“'Of course, there must be lots of Magic in the world,’ he said wisely one day, ‘but people don’t know what it is like or how to make it. Perhaps the beginning is just to say nice things are going to happen until you make them happen.’”

Magic. That’s what this book was for me. It’s a lovely, hopeful children’s story perfect for children of any age.

My library copy was beautifully illustrated by Graham Rust, and as I turned the pages, he brought back the joy I had as a child when I got to one with a picture. “Ooh! There they are! Look how pretty it all is!”

I haven’t seen any of the newer films, but love the 1949 version with Margaret O’Brien (her tantrum scene has always stayed with me).

The book is better, of course. We follow ten-year-old Mary who, after being orphaned, is sent from India to her Uncle in Yorkshire. She arrives on the moors at Misselthwaite Manor, where she picks away at the understandable chip on her shoulder, and eventually, with the influence of some simple folks and the great outdoors, transforms herself.

That is only the first of many transformations in this story, however. It leaves you with the feeling that you too can make a new beginning, with just a bit of determination, a few seeds, some sunshine and fresh air, and a belief that you can do it.

Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.

I have vivid memories of reading this renowned children's classic when I was very young. I can distinctly recall my shock at reading a book with such an initially dislikable protagonist, the likes of which I had not yet discovered during my few years of reading. I was intrigued by the petulant Mary Lennox and was enchanted by her discovery of the secret garden. This, I believe, was my my first introduction to dark and brooding main characters, and probably even honed my later love for female Gothic fiction, so I am eternally indebted to it, for that.

It has now been many years since my young repeated readings of this book and I tried to divorce these emotions from my present reading. Whether or not I was successful I could not say, but this still entranced me just as much as it did as a child. This book has always held a nostalgic place in my heart but I now love it even more for the joy it continued to bring to my adult self.

I can't believe how long it has taken me to read this book. The film as a childhood favourite, but for some reason or another I had never read the book.
This book is not just for children, but also for those, who need reminding about the power of positive thought. It doesn’t matter what gender, age or religion you follow, it is so easy to succumb to negative thoughts.
It is a true classic that should be on everyone’s shelf.

Mary whose nickname is fitting, she is spoiled and disagreeable, the death of her mother and father still leaves her the same, neglected. She is sent to Misselthwaite Manor a 100 room mansion that is surrounded by the gloomy moors to live with her uncle.
Mary encounters many odd things for her, Mrs Medlock, Martha, putting on her own clothes, being told what to do, Ben, a robin, weird crying sounds, Secrets, the Manor, Martha's Mother, gardening, Secrets, skipping rope, a key, Dickon, Secrets, and finally Colin.
Mary learns to love the gardens and adores Dickon, who absorbs life in the country surrounded by the animals and flowers (nature).
Mary finds a hidden room in her uncle’s house where she meets Colin and finds out that she is his cousin and alot like she was when she first arrived, a brat. Colin, who has not left his room since his birth and the death of his mother. He believes what he has overheard, hunchback, ill-fated and death is a given. I believe Mary sees herself in Colin and makes it her mission to help him be a normal boy.

Mary and Dickon decide to take him into the "Secret Garden" to make him feel. The Novel is loaded with life, death, sickness and health, and brings a unique perspective that a child just need to be a child. Mary, Dickon and Colin discover friendship, the beauty of nature and life, all strangers in the beginning.

The beauty of the story is: it does not feel like a Novel written in 1911. I know two boys who play outside, in the sand box, in the dirt, with hand shovels digging, sticks, and bug boxes instead of tablets playing video games. Let the imagination BLOOM!

Some advice? Read this one. Maybe outside in the garden. In a swing on the porch or maybe just in the grass.

This book is an ode to love, friendship and the unsurpassed beauty found in nature that fills every one of us with hope. It is inspiring, tender and guarantees the reader is going to relive the magic when you delve into the pages of this tale and find it as enchantingly satisfying as you expected. The Secret Garden is unmissable. Listening to the (The Secret Garden - Audiobook Version), added a personal touch to the experience.

The lushness of the English countryside leaps off the pages of this classic tale, and the world weary, old-for-their-years children are very appealing. I remember being quite enthralled when I was a child by this story, and I can see why it has been a child's favorite for over eight decades.

This bookstudies the synergy between natural and psychological well being in a way few others have. In gardening, Mary blossoms into the figure of joy and delivers a life to the overall ensemble of characters. Though the novel does not overlook the evils of life, it is thoroughly optimistic and believes in the possibility of rebirth and self improvement in every situation.

Es un libro de corte infantil que nos recuerda el poder que tiene nuestra mente sobre la circunstancias que vivimos. Evoca la magia de la gratitud y de vivir en el presente, alimentándonos de pequeños detalles que nos hacen sentir vivos, como la belleza de la naturaleza, el sol sobre nuestra piel o una risa compartida.

While listening to this remarkable book, I found myself frequently breaking out into a smile. I was transported back to the wonder I felt when first reading The Secret Garden as a bookish girl. That deserves 5 stars!

