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Title details for The Forbidden Garden by Simon Parkin - Available

The Forbidden Garden

The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice

by Simon Parkin
Elliot Fitzpatrick
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
Named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American and The Economist

The riveting, untold true story of the botanists at the world's first seed bank who made "the mad, heroic decision during the siege of Leningrad to guard biodiversity at the cost of human life" (The New York Times, Editors' Choice)—from the award-winning author of The Island of Extraordinary Captives.
In the summer of 1941, German troops surrounded the Russian city of Leningrad—now St. Petersburg—and began the longest blockade in recorded history, one that would ultimately claim the lives of nearly three-quarters of a million people. At the center of the besieged city stood a converted palace that housed the world's largest collection of seeds—more than 250,000 samples hand-collected over two decades from all over the globe by world-famous explorer, geneticist, and dissident Nikolai Vavilov, who had recently been disappeared by the Soviet government. After attempts to evacuate the priceless collection failed and supplies dwindled amongst the three million starving citizens, the employees at the Plant Institute were left with a terrible choice. Should they save the collection? Or themselves?

These were not just any seeds. The botanists believed they could be bred into heartier, disease-resistant, and more productive varieties suited for harsh climates, thereby changing the future of food production and preventing famines like those that had plagued their countrymen before. But protecting the seeds was no idle business. The scientists rescued potato samples under enemy fire, extinguished incendiary bombs landing on the seed bank's roof, and guarded the collection from scavengers, the bitter cold, and their own hunger. Then in the war's eleventh hour, Nazi plunderers presented a new threat to the collection...

Drawing from previously unseen sources, award-winning journalist Simon Parkin tells the incredible true story of "an extraordinary project and the bravery of the ordinary individuals who kept it going" (The Daily Telegraph, London) in the name of science.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 15, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781797183923
      • File size: 338512 KB
      • Duration: 11:45:13

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Elliot Fitzpatrick does a good job of narrating this account of the Siege of Leningrad, 1941-44, which has a slight twist to it. This story focuses on how a small group of botanists and their assistants saved the world's largest seed bank from being consumed. The seed bank was collected by Nikolai Vavilov, who was arrested by the secret police before the war and died in custody in 1943. The scientists' devotion to duty and the circumstances they worked under were incredible. Fitzpatrick's resonant, slightly nasal British-accented baritone gives an appealing academic quality to his narration. While he often uses a British pronunciation for numerous Russian names and words, which may grate on some who are familiar with Russian, his pacing and intonation are excellent. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      February 21, 2025

      Parkin's (The Island of Extraordinary Captives) gripping latest explores the incredible sacrifice and determination of a group of botanists who fought to protect a vitally important seed bank during the siege of Leningrad (1941-44). The story centers on pioneering botanist Nikolai Vavilov's seed bank, which contained over 250,000 specimens. As German forces surrounded Leningrad, the botanists faced an agonizing decision: protect the seeds or use them for food to survive the devastating blockade. Elliot Fitzpatrick vividly narrates this account, describing how the botanists guarded the seed bank against bombs, scavengers, and the bitter cold, all while enduring starvation and privation. Fitzpatrick brings the siege's horrors into sharp focus while celebrating the botanists' unwavering dedication to science. Listeners will be riveted by the harrowing choices these scientists had to make to preserve a collection of seeds meant to someday end world hunger. VERDICT An unforgettable testament to the enduring impact of sacrifice. Parkin's thorough research and engaging storytelling make this a must-listen for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in uplifting stories of resilience.--Susan McClellan

      Copyright 2025 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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