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A review by jaroszynski
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Peter Hunt
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
4.0
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 ‘heaven’ 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 So alongside the aforementioned outdated views of India the book definitely has its fair shares of issues.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 ‘heaven’ 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