Book Review: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Published in 1909, The Secret Garden is one of the most popular novels by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is a novel based on the themes of new beginnings and transformation.

They say a good book goes through a drastic transformation throughout the story. The Secret Garden is one such story.

It’s the story of Mary Lennox — a 10-year-old girl. She is a rich, spoiled child born and brought up in India. However, after her parents’ death, she is sent to her uncle in Yorkshire, England. As per her habit, Mary thinks she’ll have a nanny at her uncle’s house too — but it seems her life is about to take a drastic turn.

Her uncle, Archibald Craven, is a reserved man. Since the death of his wife, he has been emotionally distant. He doesn’t pay attention to his son, Colin Craven — a boy who is often sick, or at least made to believe so.

When Mary first arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, no one likes her. A maidservant, Martha Sowerby, becomes Mary’s first friend. She encourages Mary to do her chores all by herself. That’s when Mary learns to get ready on her own for the very first time.

Slowly, Mary begins to explore the mansion, where she discovers a locked garden. She’s not allowed to go there, but a robin shows her the way to the secret garden. And that’s how she begins tending to it. As she nurtures the garden and the flowers begin to bloom, Mary starts to feel happy and rejuvenated.

“Magic is in me,” Mary realizes, as her garden begins to flourish. Her friend, Dickon Sowerby — Martha’s brother — befriends Mary and helps her care for the garden. Soon, it starts flourishing in its own beautiful way.

Mary also befriends her cousin, Colin, and convinces him that he is not truly sick. She encourages him to believe that better things will come to him, but he must make an effort. This is a lesson Mary has learned while nurturing the garden.

Throughout the story, Mary’s character evolves from a rich, spoiled girl into someone who embraces love and care — truly, a new beginning for her.