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passionatereader78's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
Cute Emotional read! I enjoyed this story. I love the characters! Mary, Colin, and Dickon were so much fun to read about. When Mary loses her parents in India she is sent to live with her uncle in England. When she arrives she is spoiled and rude. She finds a secret garden and meets Dickon the animal whisper. He teaches her about plants and help her with the garden. One night she is woken up by screaming and meets her cousin Colin who is a feeble child. They become fast friends. As their friendship grows, Colin reveals his biggest fears. Mary helps him and tells him about the secret garden. Soon Dickon, Mary, and Colin along with a couple of adults create their own world in the secret garden.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs
lawbooks600's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Trigger warnings: Deaths of characters in the past, racism, racist slurs
Score: Seven points out of ten.
I wanted to read this book for a while, and not long after, I got my hands on this story from one of the two libraries I go to. Again, I didn't know what I would get as I went in, except that the book is a classic. The beginning is not the best, but the rest of the novel is outstanding due to its age; the library I got this from might remove this book. It starts with the main character, Mary Lennox, or Mary for short, and at the beginning of the book, Mary moves to an entirely different house and country; some people say that Mary has behavioural issues, which I could see within the first few chapters. That only improved from there. Mary gets herself used to this new house, Misselthwaite Manor, and I saw her meeting new characters, being unique and having distinct voices. Only a few pages in, Mary meets this other critical character, bedridden Colin, and agitated that he might have a hunchback and die. Also, I noticed that, in India, Mary is used to people doing jobs for her, but now, in England, she must do everything herself. One aspect that makes this book stand out is its character development, which affects Colin and Mary, and that's not an aspect I see in many books. I'm glad I got that when I read this story. But wait! I haven't discussed the most significant section of the book, which is when Mary discovers a garden that the house owner has locked off for ten years after someone died there and when Mary opened it, it was all dead. But somehow, toward the end, the garden, let's say, restored itself, then Colin realised there is no hunchback to worry about then it cuts to the house owner now living in a different location. That ends the book.
Score: Seven points out of ten.
I wanted to read this book for a while, and not long after, I got my hands on this story from one of the two libraries I go to. Again, I didn't know what I would get as I went in, except that the book is a classic. The beginning is not the best, but the rest of the novel is outstanding due to its age; the library I got this from might remove this book. It starts with the main character, Mary Lennox, or Mary for short, and at the beginning of the book, Mary moves to an entirely different house and country; some people say that Mary has behavioural issues, which I could see within the first few chapters. That only improved from there. Mary gets herself used to this new house, Misselthwaite Manor, and I saw her meeting new characters, being unique and having distinct voices. Only a few pages in, Mary meets this other critical character, bedridden Colin, and agitated that he might have a hunchback and die. Also, I noticed that, in India, Mary is used to people doing jobs for her, but now, in England, she must do everything herself. One aspect that makes this book stand out is its character development, which affects Colin and Mary, and that's not an aspect I see in many books. I'm glad I got that when I read this story. But wait! I haven't discussed the most significant section of the book, which is when Mary discovers a garden that the house owner has locked off for ten years after someone died there and when Mary opened it, it was all dead. But somehow, toward the end, the garden, let's say, restored itself, then Colin realised there is no hunchback to worry about then it cuts to the house owner now living in a different location. That ends the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Death of parent
theneighborhoodbookwyrm's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Classism, Ableism, Cultural appropriation, Body shaming, Racial slurs, and Colonisation
mir_sputnik's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.0
Sometimes you shouldn't re-read a book you found magical as a child... Still a good read, but it hasn't aged very well. I still love the nature romanticism though!
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
angelofthetardis's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've seen the film version of this starring Maggie Smith a few times over the years and always thought it was beautifully done, but it only recently dawned on me that, somehow, I've never actually read the source material of this children's classic! And I'm so glad I've taken the time to rectify that.
To get the book/film comparison out the way, while I do love the extra layers the film brings (I recall there being some quite dark moments, Colin's underlying jealousy of Dickon and so on) which make it a more rounded and immersive experience, I actually also love the simplicity of the book! It feels like a stripped back version of the film, with everything being driven by the premise of the Secret Garden. And it doesn't need anything else!
The story is primarily one of growth; the straightforward pleasure of children discovering their own little world and the Magic it can create is wonderful, as is the character development, both of the children and some of the adults! I love the fact that the author has taken the time to illustrate the dark place children and adults can find themselves in, and that it's possible to change your mindset and allow positivity and light back in. Equally, despite the fact this was originally published over 100 years ago, the arguments that fresh air, exercise and taking time in nature as an aid for depression, anxiety and various other health issues (physical and mental) still hold true today.
I'm also a huge fan of the descriptions of the garden itself. Whether or not I'm imagining it in line with the words on the page, the descriptions pull you straight into that little Eden, and it's so easy to see Mary, Colin and Dickon tending to the plants, doing their exercises etc. It really is a beautiful idea for a setting.
Likewise, while I don't usually enjoy books that "spell out" the accent of the person speaking, in this case I actually got into it. For the most part it's nor that difficult to understand, and it adds something more to the character development when first Mary, and subsequently Colin, start adopting the Yorkshire accent! It also helps that the author has included a couple of notes and asides to explain unfamiliar words and phrases, but even they don't interrupt the narrative flow.
