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    The Secret Garden
    The Secret Garden
    The Secret Garden
    Audiobook7 hours

    The Secret Garden

    Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    Narrated by Flo Gibson

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    When Mary Lennox arrives in England from India, having crossed the dark Yorkshire moors to Misselthwiate Manor, she is as uncomely as a weed and every bit as contrary. Friendless, Mary spends long hours, lonely hours hiking across the moors or wandering about the gardens surrounding the manor. One blustery afternoon, the wind whisks aside a curtain of overgrown ivy which had hid the entrance to an unknown garden from view. From that point onward the deserted garden takes firm root in Mary's imagination and she determines to find a way inside. Introduce children to the enchanting classic behind the popular motion picture and the Tony Award-winning play.

    Editor's Note

    On the screen…

    This children’s classic about an orphan going to live with her rich, reclusive uncle is not a stranger to adaptations. Many attempts have been made to capture the magic of the titular secret garden, but most pale in comparison to Frances Hodgson Burnett’s lush depictions of life in rebirth. The latest movie version stars Dixie Egerickx and Colin Firth.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateMar 8, 2008
    ISBN9781440797620
    Author

    Frances Hodgson Burnett

    Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924), author of The Secret Garden, also in an Aladdin Classics edition, and Little Lord Fauntleroy, enjoyed wider popularity in her own time with both adult and child readers than many other writers.

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    Reviews for The Secret Garden

    4/5

    6,390 ratings216 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I haven't read The Secret Garden since I was a child, to the point where I probably remember the 1993 movie better than the book. The January ONTD challenge is to read a book that is being turned into a movie or television show in 2020 and it seemed like a perfect time to re-read The Secret Garden.

      And I'm so glad I did. The story is so simple, yet never boring.

      I love the main theme of rejuvenation, rebirth, and that Mary and Colin grow as quickly and as naturally as the flora and fauna in their secret garden.
    • 5/5
      Amazing illustrations!
    • 4/5
      I'm giving away some stuff here as I ramble, so don't read this if you haven't read the story already. It's different from the movie and TV versions I've seen: it's simpler---Colin doesn't wear braces, his father's mood improves on its own. The author spends a lot of time pointing out how and why Mary and Colin become better people: nature and the friendship of another child. Dickon represents something really important---he's a perfect person: I like that the highest and lowliest would both be comfortable with him (as, of course, he would be with them). His mother explains that Colin's "magic" is like other religions and spirituality---all come from and lead to the "Joymaker," with a capital J. In other words, there are many equally valid paths to God. Mary is something like an Elijah figure---Colin would not have improved without her, but she is also improved by being with him. Both Colin and Mary are rich enough to not have to do anything for themselves (Mary can't dress herself) and unloved enough to have never been disciplined. In the beginning of the story, they are spoiled rotten and unkind and, hence, unhappy. Finally, the children live in a world without real disease (except for everyone in Mary's household dying in India) or war or abject poverty. (Dickon's family is poor, but not starving, and his mother is respected by everyone. In fact, the housekeeper of the big estate thinks that his mother would be considered quite intelligent if only she could get rid of her Yorkshire accent.) The story borders on fantasy: does Dickon really communicate with animals; does the robin tell Mary where the key is?I enjoyed the book, I'd recommend to someone having a hard time with grief or just interested in appreciating the wonder of the world through nature.
    • 4/5
      I somehow missed reading this as a child. Mary Lennox is about ten years old and living in India at the start of the story. When Mary's parents die of cholera, she is sent to live with her uncle in his Yorkshire manor. She discovers a secret garden, untended since the death of her uncle's wife ten years ago. She starts to revitalize the garden, acquires friends, and becomes a better person in the process.

