9.27k reviews for:

The Secret Garden by Burnett,Frances Hodgson. [1997] Paperback

Frances Hodgson Burnett

4.06 AVERAGE

mdancer's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

hashbrowns's review against another edition

2.75

adventurous medium-paced

mnetanya18's review against another edition

4.25

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

bloda_13's review against another edition

5.0

emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

_diamondasbigasthefitz's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 0%

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Granted it’s for children, but JESUS CHRIST IT’S SO BORING. And im entertained by EVERYTHING.

claudiatoledo04's review against another edition

3.25

hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sundancer16's review against another edition

4.0

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DELIGHTFUL AND SWEET story the hidden potential within people. Mary, a sour and spoiled girl, has no friends and is just fine with that. Martha Sowerby is the first friend she ever makes. She and her kind, nurturing mother are the first to help Mary. Mary finds a secret garden she tends every day. She invites Martha's brother Dickon and cousin Collin to help her tend it. The garden flourishes as they tend it. The garden's restoration mirrors the emotional and spiritual renewal experienced by Mary and Collin, highlighting themes of rebirth, hope, friendship, and the power of "Magic" which Ben Weatherstaff (the gardener) and Mrs. Sowerby say goes by many names. It's the higher power that changes and heals and grows things, and we sing to when we sing the Doxology.

mackzryan's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

coracuta1's review against another edition

5.0

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A beautiful book about a traumatized child, disabled child, and a poor child, helping one another, fighting prejudices and unhealthy patterns caused by early age trauma. It's a heartwarming story with loving detailed description of nature, still reveals depth by bringing up topics of childhood loneliness and abandonment. For a modern reader it lacks nuance on a lot of subjects, but being a children's fiction written 115 years ago, it could be excused. The book has a magical feel to it, and is a perfect read for a relaxed fall evening.

meganmme's review against another edition

5.0

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Such a sweet little book. I enjoy reading children's books every once in a while--they are usually lighthearted, fun, quick and a nice break from something more serious.