briannasiegrist 's review for:

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

2.5

hopeful reflective slow-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

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The Secret Garden is the classic story of a little girl sent to live at a grand house with her uncle after her parents die. She discovers a locked garden and, along with her sickly cousin, finds healing and happiness through the magic of nature.

The main character starts out spoiled and petulant, but somehow you still feel for her and want to see her grow. 

A big theme here is naturalism ( the idea that nature has a healing power that helps people thrive.) Sometimes the writing feels a bit preachy and old-fashioned. I think it would take a very precocious child to enjoy the unabridged version, but it is definitely worth reading at least once in your life, especially because of its place in classic literature and cultural history.