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![By Frances Hodgson Burnett - The Secret Garden: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) (Reprint) (2011-11-09) [Paperback] by Frances Hodgson Burnett](https://assets.thestorygraph.com/assets/placeholder-cover-a3ae92250eb3301e32dc3eabf8d50576c2f047dda89f6ee7cfa9a859cb1fd746.jpg)
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Secret Garden is the classic story of a little girl sent to live at a grand house with her uncle after her parents die. She discovers a locked garden and, along with her sickly cousin, finds healing and happiness through the magic of nature.
The main character starts out spoiled and petulant, but somehow you still feel for her and want to see her grow.
A big theme here is naturalism ( the idea that nature has a healing power that helps people thrive.) Sometimes the writing feels a bit preachy and old-fashioned. I think it would take a very precocious child to enjoy the unabridged version, but it is definitely worth reading at least once in your life, especially because of its place in classic literature and cultural history.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a wholesome little novel, a perfect tale for children, but also for adults to enjoy.
In a way it surprised me how the seemingly simple writing style managed to compel so much; because if this story is something it’s atmospheric. I felt myself contemplating the cold moors, sensing the kind loneliness only found in a big mansion and the joys of the magical garden.
As I said, one word to describe this story would be wholesome. The way the two unlikable main characters transforms themselves through the power of nature and friendship is beautiful. If I had to complain about something it may be that I expected a little bit more of magic, for this story to transcend itself and become more whimsical; but that has to do with my own wrong expectations.
The secret garden is considered a classic novel and rightfully so in my opinion. It’s definitely a book I would recommend, for it’s a fast read that will leave you with a warm feeling inside.
In a way it surprised me how the seemingly simple writing style managed to compel so much; because if this story is something it’s atmospheric. I felt myself contemplating the cold moors, sensing the kind loneliness only found in a big mansion and the joys of the magical garden.
As I said, one word to describe this story would be wholesome. The way the two unlikable main characters transforms themselves through the power of nature and friendship is beautiful. If I had to complain about something it may be that I expected a little bit more of magic, for this story to transcend itself and become more whimsical; but that has to do with my own wrong expectations.
The secret garden is considered a classic novel and rightfully so in my opinion. It’s definitely a book I would recommend, for it’s a fast read that will leave you with a warm feeling inside.
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's a product of its time, I'll give you that.
I believe it is important to remember that this book was written within a time strongly defined by colonialism and one that was not as sensitive to disability as today is. However, this story is quite heartwarming as it focuses on the power of friendship, nature, and positive thinking. I enjoyed the character development of both Mary and Collin, as they both started completely miserable and became happy, care-free children. The description of nature's effect on people and the beauty of the secret garden was great and soothing to read.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes