Reviews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

salla_kirjainmerkit's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

3.75

captlychee's review against another edition

3.0

This is a competently written, somewhat endearing book that has been totally ruined because I've had to study it from its position as an Edwardian commentary on the colonial experience. If you can get past that, or at least can agree with the modern pundits on its viewpoints, then it's an enjoyable read.

ariareads's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

3.75

pothosethos's review against another edition

I read this when I was young and remembered loving it. I saw it on sale recently at a bookstore and picked it up again. It’s unfortunate the amount of racism in the book, with comments from many different characters. Also I have complicated feelings about the way Colin’s illness is presented.

ayzausluer's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

wolfgold's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-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

4.5

sunflowerfoxglove's review against another edition

emotional 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

5.0

timitsut's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Very slow-paced in the worst of ways, could've been done in half the pages it was written. While I'm aware this is a classic that was written in the 19th Century, I could not get over how so many people find this to be so relaxing - the racism/ nonchalant description of colonialism in the beginning, strong authoritative values of the time, the ableism and gross depiction of Marys development really took me out of the story again and again. However, the nature descriptions I enjoyed a lot. In that regard, I'd prefer rereading Anne of Green Gables. Not for me. 

maali92's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring lighthearted 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

4.75

sleeping_raccoon's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted 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

3.75