Reviews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

bungadinding's review against another edition

5.0

Gue sangat suka buku ini, terutama karena kekuatan deskripsinya tentang musim semi dan tanaman-tanaman yang tumbuh dan mekar di dalam taman rahasianya… Duh, indah banget. Seolah-olah gue sendiri berada di dalam taman rahasia itu, menyaksikan bunga-bunga krokus, dafodil, lili, snowdrop, mawar, dll mekar dalam warna-warni ungu, biru, emas, putih, di sela-sela selimut dedaunan hijau. Seolah-olah gue sendiri bisa merasakan detik ini juga: wangi tanah yang baru dibalik, wangi rumput sehabis hujan. Seolah-olah gue bisa merasakan hembusan angin moor di wajah gue waktu gue berjalan menantang angin, yang membuat pipi gue merona segar kemerahan (meskipun di kulit sawo matang asli Indonesia gue, kayaknya perubahan warnanya nggak akan keliatan -__-). Mantap. Pokoknya sehabis baca buku ini otomatis gue langsung pengen ke halaman, liat tanaman-tanaman hijau dan bunga-bunga anggrek yang dirawat bokap berbunga. Rasanya langsung pengen nyabutin rumput-rumput liar yang tumbuh di dalam pot tanaman biar nggak menganggu pertumbuhan tanaman pot itu, sekaligus nyabutin rumput liar itu membawa bau segar dan lembap dari tanah bekas rumput liar tercerabut. Dan omong-omong soal rumput liar, jadi inget Geum Jan Di, Shancai, dan Makino Tsukushi.

Juga, selesai baca buku ini rasanya langsung pengen bertandang ke kandang Requisitoir dan Pleidooi (dua anak ayam peliharaan bokap, nama-nama mereka gue klaim secara sepihak) dan mencoba ‘berkawan’ sama mereka, seperti cara Dickon berkawan dengan hewan-hewan liar. Tapi apa daya, nggak terlalu berhasil, nampaknya karena tingkat kesabaran gue pada dasarnya memang lebih rendah dari Dickon…

Gue lebih suka cerita buku ini daripada A Little Princess, novel anak-anak karya Francess Hodgson Burnett lainnya (review gue tentang A Little Princess bisa dibaca disini). Ceritanya lebih indah, tapi tetap realistis. Gue lebih suka karakter Mary yang awalnya anak manja bisa berubah lewat kerja keras dan pengaruh lingkungan yang baik, dibanding karakter Sara di A Little Princess yang dari awal...more

mhumby123's review against another edition

4.0

“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”

the_bookholic_girl's review against another edition

hopeful medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

Dive into the enchanting world of Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless classic, "The Secret Garden," where secrets bloom, friendships blossom, and nature whispers its mysteries. 
  From the moment you turn the first page, Burnett's eloquent prose transports you to the Yorkshire moors, where the beauty of the natural world intertwines with the human spirit. The imagery painted by her words is vivid and captivating, making every scene come alive with vibrancy and wonder.

As Mary unlocks the gate to the neglected garden, she unlocks something within herself—a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. Alongside her newfound friend, Dickon, and her cousin, Colin, Mary learns the power of friendship, the healing force of nature, and the magic that lies within us all.

 At its core, "The Secret Garden" is a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Through Mary's journey of self-discovery, readers of all ages are reminded of the importance of connection—to others, to nature, and to ourselves.

With its timeless themes and unforgettable characters, "The Secret Garden" continues to inspire generations. Whether you're rediscovering this beloved classic or experiencing it for the first time, prepare to be swept away on a journey of enchantment and wonder. Open the pages of "The Secret Garden" and let its magic bloom within your heart

wordlawsl's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

aislinn_h's review against another edition

funny 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

4.0

parochialch's review against another edition

hopeful 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? No

4.25

runic_randomness's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-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

3.75

kalin_grace's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted 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

3.5

half_blood_princess's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

3.75

The book was fast-paced with constant twists and turns. I love Mary’s character development and Colin’s, even though it is quite funny that they order the adults as such. 

summer0819's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.75