The Secret Garden (Children's Thrift Classics) - Softcover

Burnett, Frances Hodgson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486280241 ISBN 13: 9780486280240

Publisher: Dover Children's, 2003

Synopsis

Captivating story of a long-abandoned garden on a gloomy Yorkshire estate ― which, with the help of an unusual young boy with an ability to charm nature ― blooms again, transforming the lives of the estate owner's frail son and that of his overindulged orphan cousin who has come to live with him. Abridged.

About this title

Review:

Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as truculent as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, cooped up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived. (Ages 9 to 12)

Review:

It is only the exceptional author who can write a book about children with sufficient skill, charm, simplicity, and significance to make it acceptable to both young and old. Mrs. Burnett is one of the few thus gifted. The New York Times"

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Children's
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0486280241
• ISBN 13: 9780486280240
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96