Book review of The Secret Garden: Illustrated and annotated

by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Author)

Updated at: 19/02/2025

Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden: Illustrated and Annotated offers a timeless tale of transformation and healing. First published in 1911, this beloved children's classic follows Mary Lennox, a spoiled orphan sent to live in the gloomy Misselthwaite Manor. There, she discovers a neglected, walled garden, and with the help of Dickon, a nature-loving boy, and her sickly cousin Colin, she brings it back to life. As the garden flourishes, so do the children, their physical and emotional growth mirroring the garden's rejuvenation. This annotated and illustrated edition enhances Burnett's enchanting narrative of resilience, the power of nature, and the importance of human connection, making it a captivating read for generations.

4.6 / 260 ratings

Review The Secret Garden

Oh, "The Secret Garden: Illustrated and Annotated" – what a delightful journey it was! I went into it expecting a charming children's classic, and that's certainly what I got, but it surpassed even my highest hopes. The illustrations in this edition were a lovely touch, bringing Burnett's vivid descriptions of Misselthwaite Manor and the secret garden itself to life with a vibrancy that perfectly complemented the text. The annotations were helpful too, offering little glimpses into the historical context and giving added depth to some of the more nuanced aspects of the story.

The story itself, of course, is timeless. Mary Lennox, that initially prickly and unpleasant little girl, undergoes such a beautiful transformation. Her journey from spoiled and self-absorbed to kind, compassionate, and self-reliant is incredibly satisfying to witness. And it's not just her; Colin Craven's evolution from a sickly, self-pitying invalid to a healthy, vibrant boy is equally compelling. Their growth is intertwined with the revival of the secret garden, a powerful metaphor for the restorative power of nature and the healing balm of friendship.

Burnett's writing is simply magical. She has a gift for capturing the atmosphere, for painting pictures with words that leave you feeling the Yorkshire moors' wind on your face, smelling the damp earth of the garden, and practically tasting the fresh air. While some readers mention finding the Yorkshire dialect a little challenging at first, I found it added a layer of authenticity and charm. It's part of what makes the setting so incredibly immersive and memorable.

Beyond the enchanting setting and the compelling characters, the book explores some surprisingly mature themes. The loneliness and isolation experienced by Mary and Colin, the importance of human connection, the transformative power of hope – these are all potent messages woven seamlessly into the narrative, making "The Secret Garden" a story that resonates with readers of all ages. It's a story about finding your place in the world, about embracing the beauty that surrounds us, and about the extraordinary power of friendship and belief in oneself.

I especially appreciated the supporting characters. Dickon, with his innate connection to nature, is a breath of fresh air, and the old gardener, Ben Weatherstaff, is a gruff but ultimately kind soul whose cynicism slowly melts away as he witnesses the children's blossoming. Each character, even the minor ones, contributes to the rich tapestry of the story.

This annotated edition enhanced my experience, adding a layer of historical and contextual understanding that deepened my appreciation of the book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating story with heart, beauty, and a message of hope. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, a testament to Burnett's enduring storytelling prowess. It's truly a classic for a reason, and this version does it justice.