5 star book. 4.5 star audiobook. 

The Secret Garden is one of my favorite classics! I read it as a kid and I still love it to this day. I was excited to try it out in audiobook format, as I’ve only ever read it. Though it’s not my favorite narration, I still really enjoy it & listening to it took me back to my childhood. Ultimately, it’s a great way to enjoy this timeless classic - regardless of it’s your first or third time experiencing it. 

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Audio for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett follows Mary Lennox, a young English girl who returns to England from India, having suffered the immense trauma by losing both her parents in a cholera epidemic. However, her memories of her parents are not pleasant, as they were a selfish, neglectful and pleasure-seeking couple. Mary is given to the care of her uncle Archibald Craven, whom she has never met. She travels to his home, Misselthwaite Manor located in the gloomy Yorkshire, a vast change from the sunny and warm climate she was used to. When she arrives, she is a rude, stubborn and given to stormy temper tantrums. However, her nature undergoes a gradual transformation when she learns of the tragedies that have befallen her strict and disciplinarian uncle whom she earlier feared and despised. Once when he's away from home, Mary discovers a charming walled garden which is always kept locked. The mystery deepens when she hears sounds of sobbing from somewhere within her uncle's vast mansion. The kindly servants ignore her queries or pretend they haven't heard, spiking Mary's curiosity. 

The Secret Garden is a classic for a good reason. Not only a fun read for children, but a meaningful one for adults. Every time I read this books, I discover new factoids about life and myself. The audiobook narrated by Glenda Jackson is a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this audiobook!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

THE SECRET GARDEN is one of my favorite books, so I jumped to try this new audio narration. Unfortunately, I had a really hard time connecting to the narrator's voice. It was a bit nasally and I didn't love her voices for masculine characters.