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oceanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
I’ve wanted to read this book for years and kept putting it off. I wish I hadn’t waited so long because it’s such a lovely story. Outdated in places, certainly, but it shares an overall message about the nurture of nature.
Mary Lennox is sent to live with a distant uncle after the death of her parents. Having grown up unloved and spoiled, Mary has a sour disposition and temperamental nature. Her uncle Archibald is a widower who spends most of his time away from his locked-up estate. Mary is more confused by the locked doors than the idea of being essentially left to herself.
Her contrary manner begins to mellow the longer she’s in the house. She comes to know the help who show her for the first time what it feels like to be cared for by someone. Soon, she finds herself among friends who have also felt outcast and unwanted through their circumstances. They come together in the secret garden to bring life into the place that has been shut up for a decade.
I always assumed this story was akin to Anne of Green Gables. Though there are some similarities, the narration is far different. I was most impressed by Colin’s storyline. I’m always fascinated by the psychology of characters, but to read such a complex example of mental health having the ability to deteriorate the body felt before its time was fascinating.
Listening to this book on audio while walking enhanced my reading experience. The imagery of nature felt even more vivid while out in it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to experience this story! I’m looking forward to watching the film now.
Mary Lennox is sent to live with a distant uncle after the death of her parents. Having grown up unloved and spoiled, Mary has a sour disposition and temperamental nature. Her uncle Archibald is a widower who spends most of his time away from his locked-up estate. Mary is more confused by the locked doors than the idea of being essentially left to herself.
Her contrary manner begins to mellow the longer she’s in the house. She comes to know the help who show her for the first time what it feels like to be cared for by someone. Soon, she finds herself among friends who have also felt outcast and unwanted through their circumstances. They come together in the secret garden to bring life into the place that has been shut up for a decade.
I always assumed this story was akin to Anne of Green Gables. Though there are some similarities, the narration is far different. I was most impressed by Colin’s storyline. I’m always fascinated by the psychology of characters, but to read such a complex example of mental health having the ability to deteriorate the body felt before its time was fascinating.
Listening to this book on audio while walking enhanced my reading experience. The imagery of nature felt even more vivid while out in it. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to experience this story! I’m looking forward to watching the film now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Death of parent
wormariwood's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Racism, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Chronic illness, Medical trauma, and Colonisation
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Cultural appropriation
Abundant racism throughout the book, and a child is presumed to be disabled and spoken of in a manner as if he's less than human because of this assumption. Also, adults in the household actively work to convince this child that he's severely sick and is going to die young, which caused him to develop some mental issues around believing he's going to die and becomes a hypochondriac. Parental death is mentioned throughout but in no great detail.takarakei's review against another edition
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 authorwas 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...
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal death and Confinement
fi_reads_books's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Racism
platosfire's review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Racism
a_bloom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a reread from my Childhood and it made me realize why I loved this book so much. While the beginning has some questionable language about class and race (as to be expected of an older book) it's message is beautiful. Reading at different ages and phases in life reveals extra messages and the beautiful complexity of these characters stuck in a partially unknown time of our modern day... Yet the events and lessons and feelings and conversations doesn't feel that outdated besides the language shift.
I adore the characters and the magic they bring to the story. I adore the descriptions of nature and growing friendship. I adore the hope in the impossible and the magical. I adore a feel good story in the midst of everyday tragedy. No wonder I would read this year after year growing up... It was beautiful and gave me hope. Very few books actually make me emotional to the point of crying, but if I'd taken the time to read it straight in one sitting I probably would have.
If you don't know if you'd like classics or think they're too hard or boring then I BEG YOU TO READ THE SECRET GARDEN. Because at first it is a cruel indifference that quickly turns to kindness. God I love this book and hope that everyone gets the chance to read it. Devour it. And let it sit within your soul as you grow.
I adore the characters and the magic they bring to the story. I adore the descriptions of nature and growing friendship. I adore the hope in the impossible and the magical. I adore a feel good story in the midst of everyday tragedy. No wonder I would read this year after year growing up... It was beautiful and gave me hope. Very few books actually make me emotional to the point of crying, but if I'd taken the time to read it straight in one sitting I probably would have.
If you don't know if you'd like classics or think they're too hard or boring then I BEG YOU TO READ THE SECRET GARDEN. Because at first it is a cruel indifference that quickly turns to kindness. God I love this book and hope that everyone gets the chance to read it. Devour it. And let it sit within your soul as you grow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Colonisation
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
momogajo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Nostalgia is strong for me and this book. But it is a classic for a reason.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Racism
It's not bad for a book written by a white woman in 1911. There is mention of the above, but is not shown.agatha_hopkins's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Death of parent
tinyy's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Racism
cowboyaj's review against another edition
3.75
I REALLY loved the beginning of this book. I loved how flawed the main character was and her arc throughout the book.
The ending was extremely disappointing, though. I didn't like the discussions about disability and illness. The conclusion of the story gave the impression that disabled people could only be loved or tolerated if they are rid of their disability.
The ending was extremely disappointing, though. I didn't like the discussions about disability and illness. The conclusion of the story gave the impression that disabled people could only be loved or tolerated if they are rid of their disability.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Racism