The Secret Garden Review

I have just read The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett for the first time. Oh. My. Goodness. It was SO good! This would have been an amazing addition to our Edwardian unit study. In fact, I shall be adding it to my Edwardian Resources post. It would also be amazing to go along with a nature study, such as a Pond or Botany unit study. Anyway, in this ‘The Secret Garden’ review, you will find an overview, study possibilities as well as doing a cheeky look into the controversies over the years (yes, I can’t believe it either!)

The original novel was released by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911. A prolific Britain/American novelist and playwright, Frances is more well-known for her children’s novels Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), A Little Princess (1905) and The Secret Garden, which she wrote in England after her son died of tuberculosis. She never recovered from his death and suffered with depression for the rest of her life.

Frances lived in an old English house, Great Maytham Hall, in Kent. This impressive estate housed her beloved walled garden, where she spent many hours tending her roses. It is thought that this walled garden was the inspiration for The Secret Garden.

A Summary of The Secret Garden

Starting in India

The Secret Garden is set at the beginning of the 20th century, around 1900-1910. This makes it perfect as a go along to a study of the Edwardian Era. Mary Lennox, a young girl in Colonial India, finds herself alone after a cholera outbreak has killed her parents and servants. It is likely this was based on the severe cholera outbreak between 1906-1907 and caused a high death toll.

At Misselthwaite Manor

She is sent to live with her British uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. He is benevolent but disinterested having lost his wife years before. Mary does not understand the British way, accustomed to servants seeing to her every whim, not even knowing how to dress herself!

Although she is clearly spoilt, as a reader I was still very sympathetic towards her. This is a girl to whom no-one has ever said no. However, she’s also never experienced the joys of loving others and thinking outside of herself. She arrives in England skinny, pale and weak. The household staff encourage her to go outside and get fresh air. Her appetite improves, the colour of her skin becomes healthier and she is happy to see she is putting on weight.

Her life becomes more interesting once she meets Dickon, the younger brother of one of the housemaids. Dickon introduces her to his own love of nature. And as the reader, we experience that beauty vicariously through his eyes. He also shares his mum and her wisdom and Mary begins to experience what love really looks like.

And in The Secret Garden

One day, Mary finds the keys to the forbidden walled garden, a secret garden no-one else has any access to. She and Dickon, who she shares her secret garden with, work together to recreate its former glory.

Unbeknown to Mary, an equally disagreeable boy lives in a secret bedroom. One night, she follows a mysterious howl which leads her to Colin Craven’s room. Colin, sick and crippled, is just as selfish and self-absorbed as Mary once was. But the garden has changed Mary. Caring for it, alongside Dikon, has changed her. Whilst the staff do his bidding, Mary stands up to him and soon has him join them in the secret garden. And this is when everything gets interesting…

The Secret Garden Review

I really loved this book. One of my favourite YouTubers, Ruby Granger, talks about The Secret Garden frequently and I think reads it every year. It is one of the most beautiful narrations of nature, which I think is really inspiring. It made me want to get outside in nature, and I am known to kill plants just simply by being in their vicinity!

Both Mary and Colin’s character arcs are really interesting, natural and delightful to read. The whole book illustrates beautifully the transformative power of God’s creation. Although I read this myself and not out-loud to my girls, it would have been a perfect read aloud to go along with an Edwardian Unit or a nature study or even any of the elementary Apologia Textbooks.

What Age is The Secret Garden Appropriate For?

I would say it’s perfect for readers ages 8 and up, though I have to say, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is a perfect read-aloud for families as there is so much to discuss. For example, the connectivity of nature, the power of love and friendship and the metaphor of the transformation of the garden reflecting back the children’s growth and character development.

Potential Problems

I’m not sure this needs to be included in ‘The Secret Garden’ review, but over the years, The Secret Garden has faced criticisms based on its portrayal of class, disability and racial issues. Just as an aside, I do not have a problem with any of it. My own opinion is that one shouldn’t try to dilute history, however distasteful. I was upset when Enid Blyton’s books were rewritten. Of course, I’m not saying they weren’t problematic in places but I think books should be read within the context they were written. Doing so adds nuance and encourages thoughtful reading and critical thinking from your children.

But I understand I am a British white woman who ultimately is in a very privileged position, particularly across the historical landscape. Please know, I am not proud of a lot of our country’s history, but I don’t think it is something we can or even should wash ourselves clean from. Our children need to know so that similar behaviour can be avoided in the future.

I’m including a list of things that others have brought up as potential issues: Class and colonialisation, disability and stereotypes, sex roles, and lastly moral and social concerns.

The Secret Garden Review Star Rating: *****