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A review by bright1226
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I remember loving both the book and movie when I was younger but I couldn't recall much of the plot or much else about it besides the warm feeling I had from it in my childhood. I was gifted a copy for my birthday so being able to read it again was so exciting. It is such a lovely children's story, I definitely think it has more mature themes, but in that way it reads as a 'family friendly' kind of story - where both older readers can understand the darker tones and aspects while younger readers are left with the magic and mystery in the rest of the story.
It was a fairly quick read and even if the character arcs and changes come quickly, I think it only adds to the childlike wonder and magic the books holds. It was such a warm lovely read at times and to hear how the children talk about each other and nature was so beautiful and sweet. (of course the book also has some not-so-amazing statements about the people of India - correlating with the time the book is set - still had to breeze past 'em when they came up) My favorite parts were just the children being together and forming friendships. It was sweet to hear them talk about the ways in which they've changed for good because of each other and the magic of the garden, Dickon being portrayed as some god-like figure in their minds was adorable.
It was a fairly quick read and even if the character arcs and changes come quickly, I think it only adds to the childlike wonder and magic the books holds. It was such a warm lovely read at times and to hear how the children talk about each other and nature was so beautiful and sweet. (of course the book also has some not-so-amazing statements about the people of India - correlating with the time the book is set - still had to breeze past 'em when they came up) My favorite parts were just the children being together and forming friendships. It was sweet to hear them talk about the ways in which they've changed for good because of each other and the magic of the garden, Dickon being portrayed as some god-like figure in their minds was adorable.