Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924)

Huh.

What started out as a rather enchanting revisiting of a childhood story began to deteriorate once I was about halfway through. After the more straightforward regenerative themes from early in the book, all the “Magic” (positive thoughts! Colin’s “lectures”!) operative in Colin’s healing sounded quite iffy to me, then I read up a bit on Burnett and realized it’s basically Christian Science in the form of a sentimental children’s serial:

“One of the new things people show more began to find out in the last century was that thoughts—just mere thoughts—-are as powerful as electric batteries...To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let it stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live.”

“Much more surprising things can happen to any one who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place.” Indeed. You just need to “have the sense” to mentally argue your way out of debilitating sickness, depression, and suffering.

It’s a shame, because I very much like Mary’s odd, sharp-edged little character and her funny relationship with Colin. Her transformation is still lovely.

Overall, though, this is kind of ruined for me. :( Thanks, but no thanks, Mrs. Burnett. show less

I know a lot of people read The Secret Garden growing up. Not me. I came to this children’s classic for the first time as an adult—and still found the magic in it. Burnett’s tale of spoiled and forgotten kids, and how they rescue each other from themselves, is about learning that you can love and be loved. Neither is easy to do, but living takes both. That’s a lesson we never stop needing repeated. And maybe that’s why people read The Secret Garden, even long after they’re grown.

This must surely be one of the sweetest, loveliest books a girl could read in childhood. It's been a long time but reading it again all these years down the line (in my early 20s), it still holds such charm, wonder and profound messages about class, poverty and happiness that I know it'll be returning to my shelf to read again and pass on to my own children.

It tells the story of Sara Crewe, a rich little girl brought up in India by her beloved father, who moves to England to go to boarding show more school at the gloomy seminary belonging to the formidable Miss Minchin. She is the star pupil, dressed in finery and always happy to share her good fortune and vivid imagination with her classmates. But when a tragic twist of fate strips her of everything, Sara ends up a poor orphan working as a drudge in the seminary where once she was idolised by her fellow pupils. Miss Minchin uses this as a fine opportunity to take a sort of revenge on this strange little girl, who she has never understood but has always indulged thanks to her wealth. But no matter how hard her life becomes, she remains generous and polite to those around her, rich and poor alike, pretending that she is a princess in order to keep her morals and spirits strong. Finally, just as even her fiery spirit is at breaking point, an English gentleman who has been living in India moves into the house next door and magical things start to happen as their interest in each other grows. Of course everything will come right in the end, but I won't give away any more because it deserves to be read and enjoyed...

This is a beautiful, moving, and inspiring novel, whether you're 6 or 60! It is well written, with highly individual and well-rounded characters, and a wealth of description which makes it very atmospheric and allows even a child to see Sara's London in vivid detail. There are images in the book which I could still remember clearly and recognise years after I read it as a little girl, and even now I was holding my breath and waiting for everything to fall into place! In today's selfish modern society it also provides a reminder of how a little generosity and kindness goes a long way, and is a perfect fairy tale for littler princesses too. I'd also recommend The Secret Garden for a slightly less girlie but equally sweet, timeless and beautiful story. show less

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 show more 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. show less