
In the heart of a bleak London backstreet, a row of crumbling houses clings to a smoky garden that has long forgotten sunshine. The newest tenant, a tall, dark‑haired twelve‑year‑old named Marco, arrives with his father and a loyal servant, carrying the weight of a hurried escape from Russia. As the clatter of buses and the foggy air surround him, Marco’s quiet, observant nature hints at a mind already seasoned by travel and uncertainty.
The narrative follows Marco as he navigates the stark corridors of No. 7 Philibert Place, confronting the harsh realities of a life lived on the move. Through his eyes we glimpse the stark contrast between the squalid surroundings and the lingering hope of a hidden past. Listeners are drawn into a world where every street corner may hold a clue to the boy’s uncertain future.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (528K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Keller. HTML version by Al Haines
Release date
1996-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1924
Best known for turning childhood into a place of wonder, feeling, and quiet transformation, this English-born novelist wrote stories that have charmed readers for generations. Her most beloved books, including The Secret Garden and A Little Princess, mix hardship with hope in a way that still feels fresh.
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