I've read and re-read this book so many times, I've lost count.

Still it brings joy to me every single time, still it reminds me of the magic my heart felt when first I read it, that unlimited fountain of happiness that can't stop bubbling.

This is a real treasure, it always brightens up my life, it always reminds me of the power of positive thought and how easy it is to succumb to negativity in this world, no matter your age or gender or religion.

May the magic brighten up your life!

4 stars!

I like to start off every new year by reading a classic novel. Sometimes it’s the only one I’m able to read all year because I am such a mood reader. I know I read Burnett’s A Little Princess when I was a child, but I don’t remember if I read The Secret Garden or not. I was obsessed with the 90’s movie growing up, it’s still one of my favorites.

The Secret Garden is about a young girl named Mary living in India with her family. Neglected by her parents her entire life, she is sick, ugly and a spoiled brat. When both of her parents die from cholera, she is sent to England to live under her uncle’s care. There she is also somewhat ignored, but this time the serving staff encourage her to play outside, leading to a rejuvenation in Mary’s health and spirit.

One of the things that really stood out to me in this book was the importance of children playing outside, as well as the mind healing the body. Here we have two neglected children who used to stay indoors all the time, but when they wander outside and learn to play and just be children, it changes them in body and soul.

There is definitely racism of the time included in this book, most prominently how the characters speak about Indians and their culture. I think if a child is going to read this book, it’s a great opportunity to discuss racism with them and at least make sure to have that conversation with them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can see why it holds up as a classic. There’s something very magical about this story and these characters that remain with the reader a very long time.

‘Mistress Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And marigolds all in a row.’

Reading this book brings back so many memories. It was the first book we read as a class when I entered Grammar school about 16 years ago and I haven’t picked the book up since. I have always loved the story and it has always held a special place in my heart. I don’t know whether it is because my English teacher told it in such a beautiful and captivating manner or whether it is just of beautiful content; I suspect it is maybe both.

One of the things I love about this book is the obvious transform Mary Lennox goes through from beginning to end. She is definitely a much more likeable and interesting character by the end of the story but not only that, I enjoy watching her journey from beginning to end, as she slowly transforms from cocoon into butterfly

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Classic + Middle Grade

Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden" is an enduring work of literature that has mesmerized readers for more than a century. The plot centers on the adventures of Mary Lennox, a young orphan who, at the beginning of the novel, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy house in the middle of the English countryside. Mary is a spoilt and lonely kid who, with the assistance of a robin, finds consolation in her secret garden. Mary discovered her garden by following the bird. The garden is obscured from view by a locked door, and it appears to have been abandoned. Mary becomes resolute in her mission to resurrect the garden, and with the assistance of her newly made acquaintances, she brings the garden back to its former glory as a stunning and enchanted location.

The method in which Burnett depicts the garden is one of the parts of the book that, in my opinion, has one of the most intriguing aspects. The author paints a realistic picture of the garden's flora and fauna, giving the reader the impression that they are really strolling around the garden themselves. The garden is a metaphor for the characters' personal development as well as a sign of renewed optimism and fresh beginnings throughout the story. Mary goes through a personal development process while she works in the garden, which results in her being more self-reliant and independent.

The characters in "The Secret Garden" are intricately crafted and feature a high level of development. Mary is a compelling protagonist who begins the story as a self-centered and miserable child, but during the course of the story, she develops more empathy and compassion for others. The secondary characters, such as Ben, the grouchy gardener, and Colin, the ailing boy, are depicted just as accurately as the main cast. Additionally, the relationships between the characters have been thoughtfully developed, especially the bond of friendship that exists between Mary and her cousin Colin. Their companionship is very charming.

In its entirety, "The Secret Garden" is an enchanting and heartfelt tale that is certain to strike a chord with readers of all ages. This book is a moving tribute to the strength of human friendship, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. I liked it a lot.

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden is a children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett first published as a book in 1911, after a version was published as an American magazine serial beginning in 1910. Set in England, it is one of Burnett's most popular novels and is considered a classic of English children's literature. Several stage and film adaptations have been made.

عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «باغ اسرارآمیز»؛ «باغ مخفی»؛ «باغ راز:؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و چهارم ماه ژوئن سال 1994میلادی

عنوان: باغ اسرارآمیز؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: شمس الملوک مصاحب؛ تهران، فرانکلین، 1340، در 338ص؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 19م

عنوان: باغ مخفی؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: نوشین ریشهری؛ تهران، سروش، انتشارات صدا و سیما، 1372، در 203ص، شابک چاپ سوم در سال 1389؛ شابک 9789643769185؛

عنوان: باغ مخفی؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: مهرداد مهدویان؛ تهران، قدیانی، کتابهای بنفشه، 1375، در 280ص، مصور، رمان نوجوانان، شابک چاپ چهارم در سال 1389؛ شابک 9789644170485؛

