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elenaluisa's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Ableism, Racism, and Death of parent
oceanwriter's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Death of parent
astrangewind's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, and Colonisation
emilia_thereader's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death
soulwinds's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Chronic illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Bullying and Abandonment
ag_berry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death of parent and Pandemic/Epidemic
olivemason's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Death of parent
jadew2000's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Racism, Slavery, and Colonisation
takarakei's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.5
Definitely have to take into consideration when it was written because there are some racist stereotypes particularly of Indians (the MC comes from living in British colonized India and moves back to England). I then found out that the author
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal death and Confinement
a_bloom's review against another edition
- 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 adore the characters and the magic they bring to the story. I adore the descriptions of nature and growing friendship. I adore the hope in the impossible and the magical. I adore a feel good story in the midst of everyday tragedy. No wonder I would read this year after year growing up... It was beautiful and gave me hope. Very few books actually make me emotional to the point of crying, but if I'd taken the time to read it straight in one sitting I probably would have.
If you don't know if you'd like classics or think they're too hard or boring then I BEG YOU TO READ THE SECRET GARDEN. Because at first it is a cruel indifference that quickly turns to kindness. God I love this book and hope that everyone gets the chance to read it. Devour it. And let it sit within your soul as you grow.
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail