❥ Thank you for the book gift, Chronicle Books.
Synopsis
Mary Lennox, a spoiled, ill-tempered, and unhealthy child, comes to live with her reclusive uncle in Misselthwaite Manor on England’s Yorkshire moors after the death of her parents. There she meets a hearty housekeeper and her spirited brother, a dour gardener, a cheerful robin, and her willful, hysterical, and sickly cousin, Master Colin, whose wails she hears echoing through the house at night.
With the help of the robin, Mary finds the door to a secret garden, neglected and hidden for years. When she decides to restore the garden in secret, the story becomes a charming journey into the places of the heart, where faith restores health, flowers refresh the spirit, and the magic of the garden, coming to life anew, brings health to Colin and happiness to Mary.
Thoughts
Although I had watched the 1949 movie several times as a child, I had not read The Secret Garden. So, this beautiful Chronicle edition prompted me to move it to the top of my classics TBR list. It was a delightful story, so I am glad I finally read it.
Strength and resilience are powerful themes in this book. I enjoyed both Mary and Colin’s personal growth in this story. It was heartwarming to watch each of these children work through their personal difficulties.
Nature has a prominent role in this story. The restorative powers of the outdoors are key to the children’s growth. Over a century later, The Secret Garden offers a reminder that nature lends healing properties to both the body and the mind.
Like Burnett’s A Little Princess, this is a timeless story for people of all ages. It is always good to come away from a book with a full heart and a smile!
Edition
This stunning edition comes from Chronicle Books. The colorful artwork of contemporary painter Kate Lewis beautifully captures the spirit of this story.
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