Reviews - The Secret Garden

9.09k reviews for:

The Secret Garden

Frances Hodgson Burnett

4.06 AVERAGE

chelta's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sarcasmandlace's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

squishypeas's review against another edition

4.0

inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad slow-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

sylkekeizer's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous hopeful inspiring 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

jenkepesh's review against another edition

This particular illustrated edition is so beautiful and in service to the text. As an adult, it is seldom the case that I read an illustrated book anymore.
As to the book: It's one I read many times as a child, and it certainly shaped my ideas about all sorts of things, but the delights of a garden in particular.
I read this very slowly, 4 chapters every two weeks, and discussed it with two friends on our bi-weekly call. We chose it because we wanted something that would not be too mentally taxing, as one of the friends is a recent widow and needed comfort not challenge.
Reading a book so slowly, perhaps especially reading an illustrated book slowly, is really unusual for me these days. It gave me opportunity to savor language, to return to earlier parts of the book, to let it grow inside me instead of splashing through it. I think I want to try this approach with other books. I tend to be so focused on finishing a lot of books, sacrificing deep engagement for the opportunity to meet many stories. Both are worthwhile, and neither should be sacrificed forever.