The Secret Garden Book Review by Difan Li

 The Secret Garden Book Review 

by Difan Li

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a classic piece of children’s literature, and for good reason. Though published several decades ago, its story continues to appeal to young generations due to its focus on young characters and the book’s overarching theme of transformation and healing as well as the relationship between child and parent. The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books due to the simple yet simultaneously intricate style in which it is presented. Though the plot isn’t filled with action and adventure, the world presented through children’s eyes carries a magic of its own. The protagonist, Mary Lennox, transforms from a surly, unlikeable child, to an innocent and passionate girl filled with wonder at nature. The reader is able to witness and experience this change through its entirety, and it is something that I truly enjoyed about the story. I was also taken in by the distinctness of each character as well as their overlapping characteristics. Mary Lennox, Colin Craven, and Dickon Sowerby all come from extremely different backgrounds but are brought together and united by a love for the Secret Garden and their youthful joys. I would highly recommend checking out other works written by Frances Hodgson Burnett if you enjoy stories of simple strength that carry quiet magic of their own.