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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
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!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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