      One of the primary themes is revitalization, which applies to both the garden and the people in the story. Published in 1910, it contains colonialist views, which parents may want to discuss with children. I listened to the audio book, beautifully read by Julie Christie. She gives each character a distinct voice, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
    • 5/5
      This is one of those classics that was better for me to read as an adult. I don't think I'd have had the patience to appreciate this delightful tale in my younger years. My plan was to read it in 2012, but after downloading a free digital copy I started reading it as a bit of a preview to see what I was getting myself in to. Before I knew it I was 20 pages in and it was so good that I just kept going.
    • 4/5
      I came across this book because of Robert Ingpen's illustrations, then I really enjoyed this book. Although I am an adult, the points about the healing power of nature and physical exercise. I'd like to recommend this book to whoever likes nature, especially young adults.
    • 5/5
      This was my favorite book growing up. I could read it several timesin a row & never become bored. This is a must read for all young children.
    • 2/5
      A picture book version of the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Beautiful pictures but the over-abridged story is missing the magic of the original.
    • 3/5
      Luin kirjan lapsilleni, eikä se saanut kovin suurta suosiota. Suomennos oli hiukan vanhanaikainen, mutta en usko sen olleen suurin syy tykkäämättömyydelle. Jotenkin me kaikki odotimme koko ajan, että kirjassa tapahtuisi enemmän jotain jännittävää tai salaperäistä. Sen sijaan kasvien kasvamisesta kertominen, ja etenkin lopun maalailevat kuvaukset maisemista olivat lähinnä pitkäveteisiä, ja yllätyksetön tarina sai toivomaan että kirja loppuisi jo pian. Höpötys taiasta oli jopa lasten mielestä jotenkin hölmöä. Ei vain uponnut, harmi.
    • 5/5
      I am currently re-reading this book with my 8 year old daughter. She reads one page, and I read the next page. The story seems more magical and complex while re-reading it with her, and I am surprised by the questions my daughter is asking (not about character or plot, but about symbolism and foreshadowing). It is a little complicated for her--it's probably better suited for ages 10 and up--but she says she is enjoying it and looks forward to reading with me every day.
    • 2/5
      Nice imagery of gardens and nature, but surprisingly racist. Also time outdoors and positive thinking (though good for you) probably wont cure chronic illness.
    • 4/5
      I was enjoying this book very much, especially the character of Mary Lennox and the descriptions, but then there was that ending. In the end, everything turns very sentimental and unrealistic and Mary suddenly becomes demoted to a minor character. Very annoying.
    • 3/5
      When Mary is brought to live with her mysterious uncle, she discovers a secret garden which changes not only her, but many others. I loved the premise of this book but there were aspects that maybe haven’t aged as well as I’d hoped.
    • 5/5
      Simply put: I loved this book! It is so charming, and sweet, and harkens back to a simpler time. It’s part fairy tale, part adventure, part children’s story – Okay, so all of those things are sort of related, but you get my point. This is a story I could imagine being made into a movie ala The Princess Bride where Grandpa is reading it to Grandchild and they both get swept away. Now that I mention it (and while I haven’t looked for movies based on the book) I can venture a guess that it’s probably already been done!

      A children’s classic, originally written in 1911, and one that I can’t believe I haven’t read before now! I got this as part of a Coffee and a Classic subscription box, but I later found you can buy this edition from Barnes and Noble for just $10. Hard to believe, since the cover of the book is bonded leather, the page edges are colored gold, and it has a lovely, built-in, satin ribbon bookmark, and is illustrated with eight full-color plates by artist Charles Robinson (although, truth be told, while the included art is a fabulous touch, I wasn’t real taken with the visual interpretation of main character, Mary). Even if I hadn’t loved the book, the craftmanship of this gem is so nice that it would be a beautiful addition to anyone’s home library.

      For those of you readers who, like me, had not read this story before, it is about a young girl of around ten years old, Mary, who has been raised in India by a diplomatic father and an uninterested mother. When most of the family dies in an outbreak of cholera, Mary is sent to live with an uncle in England, her mother’s brother, whom Mary has never met. Mary, who has only ever really known the hired help from her household in India, struggles to find a place at her new home. Her uncle takes little interest in her, plus she is a rather unhealthy and unpleasant child. Then Mary finds the secret garden, and a whole new world opens up for her, along with the help of a new friend or two she meets along the way.

      Completely magical, and uplifting, it is a story of personal growth and how no one is “stuck” being who they’ve always been, but with the right spirit and strong determination, so much is possible. I highly recommend this book and hope it charms you the way it has me.
    • 2/5
      I loved this book as a child, but now through an adult's eyes it clearly has some very problematic racist content.
    • 4/5
      I had completely forgotten that this book includes quite a few darker moments. The death of Mary's parents in the opening, the treatment of servants in India and in England, the treatment of Colin by his father, etc. The two main children are horribly spoiled and cruel to others, but that does make their transformations all the more powerful. Above all, I love the writing about nature and the appreciation for growth and earth that the book focuses on.
    • 5/5
      I'd seen the movie and TV adaptations, but I had never read the novel.Feel good story of a spoilt young girl who experiences tragedy in India intersecting with a spoilt young boy who has also lived with person tragedy in England; their meeting and mixing of these two volatile characters, with a secret garden thrown in, causes great changes in both to ensue.
    • 4/5
      Why it's taken me so long to read The Secret Garden is a mystery. I have now and can say I thoroughly enjoyed it! A girl spoilt brat meets a boy spoilt brat and together they learn some basic life lessons and realise it's not so hard to like people and be liked in return. I'd call it a coming of age story and am sure it would still appeal to young readers today - I know it still appeals to some older readers today ha!
    • 2/5
      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 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.
    • 5/5
      The book that made me regret rating other books 5 stars! A true masterpiece.
    • 5/5
      A favorite childhood book that has been reread so many times I have lost count. Poor orphan Mary Lennox - poor because she has never really had someone to love her other than her ayah in India, who died along with Mary's parents and nearly everyone else nearby from cholera. Mary is a snooty, egotistical and completely contemptible little girl. Who could really blame her after her upbringing? She is sent to live with her previously unknown uncle in Yorkshire where she discovers things are done a bit differently. Again she is neglected by her family (uncle) but taken care of by a maid in the household. And lo and behold, there is another child in the house that is as snooty and mean as Mary! There are a number of secrets, such as Mary's cousin, places she is not allowed to go and ultimately the secret garden and the young boy she meets who is so naturally lovable that he is a great help in changing Mary's disposition. The garden, once discovered, seems almost magical. There is much emotional healing to be done in this book and it is done in a sweet, delectablle manner. Frances Hodgson Burnett was a gifted author and the story is written in an old-fashioned manner, which many of my favorite books are - think Louisa May Alcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Gene Stratton-Porter. Lovely book.
    • 5/5
      Another dear childhood favorite. I loved it and could not give it any less than five stars. Jean B. MacLeod
    • 3/5
      I expected a little more from this classic.
    • 4/5
      Loved this when it was read to me in grade school; loved it almost as much now. It does seem to be a bit sappy at the end when all's well that ends well. Still, great read.(Read during coronavirus)
    • 5/5
      Freaking loved this!! I had grown up watching the Hallmark version of this on repeat with my best friend and I must say... it followed the book pretty faithfully (minus the ending where the three kids meet up 10 years later). This is the perfect book to read in the spring and it made me really want to get outside and start working on my garden. There were a couple dated references (Indians being referred to as black and sub-human) that weren't cool but... it was a product of its time. For those unfamiliar with the premises, it basically follows a ten year old girl who was raised in India who is orphaned when cholera kills both her British parents. She is sent to live with a distant uncle in England who she has never met. She is a spoiled girl, used to getting her way, but she befriends a local boy who is so good humored and into nature that she starts to turn into a good little girl. Before long there is another spoiled boy who comes into the mix. Will he change his ways too? Wonderful, great for kids and adults alike. It definitely holds up!
    • 5/5
      I didn't realize the book had been written so long ago, but it's always been one of my favorites.
    • 3/5
      Many years ago my third grade teacher read this book to our class and I remembered loving it. I just recently listend to it on audio and thoroughly enjoyed it again. Burnet's love of nature is evident and she uses it to transform Mary Lenox and her cousin, Colin, from sour, ill-tempered children, to confident, bright-eyed, healthy children. A wonderful fairy tale for all ages.
    • 4/5
      The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary, a young girl of privilege growing up in India who, after her parents' death of cholera, is swept away to live in her estranged uncle's Yorkshire manor house in England. Spoiled and disagreeable, with no history of any true friendships, she must adapt to a new environment and learn to entertain herself.I'm one of probably a very few who have not previously read or seen the movie adaptation of The Secret Garden. I've had a copy of the book on my shelf for quite a while, but it wasn't until just recently that I decided to delve into an audio copy available on Hoopla, which I devoured pretty quickly while doing various work & household activities. This book is definitely a product of its era (published in 1911), but that's part of its charm. The most enjoyable aspect for me was reading about the true pleasure of the discovery of a garden and the effects that discovery can have on a child's imagination and outlook on life. Sometimes it's the simple things which can bring us such pleasure, and it's nice to be able to look at that through a child's eye.
    • 3/5
      There is a lot to like about this children's classic: the set-up (Mary's family is all killed off during an outbreak of cholera in India - ouch! You don't have cold-hearted openings like that so often these days, and certainly not in this genre), the characterisations, the way that Hodgson Burnett attaches her story to the landscape of the Moors, the way that good life lessons are carefully disseminated without every becoming too cloying... and yet, because the ending was so well sign-posted by the halfway stage of the book, some sections did tend towards the tedious. Add to that the generally poor treatment meted out to the underclass (the poor, the gardeners, the household staff) and you end up with a book that it's easy to like and easy to be put off by. I'm glad I read it, and I would have no difficulty in recommending it to others, but there is a part of me that thinks that this book's time has been and gone.
    • 4/5
      iBooks had a bunch of books for free last month and I’m just now getting to them. I quite enjoyed this one. Cute and uplifting and it was fun to watch the change that being happy can have on people. 4?