A review by takarakei
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

So I read this for a book club thing (long story) cause otherwise I likely wouldn't have. It's a funny, cute story for the most part. I do like that the children learn some self-awareness and recognize their spoiled attitudes. There is a mystical quality used to describe nature and it's importance.

Definitely have to take into consideration when it was written because there are some racist stereotypes particularly of Indians (the MC comes from living in British colonized India and moves back to England). I then found out that the author
was part of the Christian Science movement, which holds the belief that you can heal yourself with just your mind
and that definitely changed my perspective on the book a lot. If you didn't grow up reading this story I'm not sure I can necessarily recommend it...
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