.
6 people found this helpful
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- Ms. H. C. Sutton
- 16-02-17
Beautifully read
Keeps me warm on cold winter nights, waiting for spring. All you need is the magic...
5 people found this helpful
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- Anna Ujvari
- 19-03-21
Beautiful story, amazing performance
This story is so beautiful it almost felt like reading something spiritual. Deeply healing experience. It was a hard decision to choose from the many versions available on Audible, but I am very glad I went with Virginia McKenna’s reading, she did a perfect job! Made me laugh and cry and shiver deliciously from time to time. Very enjoyable and touching performance.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 06-02-21
Beautiful telling of a beautiful story
We really loved this story and the telling of it. So wonderful and healing.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-01-23
Loved it.
Wish I’d listened to this book years ago and read it to my children. A lovely story with a soft and gentle message. Perfect choice of narrator.
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- Thamesis
- 29-01-22
A truly beautiful superbly narrated story relevant to all ages.
This is a very sophisticated story, linking the renewal of both human and nature, side by side, hand in hand. It is the story of how seemingly irreversible hopelessness can be healed and joy brought where all was gloom. It is a story for all ages, both beautiful and inspiring. The narration, by Virginia McKenna, is just about the best I have ever heard. Her enthusiasm, feeling, and her ability to reproduce the voices in a totally believable way is quite extraordinary.
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- F E Hamilton
- 29-01-22
Perfect
It is rare for a literary classic to be treated so excellently. I realised that I hadn’t read the book for a long time, and that my memory of it was muddled by the many film versions, some good but some bad. Hearing it read by Virginia McKenna was a delight! Can’t fault it at all.
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- Vera Jardine
- 13-10-21
Wonderful
I loved this heart warming story and would recommend it to all.
Although you may think of it as a children’s story it’s suitable for adults alike.
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- Sarah Golbourn
- 02-08-21
Not just for children
I have say it’s a book and film that in the past has not interested me. Now in my 60”s I listened enthralled by the story and the wonderful reading by Virginia McKenna.
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- Amelia
- 07-07-21
Perfect!
I loved this - beautiful narration of a classic story. A perfect tonic during turbulent times.
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- Anna Spencer
- 12-05-16
An Inspirational rendition of The Secret Garden!
Virginia McKenna's narration of this story is truly spellbinding. Such a talented actress, she demonstrates her ability to engage the listener completely! I am impressed by her ability to voice all the different characters, as well as her authentic Yorkshire accent.
I read The Secret Garden as a child, but enjoyed it so much more as an audio book. I chose this book as I consider Virginia Mc Kenna a brilliant actress. I would recommend it to everyone.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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- Angela Allen
- 31-03-16
Great story, bad download experience
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
The story and narration were great but I had trouble with the download skipping 7 seconds every few. I removed and reloaded several times and it made no difference. Unfortunate distraction.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- PaulaD
- 22-10-22
Excellent reading of an excellent book
Virginia McKenna’s performance was magical. Her characters are believable and easily understood. The book itself is lovely.
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- SpokaneBecky
- 14-10-20
A childhood favorite
I've read this in print more times than I care to admit over the years. I bought this edition to listen to the classic while I worked and remind myself of simpler times and the magic of life, even when it is against the odds. The narrator was amazing. I cherished every minute. I highly recommend this book
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- Melissa
- 27-03-16
Absolutely magical
This book is absolutely magical! My new all-time favorite. It is a timeless treasure which everyone should read, and this reader is just perfect.
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- Ashley Stillwell
- 05-02-16
A delightful story
One of my favorite childhood books, I have read it several times since and each time through is a delight. I love the story, with its beautiful and intriguing characters. It has a piece of all of us in between its pages, and it brings out a feeling of childish wonder and happiness that you will not soon forget.