Reviews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

ashley44's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

ebook_queen's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

htoo's review against another edition

Part of me get why this is a classic. Part of me also feels like this is the book that some people (white people) will gaslight me into believing that "it's not really racist" and I'm "reading too much into it." Mary Lennox reminds me of Adele Verans in Jane Eyre and how they're both meant to showcase that a little bit of England or English values will cure all social ills or whatever. How are you going to be both racist and ableist Frances? Please pick a struggle.

I'll probably finish this book once in this lifetime because I have a thing for torturing myself by reading white classics.

furthermoreity's review against another edition

4.0

Cute 
Obviously ableist af
Getting docked points for "maybe if she was nicer her husband wouldn't hit her" 

that_stormy_reader's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing 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

3.75

nomnombookies's review against another edition

2.0

I first read this as a kid, maybe around 6th grade. I remember it being a bit hard to access, probably because of the Yorkshire speech, but generally enjoyable. I read it again this month at the age of 33, and, well, you can't go home again.
The story is impossible to believe. The characters are simplistic and unbelievable, too. The characters' growth happens too easily and is, um, UNBELIEVABLE. Maybe I should give it a pass because it was written in 1911. But, then again, Anne of Green Gables was written 3 years earlier and it needs no pass.
I say recall the "classic" designation!

wanderingstories's review against another edition

4.0

I’m glad I listened to this story. I really enjoyed it.

avie_j's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

thenymphsvoice's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing sad medium-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

4.0

Is it fair to take points off because it wasn’t as good as the movie? Maybe. But whatever. It was still a very charming relaxing read. 

Reminds me why I love gardens and plants so much and how healing they can be. 

stephfauatea's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

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

2.25