THE SECRET GARDEN

Narrator Alison Larkin expertly introduces this classic Yorkshire story to a new generation. At the turn of the twentieth century, friendship and the power of nature and gardening completely transform two lonely, difficult children into caring, thriving individuals. Larkin flawlessly portrays the personalities of the characters: sour Mary; the crotchety gardener, Ben; enchanting Dickon; ill-tempered Colin; and kindly Martha. Larkin is equally skilled at rendering the variety of necessary accents, ranging from upper-class British to Yorkshire. Listeners will clearly envision the wild beauty of the moors and the spookiness of Misselthwaite Manor--and will sense the magic of the secret garden and the children coming back to life. Larkin sensitively delivers the dialogue that touches on colonialist attitudes toward India. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]