Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Review - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett




Book Summary

A beloved classic of children's literature, The Secret Garden, tells an inspirational tale of transformation and empowerment. Mary Lennox, a sickly and contrary little girl, is orphaned to dim prospects in a gloomy English manor - her only friend is a bed-ridden boy named Colin whose prospects may be dimmer than hers. But when Mary finds the key to a Secret Garden, the magical powers of transformation fall within her reach.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

Let me start by saying, yes, this isn't my genre or kind of book, lol :-)  I have a 4 year old daughter and had put this one on the list to read before I read it with her, I think when she is 8 will be perfect.  I read After You by Julie Buxbaum and The Secret Garden was used through out the story so I was intrigued.  And a bonus, it goes towards a Challenge, one I still may not finish.

What a sweet story.  The children, Mary, Colin and Dickon are delightful, so genuine.  I loved reading about the tantrums, creative minds, friendship, being brave and the 'magic'. 

The best part of this book is that even though it was published in 1910 it is perfect for today also.  I especially recommend for wealthy friends, celebrity children, children moving to a new culture and children that feel different for any reason.  There is a message that adults will love and children will get in an exciting way without them feeling like they are learning something. Learning about the importance of being personable and positive. 

The Secret Garden is so special and I think the reader can take unique significance from the experiences they had from the Garden, their very own shared secret.  There are so many special moments and favourite scenes. 

The Secret Garden is the old and new combined becoming their future.  Just lovely.

A favourite quote of mine.  Delightful, just shows how charming at times this is.......

'Is the spring coming?' he said.  'What is it like?  You don't see it in rooms if you are ill.'

'It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine, and things pushing up and working under the earth, ' said Mary. 



9 comments:

  1. Believe it or not, I have never read this book, but the movie is delightful!

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  2. Sounds delightful. I must read this. Great review.

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  3. It is lovely - so glad you enjoyed it!

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  4. I wondered why you were reading this one. The fact that you liked it, even though it's not your genre speaks volumes.

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  5. Never read this or watched the movie either. Maybe I should sometime, since it's not my genre either! Nice of you to read this before your daughter reads it in the future :)

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  6. I love when I enjoy a book even though it is not my usual genre! I have a copy of this that is sadly, unread. I always think I will read some classics but never seem to pull them off my book shelf. I may have to dig this one out!

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  7. This does sound sweet. I watched the film years ago.

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  8. This book is wonderful, I agree with your review it hasn't lost it's "currantness" ;).

    Cool blog, I'm a new follower. :)

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  9. My cousin gave me this several years ago and I still haven't read it :( Looks very sweet.

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