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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I think this book is a really good example of what hope can do to a person - all characters completely shifted in their mindsets when they saw hope in either small or big things.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I had a friend call this book quite dull, and while I can partly see where they were coming from I thought it was a delight! A simple story about a spoilt and angry child learning to be far less spoilt and far more positive.
(Granted, quick warning, it is somewhat racist!!! So if you do wish to read it to a child, as it is a children’s book, be prepared to maybe omit a few parts especially from the gardener Weatherstaff unless you want a very awkward conversation as to what a ‘heathen’ is and why that’s not good to call someone that)
It is a delightful book about nature, exercise and how positive thoughts and a positive outlook can help you become a more positive, healthy and happy person (of course not a cure all to everything but a lovely sentiment and definitely good advice to hold on to) . The descriptions of the nature, food and animals (especially those with the character Dickon) are an absolute delight to read through as well the Yorkshire dialect being quite charming throughout.
It was however quite disappointing when 2 of the female characters were seemingly ‘replaced’ by two of the males in the end. So alongside the aforementioned outdated views of India the book definitely has its fair shares of issues. But I still recommend it for anyone who enjoys the classics and of nature and wants to learn about that period of time.
(Granted, quick warning, it is somewhat racist!!! So if you do wish to read it to a child, as it is a children’s book, be prepared to maybe omit a few parts especially from the gardener Weatherstaff unless you want a very awkward conversation as to what a ‘heathen’ is and why that’s not good to call someone that)
It is a delightful book about nature, exercise and how positive thoughts and a positive outlook can help you become a more positive, healthy and happy person (of course not a cure all to everything but a lovely sentiment and definitely good advice to hold on to) . The descriptions of the nature, food and animals (especially those with the character Dickon) are an absolute delight to read through as well the Yorkshire dialect being quite charming throughout.
It was however quite disappointing when 2 of the female characters were seemingly ‘replaced’ by two of the males in the end. So alongside the aforementioned outdated views of India the book definitely has its fair shares of issues. But I still recommend it for anyone who enjoys the classics and of nature and wants to learn about that period of time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse
Minor: Misogyny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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:
Yes
It's truly a story of it's times and would hopefully be written in a different way had the author been alive today. I don't know if it's stood the test of time, because, reading it as a person of today, there are many thing that aren't great. Still, it's easy to see why The Secret Garden is such a classic and so close to so many hearts.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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:
Yes
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-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:
Yes
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
Rereading this as an adult was very nostalgic. There is a certain magic and whimsy of this book that transports you to the Secret Garden, the evolution of the children as they bloom with with it. Following Mary and Colin as they go from insufferable to joyous was delightful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Racism