Scan barcode
debicates's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lot more delightful than I expected, completely charmed me. I love nature in my reading generally and plants are extra special to me, so I lapped up all those lovely, loving descriptions of the Secret Garden and surrounding moor.
I also liked Burnett's treatment of the children Mary and Colin. They both started off as entitled, obnoxious brats -- who actually suffered deeply. I would hate to be around them but you can't help but feel sympathy. Then friendship and observing wonderful things in the world around them inspired them, transforming their fears and trauma. They began to learn there was a different way, not only giving them pleasure but also competency. I was reminded of those places people go now, to farms to do chores and spend time with horses or other animals as therapy.
Sure it was a sappy story. But come on, we all could be a bit more sappy. And a bit more happy. Hard to begrudge a children's book for letting readers share in that fresh sense of newly discovered joy.
I also liked Burnett's treatment of the children Mary and Colin. They both started off as entitled, obnoxious brats -- who actually suffered deeply. I would hate to be around them but you can't help but feel sympathy. Then friendship and observing wonderful things in the world around them inspired them, transforming their fears and trauma. They began to learn there was a different way, not only giving them pleasure but also competency. I was reminded of those places people go now, to farms to do chores and spend time with horses or other animals as therapy.
Sure it was a sappy story. But come on, we all could be a bit more sappy. And a bit more happy. Hard to begrudge a children's book for letting readers share in that fresh sense of newly discovered joy.
mmariela's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so comforting that I want to fall asleep hugging it every night. I first read it when I was eighteen and it has only gotten better with time. As my sister very succinctly put it, this is a book about the power of positive thinking.
dragonbiscuit's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
meg_xoxo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.25
zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
Not quite as justice driven as A Little Princess, this more popular tale by Burnett is interesting to read as an adult. The illustrations in the Inga Moore version make you feel as wondrous as Mary must have felt seeing the garden for the first time, and Dickon's animals are brought to life in a classic, appropriately Victorian way.
What's really interesting about this tale of an orphan meeting a pessimistic spoiled brat is that it might be the only classic story I can think of for children that relies heavily on the power of positive thinking. There's not a great deal of parenting being done here (one of the main characters IS an orphan, after all) but it takes a village, and a village is sometimes just fine. Beautiful.
What's really interesting about this tale of an orphan meeting a pessimistic spoiled brat is that it might be the only classic story I can think of for children that relies heavily on the power of positive thinking. There's not a great deal of parenting being done here (one of the main characters IS an orphan, after all) but it takes a village, and a village is sometimes just fine. Beautiful.
rosiefpb's review against another edition
3.0
Avelynn and I mostly really enjoyed this, it is beautifully written, but it's another one where some of the language is "of it's time" aka Quite Racist - some of the talk about "the natives" when they described Mary's time in India needed censoring sadly.
simply_sian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
poppy4378's review against another edition
3.0
Loved reading about Mary and her transformation with change in surroundings. Colin's transformation however felt cringey. By this point the fresh air and their healthy appetite was creating a lot of eye roll moments.
This book was written late 1800s something and I dislike the author's tone about India and the natives. That definitely put me off. Also the "young Rajah's" (Colin) constant mentions of magic is just exhausting!
Giving the book 3/5 because I loved seeing Mary's transformation.
This book was written late 1800s something and I dislike the author's tone about India and the natives. That definitely put me off. Also the "young Rajah's" (Colin) constant mentions of magic is just exhausting!
Giving the book 3/5 because I loved seeing Mary's transformation.
abbieh25's review against another edition
inspiring
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
0.5
shipwreck78's review against another edition
5.0
one of VERY few books i've read repeatedly. i love the idea of a secret place of my own...