‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Genre: Children’s Literature

We all saw the film adaptation of ‘The Secret Garden’ when we were kids, right? Well - despite it being one of those childhood films everyone and their families have seen countless times, when I had to read Frances Hodson Burnett’s ‘The Secret Garden’ I realised the classic film was quite forgettable.

On reading this children’s fiction novel, there were elements that struck me as not being portrayed in the film, for some scenes I imagine would be quite scary for children: a haunted manor, screams in the night, a reclusive uncle, a strict matron. But these features and characters are what made the novel not so childish, although the childish parts, where the protagonist, Mary, has temper tantrums and stomps her feet at the slightest inconvenience did make me laugh a few times.

Despite ‘The Secret Garden’ by children’s literature, it really was a pleasant read; it’s definitely on the older side of “child”, but still contains the fun and whimsicalness of a children’s book, in spite of the initial scary aspects.

Now, because of its origins in Victorian literature, there are certain unsavory comments, to do with colonialism, orientalism, and racism. Now, these don’t run throughout the entirety of the novel, but they are scattered, especially in the beginning as it’s set in India. As a previous literature student, it’s interesting to look into these centennial plot devices and compare them to how times have changed, especially in children’s literature, but of course, reader discretion is advised.

Finally, with all that being considered, would I recommend Burnett’s ‘The Secret Garden’ - yes, absolutely, if not only for the nostalgia (although I can’t really remember the film adaptation!). It’s also simply a good read in general, with shock, laughs, fear, and whole lot of character growth.

Rating: * * * *