You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
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
This was a re-read for me and a first time read-aloud for my daughter. I had to push her to keep with it for the first couple of chapters because she found Mary (the main character) to be incorrigible. However, once we got through that first little bit, she really enjoyed the book and developed a particular fondness for Dickon. There are some parts of the book that are definitely a bit outdated in language and how the characters talk about other races, but it holds up as a children's book with good themes about the good that nature and spending time with other children can do. I will say that my daughter thought the end was a bit abrupt and wanted more insight into what happened with the children in the future.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I REALLY liked this! Frances really knows how to tell a story :) this was sweet and I really liked some of the conversations about healing and being kind to oneself but also cheering for the introverts of this world! I adored the writing, it was just such a well-told and enjoyable story! However... I didn't like Colin and Archibald's relationship. Yes, it was understandable; yes, it was well-done. But the inverse relationship between love and wellness/disability was a bit ouchie for me you know! I would love a book where someone with chronic pain/disability is loved and accepted as they are. But I can't really be mad because... well if you've read the book, you know what I mean! I did think this was a beautiful story, though, and the musical is still my very favorite!
I wasn't expecting much when I first started to read this book. I'm not a native English speaker and therefore this was never part of my cultural background, I wasn't familiar with the story or knew much about the author. What struck me most at first was of course the colonial themes and racist tones, but I managed to get though that, and once we are in England it becomes a little more palatable in that sense.
Of course, what drives the plot of the book is the character developement set in motion by the 'magical' garden itself. I found the evolution of the character of Mary Lennox to be well done, Dickon is a literal angel, and Colin is on thin ice. I had to roll my eyes every time a lower class character is described as "innocent", there's also a weird thing about Yorkshire being the best place on Earth where no one can be sick if they think good thoughts. We don't get an ending for two thirds of the trio, and I found that a bit strange. But overall nice story, it did make me want to go tend my garden and plant more flowers, so I guess that's a win for Hodgson Burnett.
Of course, what drives the plot of the book is the character developement set in motion by the 'magical' garden itself. I found the evolution of the character of Mary Lennox to be well done, Dickon is a literal angel, and Colin is on thin ice. I had to roll my eyes every time a lower class character is described as "innocent", there's also a weird thing about Yorkshire being the best place on Earth where no one can be sick if they think good thoughts. We don't get an ending for two thirds of the trio, and I found that a bit strange. But overall nice story, it did make me want to go tend my garden and plant more flowers, so I guess that's a win for Hodgson Burnett.
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
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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 book is amazing. My mom read it to me at bed time when I was little. . . I loved it then and I love it just as much now. The way Burnett writes is so beautiful. . . her use of imagery is captivating and her gift for storytelling is a treat. I want a secret garden of my own!