A review by brittany_tellefsen
The Secret Garden (Seasons Edition -- Spring) by Frances Hodgson Burnett
4.0
What a genuinely charming, and captivating children's story!
I am quite surprised by how much I was drawn in by The Secret Garden. Given how much I enjoyed the movie as a child I should not be shocked; however, seeing as this is not only a children's story, but a classic one at that, I did not think this would be a book I would enjoy, simply as those are not my preferred genres. But almost instantly, I was enchanted and remained so the entirety of the book. I am sure my love of the movie influenced this some, as I was able to picture the scenes quite vividly as I read, but it enhanced the experience overall.
You will likely find two common complaints regarding this book. The first about Mary herself as she is quite unlikeable at first. Indeed, that is not just a reader's perception. It is mentioned frequently what a sour, melancholy, selfish child she is. But in truth, she was a product of her environment. She was shown no love and therefore, never knew how to love herself. She was waited on hand and foot, and therefore, never learned how to do for herself or how to appreciate others or be grateful. The purpose of this story is to watch as Mary's character blooms along with the gardne she finds and tends to so dearly.
Next, you will likely hear about racism. This book was written in 1911. It is a product of its time and I feel as though some grace must be given. It is easy for us to read this in 2021 with the wisdom and hindsight brought about by 110 years and look disdainfully upon it. But truthfully, it was not all tha egregious and don't feel it warrants much conversation given the time in which it was written.
I was truly charmed by this book and am so glad I took the opportunity to read it. I must now read A Little Princess as I loved that move just as much when I was a child, and I am sure that the book will be just as wonderful as The Secret Garden was.
I am quite surprised by how much I was drawn in by The Secret Garden. Given how much I enjoyed the movie as a child I should not be shocked; however, seeing as this is not only a children's story, but a classic one at that, I did not think this would be a book I would enjoy, simply as those are not my preferred genres. But almost instantly, I was enchanted and remained so the entirety of the book. I am sure my love of the movie influenced this some, as I was able to picture the scenes quite vividly as I read, but it enhanced the experience overall.
You will likely find two common complaints regarding this book. The first about Mary herself as she is quite unlikeable at first. Indeed, that is not just a reader's perception. It is mentioned frequently what a sour, melancholy, selfish child she is. But in truth, she was a product of her environment. She was shown no love and therefore, never knew how to love herself. She was waited on hand and foot, and therefore, never learned how to do for herself or how to appreciate others or be grateful. The purpose of this story is to watch as Mary's character blooms along with the gardne she finds and tends to so dearly.
Next, you will likely hear about racism. This book was written in 1911. It is a product of its time and I feel as though some grace must be given. It is easy for us to read this in 2021 with the wisdom and hindsight brought about by 110 years and look disdainfully upon it. But truthfully, it was not all tha egregious and don't feel it warrants much conversation given the time in which it was written.
I was truly charmed by this book and am so glad I took the opportunity to read it. I must now read A Little Princess as I loved that move just as much when I was a child, and I am sure that the book will be just as wonderful as The Secret Garden was.