The book is a product of its time; while it is far from the worst-aged book I've read, there are moments mentioning race, particularly early on, which don't stand up to scrutiny today. For the most part they are inkeeping with the context of the period, place and time in which the story is set, but there are a couple of occasions where a character's ignorance about other racial backgrounds which feel a bit unnecessary. But that's looking with 21st Century eyes, and I can appreciate that this was "normal" at the time of publication.
Something light and lovely to enjoy of an evening.
To get the book/film comparison out the way, while I do love the extra layers the film brings (I recall there being some quite dark moments, Colin's underlying jealousy of Dickon and so on) which make it a more rounded and immersive experience, I actually also love the simplicity of the book! It feels like a stripped back version of the film, with everything being driven by the premise of the Secret Garden. And it doesn't need anything else!
The story is primarily one of growth; the straightforward pleasure of children discovering their own little world and the Magic it can create is wonderful, as is the character development, both of the children and some of the adults! I love the fact that the author has taken the time to illustrate the dark place children and adults can find themselves in, and that it's possible to change your mindset and allow positivity and light back in. Equally, despite the fact this was originally published over 100 years ago, the arguments that fresh air, exercise and taking time in nature as an aid for depression, anxiety and various other health issues (physical and mental) still hold true today.
I'm also a huge fan of the descriptions of the garden itself. Whether or not I'm imagining it in line with the words on the page, the descriptions pull you straight into that little Eden, and it's so easy to see Mary, Colin and Dickon tending to the plants, doing their exercises etc. It really is a beautiful idea for a setting.
Likewise, while I don't usually enjoy books that "spell out" the accent of the person speaking, in this case I actually got into it. For the most part it's nor that difficult to understand, and it adds something more to the character development when first Mary, and subsequently Colin, start adopting the Yorkshire accent! It also helps that the author has included a couple of notes and asides to explain unfamiliar words and phrases, but even they don't interrupt the narrative flow.
The book is a product of its time; while it is far from the worst-aged book I've read, there are moments mentioning race, particularly early on, which don't stand up to scrutiny today. For the most part they are inkeeping with the context of the period, place and time in which the story is set, but there are a couple of occasions where a character's ignorance about other racial backgrounds which feel a bit unnecessary. But that's looking with 21st Century eyes, and I can appreciate that this was "normal" at the time of publication.
Something light and lovely to enjoy of an evening.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Racism, Chronic illness, and Racial slurs
zara89's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death of parent
tallulahreads_stuff's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
A part of the book I found to be so beautiful:
One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live for ever and ever and ever. One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender, solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands alone and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvel-lous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange, unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun - which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so. And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries. Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark-blue at night with millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in someone's eyes.
One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live for ever and ever and ever. One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender, solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands alone and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvel-lous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange, unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun - which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so. And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries. Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark-blue at night with millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in someone's eyes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Ableism, Body shaming, and Death
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
oceanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
I’ve wanted to read this book for years and kept putting it off. I wish I hadn’t waited so long because it’s such a lovely story. Outdated in places, certainly, but it shares an overall message about the nurture of nature.
Mary Lennox is sent to live with a distant uncle after the death of her parents. Having grown up unloved and spoiled, Mary has a sour disposition and temperamental nature. Her uncle Archibald is a widower who spends most of his time away from his locked-up estate. Mary is more confused by the locked doors than the idea of being essentially left to herself.
Her contrary manner begins to mellow the longer she’s in the house. She comes to know the help who show her for the first time what it feels like to be cared for by someone. Soon, she finds herself among friends who have also felt outcast and unwanted through their circumstances. They come together in the secret garden to bring life into the place that has been shut up for a decade.
I always assumed this story was akin to Anne of Green Gables. Though there are some similarities, the narration is far different. I was most impressed by Colin’s storyline. I’m always fascinated by the psychology of characters, but to read such a complex example of mental health having the ability to deteriorate the body felt before its time was fascinating.
Listening to this book on audio while walking enhanced my reading experience. The imagery of nature felt even more vivid while out in it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to experience this story! I’m looking forward to watching the film now.
Mary Lennox is sent to live with a distant uncle after the death of her parents. Having grown up unloved and spoiled, Mary has a sour disposition and temperamental nature. Her uncle Archibald is a widower who spends most of his time away from his locked-up estate. Mary is more confused by the locked doors than the idea of being essentially left to herself.
Her contrary manner begins to mellow the longer she’s in the house. She comes to know the help who show her for the first time what it feels like to be cared for by someone. Soon, she finds herself among friends who have also felt outcast and unwanted through their circumstances. They come together in the secret garden to bring life into the place that has been shut up for a decade.
I always assumed this story was akin to Anne of Green Gables. Though there are some similarities, the narration is far different. I was most impressed by Colin’s storyline. I’m always fascinated by the psychology of characters, but to read such a complex example of mental health having the ability to deteriorate the body felt before its time was fascinating.
Listening to this book on audio while walking enhanced my reading experience. The imagery of nature felt even more vivid while out in it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to experience this story! I’m looking forward to watching the film now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Racism, and Ableism
Moderate: Death of parent and Racial slurs
beedavey89's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
emilia_thereader's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death