The Secret Garden

Read by actress, singer, blogger and author Carrie Hope Fletcher, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s delightful novelThe Secret Gardenis given new life. Delve in to the tranquil world of Burnett’s story as you follow the journey of her young protagonist, Mary Lennox, on her journey through her childhood. First published in 1911, the novel is a much-cited ‘classic’ of English children’s literature. It is, however, as much for adults as for anyone else. An uplifting and light-hearted listen, this is the ideal summer escape.Mary Lennox starts her life as an unhappy victim of circumstance. After the loss of her parents, she moves to rural Yorkshire to live with a distant uncle where she resents the wildness of the countryside. At first, she struggles to find a place in this new existence. Although unsure about her surroundings and its occupants, through the gentle guidance of the maid she gradually becomes interested in the story of Mrs Craven who apparently used to spend her time in a garden at the house, the key to which has vanished. Mary makes it her quest to find and explore the possibilities it holds. Her journey sees her change, befriending a host of loveable characters as the garden begins to cast its spell on her.About the authorBorn in 1849, Burnett moved to America in 1865 where she would live, on and off, for the rest of her life. She was well travelled, living in Paris for a few years before buying a house in England (where she wroteThe Secret Garden) and finally moving to New York. She is best known for her children’s novels such asLittle Lord FauntleroyandA Little Princessbut was also a prodigious writer of adult fiction. It is this, which perhaps explains how she was able to merge and cater for both audiences with such success inThe Secret Garden.About the narratorCarrie Hope Fletcher is an award-winning actress, best-selling author, musical theatre star and social media influencer. Carrie has starred inLes Misérables, andHeatherson London’s West End and is author to four best-selling books:All I Know Now,On t