عنوان: باغ مخفی؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: مریم مفتاحی؛ تهران، آوای کلار، 1392، در 354ص، شابک 9786005395969؛

عنوان: باغ مخفی؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ تصویرگر: گیلی مارکل؛ مترجم: مهسا طاهریان؛ ویراستار عزت جلالی؛ تهران، پینه دوز، 1393، در51ص، مصور، شابک 9789642886258؛

عنوان: باغ اسرارآمیز؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: علی پناهی آذر؛ تهران، همگامان چاپ، 1379، در 248ص، شابک9649194355؛

عنوان: باغ اسرارآمیز؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: علی پناهی آذر؛ تهران، رود، 1380، در 248ص، شابک 9646869262؛

عنوان: باغ اسرارآمیز؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: شیرین صادقی طاهری؛ قم، نسل بیدار، 1379، در 118ص، شابک 9649277102؛

عنوان: باغ راز؛ نویسنده: فرانسیس هاجسن برنت؛ مترجم: شهلا ارژنگ؛ تهران، مرداد، 1382، در 350ص، شابک 9647116144؛

دخترکی دهساله، به نام «ماری (مری) لناکس»؛ پدر و مادر خویش را، در «هندوستان»، از دست می‏دهد؛ او را نزد عمویش، به «انگلستان» می‏فرستند؛ عمویش مرد قوزی، و بداخلاقی است، که در جوانی، زن زیبایش را از دست داده، و از آن پس، در باغ زنش را بسته است؛ «ماری»، به یاری پسر جوانی به نام «دیکون»، درِ باغی را که سالهاست نگشوده اند، باز میکند، و سپس پى میبرند، که پسرعموى معلولش «کالین»، در آنسوى باغ زندگى میکند؛ پاهاى «کالین»، حرکت نمیکنند؛ اما با یاریهای «مارى»، و «دیکون»، و وجود باغ، سبب میشوند، تا او تندرستی خویش را، باز یابد

نقل از متن ترجمه سرکار خانم «آرزو احمی»، نشر پیدایش در 416ص: («مری» دوست داشت از دور مادرش را نگاه کند و فکر میکرد او خیلی زیباست، اما چون خیلی کم مادرش را میشناخت، نمیشد از او توقع داشت که دوستش داشته باشد یا پس از مرگ دلش برای او تنگ شود؛ در واقع، اصلاً دلش برای او تنگ نشد و از آنجایی که دختر خودخواهی بود تمام فکرش، مثل همیشه، مشغول خودش بود؛ اگر سنش بیشتر بود بدون شک از اینکه در دنیا تنها مانده خیلی نگران میشد، اما او خیلی کوچک بود، و چون همیشه دیگران مراقبش بودند، تصور میکرد که همیشه هم وضع همین طور میماند؛ چیزی که فکرش را مشغول میکرد این بود که دوست داشت بداند آیا پیش آدمهای خوبی میرود که رفتار مودبانه ای با او خواهند داشت؛ و مثل «آیا» و دیگر خدمتکاران بومی میگذارند هر کار دلش میخواهد، بکند یا نه؛ میدانست در خانه ی کشیش «انگلیسی» که اول به آنجا رفت، نمیماند؛ نمیخواست که بماند؛ کشیش «انگلیسی» فقیر بود و پنج فرزند داشت، که سن همه شان نزدیک هم بود، لباسهای کهنه ای به تن داشتند، همیشه با هم دعوا میکردند و اسباب بازیها را از دست هم قاپ میزدند؛ «مری» از خانه ی نامرتبشان متنفر بود، و آنقدر با آنها بدرفتاری کرد، که بعد از یکی دو روز، دیگر هیچکس با او بازی نمیکرد؛ بعد از روز دوم اسمی رویش گذاشتند، که حسابی عصبانی اش کرد؛ این اسم اول به فکر «بیزل» رسید؛ «بیزل» پسر کوچکی با چشمهای آبی رنگ گستاخ، و بینی سر بالا بود، و «مری» خیلی از او بدش میآمد؛ «مری» درست مثل روزی که «وبا» شیوع پیدا کرده بود، داشت تنهایی زیر درخت بازی میکرد، با تلهایی از خاک، راههایی برای باغش میساخت، که «بیزل» آمد و نزدیکش به تماشا ایستاد؛ خیلی زود به کار «مری» علاقمند شد، و پیشنهادی کرد؛ گفت: «چرا چند تا سنگ آنجا نمیچینی تا مثلاً باغ سنگی بشود؟ آنجا، آن وسط»؛ و خم شد تا نشانش بدهد؛ «مری» فریاد زد: «برو، من از پسرها خوشم نمیآید؛ از اینجا برو.»؛ «بیزل» لحظه ای عصبانی شد، و بعد مسخره اش کرد؛ او همیشه خواهرهایش را مسخره میکرد؛ دورش چرخید، شکلک درآورد، آواز خواند و خندید)؛ پایان نقل

تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 08/07/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 05/06/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی