The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett has remained a favourite among kids all around the world ever since it was first published. It has been regarded as one of the best masterpieces in children’s literature. It was first published in The American Magazine in 1910 as a serial story before being published as a novel in 1911.
The story revolves around Mary Lennox, a young girl who lost both of her parents to a Cholera epidemic and returned to England from India. She does not have fond memories of her parents, as they were a selfish and careless couple. Following their deaths, Archibald Craven, Mary’s uncle (a widower), is entrusted to look after Mary. She makes the long journey to his house, Misselthwaite Manor, which is in Yorkshire.
After reaching her uncle’s home, she becomes a rude and stubborn person. Her personality gradually changes, though, as she learns about the tragedies that have befallen her strict uncle, whom she had earlier feared and detested. Mary soon reflects on her manners because the staff at her uncle’s house are harder to intimidate than the ones she was used to in India.
One day, Mary finds a walled garden that is always closed. She hears sobbing coming from someplace inside her uncle’s massive mansion, which adds to the mystery. Mary becomes more curious as the servants either ignore or deny listening to her questions.
Mary encounters Dickon, a young child who can speak with animals. Together, they unearth the garden hidden behind the locked door and aid Colin, her sick cousin, in getting better. Mary assures Colin that he is in good health and encourages him to leave his bed and go outside in a wheelchair so that he can enjoy life. The trio tries to recover a secret garden that Mary found with the help of Dickon. You can enjoy the rest of the world created by the author through the adventures of the characters.
Mystery, spirituality, adorable characters, and an accurate portrayal of childhood emotions and experiences are all present in this beautiful novel. This moving tale is centred on honesty, kindness, compassion, and a faith in the goodness of people. The book has been extensively adapted for the stage, film, and television, and it has been rewritten in many languages. The Secret Garden by Burnett will enthral you if you enjoy uplifting literature, feel-good tales about nature as medicine and the power of friendship.