The Secret Garden

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrated by: Johanna Ward

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Mary Lennox, a spoiled, ill-tempered, and unhealthy child, comes to live with her reclusive uncle in Misselthwaite Manor after the death of her parents. There, she meets a hearty housekeeper and her spirited brother, a dour gardener, a cheerful robin, and her willful, hysterical, and sickly cousin, Master Colin.

With the help of the robin, Mary finds the door to a secret garden, neglected and hidden for years. When she decides to restore the garden in secret, the story becomes a charming journey into the places of the heart, where faith restores health, flowers refresh the spirit, and the magic of the garden, coming to life anew, brings health to Colin - and to Mary, happiness.

Public Domain (P)1992 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"It will rapt most children away, for after fifty years, its spell is still as strong; a blend of power, beauty, vivid interest and honest goodness. Yes, if this is magic, it is good magic." ( New York Times Book Review)

One of my favorite classics <3

I grew up with the '93 movie version of The Secret Garden, and then, in 2015, saw the stage play version. In 2016, I decided it was time to read the actual book. (Or at least listen to the audiobook.)

I enjoyed the book so much! The story is simple, but sweet, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the secret garden itself and the joy and healing that the children found there. t was also interesting to find out whether or not the play and movie were faithful to the book. (They both were, aside from some artistic license being taken in certain places.)

The only thing I didn't like about the book was actually something that both the movie and the play fixed: (SPOILER WARNING for the ending) In the end of the book, Archibald Craven comes home and he and everyone else find out that Colin is healthy and can walk and that's where the story ends. Colin and his father are reunited and happy. Well, that's great, but...um...what about Mary, the girl we've followed through this whole story? The girl responsible for helping all this happiness to happen? What happens to her now that Archibald is back and healed of his own "illness" of grief? He is Mary's legal guardian after all. Are we to assume that everything is now okay between him and Mary too? Apparently so, because the book doesn't bother to tell us otherwise. In both the movie and the play, they took the time to show Mary being accepted and loved by Archibald, alongside Colin.

This is literally the only thing that bothered me about the book, but not so much that it would cause me to lower my rating. The book overall is lovely, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. The narration as well was excellent and I give it the same rating.

good little moral tale

this book is an interesting small tale that brings out points that will be developed over the years. some of the language a bout magic and other things that it might be called was written years before AA came up with the term a higher power. Colin knew all about the power of positive thinking, and Mary was the wounded healer that shared her recovery. Does flirt with pantheism a bit, and the author does pause from time to time to point out what is happening which is unneeded for most I believe, but it is not too often, and guess most authors like to make sure you have been paying attention. the racial and class divisions seem a bit much today, but I presume in 1910 they would have seemed natural enough.

Cynical old bag loved it

I'm in my 50s, but had never read this classic. (Saw the film and Broadway version). My usual taste is non-fiction or Ruth Rendell and other contemporary mysteries/thrillers. I LOVED IT! Beautifully written, full of insight into human nature and appropriate/inspiring for all ages. Go for it. Especially for a time when you need a good healthy dose of hope.

Required reading

This book should be required reading for all children the lessons that are portrayed are a foundation for life.

Great story

Loved the narrator. One of my favorite stories. every e should listen to this book at least once.

Timeless

Easily the most beautiful story ever written for children of all ages. The narrator’s talent matches the author’s genius.

#love it ❤️

I love this book but I thought the narration is a bit stiff and I thought the Narrator could be a bit more relaxed . The book is ausome it has 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠( 5 stars) # love the book 🌈❤️

I really really liked it!

I really liked it because at first the girl was bossy. Then when she moved to different place, she became less bossy. When we were first introduced to the main character, she’s unlikable and she doesn’t like anybody but then as she begins to soften and starts to like people and they begin to like her the book just gets better and better.

Perfect

Wonderful story. We’ve listened to it multiple times. Every time it is wonderful. My seven year old can’t get enough of it.

Classics are the best

I love this book! it starts as this hard life story, and it is, filled with anything but love, and turns a beautiful corner into choosing happiness! it really is all about our choices and this book shows that in a very innocent childlike way.