A review by laurenleigh
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

adventurous hopeful 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

5.0

I love getting to read the classics I missed as a kid. I certainly appreciate them now on a different level than I might have as a child! The Secret Garden was so sweet and heartwarming. It felt very soothing to listen to, and Carrie Hope Fletcher did a fantastic job with all the Yorkshire accents. I’d argue that healing is the main focus of this novel:  recovering from past trauma, growing out of bad habits, and physical improvement too. Watching these characters heal especially through the wonder of nature was so sweet. There’s also a great focus on the power of words and thoughts, and how purposeful positive thinking can have a truly magical affect. I found a delightful illustrated edition with a map of the garden and the grounds of Misselthwaite Manor, and I can’t wait to gift it to a young cousin this Christmas!
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