molang_madrigal 's review for:

The Secret Garden: Bath Treasury of Children's Classics by Frances Hodgson Burnett

4.75

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

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The Secret Garden definitely has some flaws (mostly ignorant racism against India and children in lonely, dark situations at the beginning),  but its position as a landmark work about healing and positive psychology is still richly deserved because there are still so few books out there like it. It's unique in its celebration of nature, rural Yorkshire culture and the importance of childhood physical and mental wellbeing. Its messages of joyful living are possibly even more relevant in today's world then they were a century ago, and have the magic of being able to touch the souls of both adults and children. It is a story about the journey to being happy - and that is so valuable and underrated. 

But seriously, I do wish there was less racism so that everyone in the world would be able to enjoy it properly 🌏🫶

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Grief, Pandemic/Epidemic

Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, Classism

Minor: Animal death