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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a heartwarming book with the wonderful progression of character of both main characters. However, the colonial undertones and colloquialisms surrounding Indians creates a sense of “otherness” and stereotyping that I was not totally comfortable with.
As a child, I loved the whimsical and the magically healing nature of this wonderfully colourful secret garden and the symbolism of hope and warmth and it depicted. Yet, looking at this as an adult reader, there are definitely those problematic tropes surrounding the tokenising of people of colour.
It highlights the privilege of white settlers who were able to move to British colonial India and benefit at the expense of the native population, ensuring subservience and dehumanisation.
So whilst I like the descriptions and the building of a magical world within a world, I think these criticisms host important conversations that should not be ignored.
As a child, I loved the whimsical and the magically healing nature of this wonderfully colourful secret garden and the symbolism of hope and warmth and it depicted. Yet, looking at this as an adult reader, there are definitely those problematic tropes surrounding the tokenising of people of colour.
It highlights the privilege of white settlers who were able to move to British colonial India and benefit at the expense of the native population, ensuring subservience and dehumanisation.
So whilst I like the descriptions and the building of a magical world within a world, I think these criticisms host important conversations that should not be ignored.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Chronic illness, Abandonment, Colonisation
Rereading after 30+ years. Loved it, probably more than as a child. Don’t think I’ll persuade my children to read it, but maybe when they are adults. A lovely heartwarming read - perfect especially as spring is coming and robins are singing to me.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
This is such a sweet story. A childhood favorite. I haven't read it in years. I remember identifying with the main character because I spent a lot of time alone as a child. I understand, maybe not the loneliness, but the feeling of boredom when there were no playmates close in age.
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
adventurous
emotional
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
This is an absolutely gorgeous edition of a well loved classic.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A beautiful and heartwarming classic. The Secret Garden is a story about the power of friendship, thought, and quiet transformation. While often labelled as a children’s book, its emotional insight and subtlety make it rewarding for readers of any age.
What stayed with me most was the way the book treats “magic.” It’s not supernatural, but rooted in belief, attention, and will — the idea that thought itself can be powerful. That felt surprisingly modern and very moving.
The characters were incredibly lovable, and I especially enjoyed the relationships between the children. The story reminded me a little of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but with a softer, more hopeful tone. It was an adorable and emotionally rich read.