The Secret Garden--Beautiful

The power of kindness, love and believing in oneself are the seeds planted in Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. This beautiful story was first published in 1911, and has enjoyed acclaim in book, play and movie formats, and tells a timeless story of feeling the extremes of "unlove" and "love". While The Secret Garden was intended as a children's book, it is certainly not relegated only to the younger readers' bookshelves, and is an uplifting book for readers of all ages.

The story begins in India with the introduction of a very sad, angry and perpetually grimacing little girl named Mary. She is spoiled, and while her physical needs are met by bowing servants, her parents are too busy with their own lives to worry about her or to spend any time with her. Her life is turned upside down when her parents and servants die during a cholera outbreak. This child, being unwanted or loved by anyone, is left alone while everyone flees, and is only discovered when soldiers return to check on survivors--or bodies.

The story quickly shifts to Yorkshire, England where Mary begins a new life in a large, foreboding home on the moors with her uncle, another solitary, angry figure. Mary's cross disposition and angry ways are finally broken by the kindness of a servant girl named Martha. Martha, without any underlying intent, speaks to her as she would any of her younger siblings, and draws Mary into conversation. She shares the sad history of Misselthwaite Manor, explaining the death of the mistress who lived there and her beautiful, walled-in garden that she cultivated with her husband, Mary's uncle. The garden, Martha relates, was locked up and left to die after her death. Mary's interest is piqued and she begins to yearn for a glimpse of this "secret garden." Her adventures into the manor's vast gardens lead her to opening her life to a crotchety gardener, an almost-human robin, and Martha's younger brother Dickon, who seems to have knowledge and kindness beyond his years. I found it incredibly touching when she talks about having "friends" for the first time in her life and how it changes her entire outlook.

The day she finds the "Secret Garden" is one of triumph and deep happiness for Mary. With the help of the friendly robin, she locates the key and spies the door hidden by draping ivy. When she enters the world of the long-abandoned garden, she enters a whole new place--both physically and emotionally. Her days and nights are spent in, and dreaming of, the garden and finding ways to cultivate growth in the neglected flower beds. And while she helps the crocuses and snowbells grow, Mary herself becomes stronger, healthier and much more pleasant to all. When Mary and Dickon become friends, he is invited to join her in this magical garden. His knowledge of living things, and his care for his new friend, inspire Mary to keep growing as a person.

Mary also discovers secrets within Misselthwaite Manor when she locates the source of a mournful cry--the invalid son of her uncle, who is hidden away from all prying eyes. The boy, Colin, is as spoiled, distrustful and angry as Mary when she first arrived. In a pivotal point of the story, Mary loudly confronts Colin during one of his many tantrums and forces him to see the spoiled and unlikable side of himself. Mary's friendship with Colin blossoms as she coaxes him into coming outside to get fresh air--and when she trusts him enough--to see the Secret Garden.

The Secret Garden is a classic, uplifting tale all should enjoy. Young readers might have some difficulty reading the Yorkshire dialect used in some of the dialogue, so you might consider reading this together--parent and child. The underlying themes of love and caring for one another to help us all grow and love others is symbolized throughout in the garden analogy. Mary and Colin are much like the spring bulbs needing nourishment, warmth, room to grow, and loving care to coax forth the beautiful blossoms. Find a cozy spot and enjoy this lovely story.