A review by jbabbm
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

3.0

Is this a good story? Yes. Was Karen Gillan a brilliant narrator? Yes. Did I enjoy it? Partly. I like the happy ending and heartwarming plot, I don't have a problem with that. My problem is the fact that these kids who are cataloged as "rude, and contrary" are actually children who have been neglected by their loved ones as well as having suffered great trauma and loss throughout their lives. Furthermore, the one adult that can show them affection after all of that, doesn't do it until the very end. Perhaps, I need to reread this book without picking apart the raising and education (I'm a teacher) of Colin and Mary and give it another chance; but I honestly believe that if they had had caring parental figures the book would have a different storyline or protagonists.