Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Publisher: Children's Classic
Genre: Middle Grade
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Glenda Jackson
No. of pages: 331
Date of Publication: 1910
Rating: 5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
"One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children's literature, The Secret Garden by Victorian author Frances Hodgson Burnett has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911.
The plot centers round Mary Lennox, a young English girl who returns to England from India, having suffered the immense trauma by losing both her parents in a cholera epidemic. However, her memories of her parents are not pleasant, as they were a selfish, neglectful and pleasure-seeking couple. Mary is given to the care of her uncle Archibald Craven, whom she has never met. She travels to his home, Misselthwaite Manor located in the gloomy Yorkshire, a vast change from the sunny and warm climate she was used to. When she arrives, she is a rude, stubborn and given to stormy temper tantrums. However, her nature undergoes a gradual transformation when she learns of the tragedies that have befallen her strict and disciplinarian uncle whom she earlier feared and despised. Once when he's away from home, Mary discovers a charming walled garden which is always kept locked. The mystery deepens when she hears sounds of sobbing from somewhere within her uncle's vast mansion. The kindly servants ignore her queries or pretend they haven't heard, spiking Mary's curiosity.
The Secret Garden appeals to both young and old alike. It has wonderful elements of mystery, spirituality, charming characters and an authentic rendering of childhood emotions and experiences. Commonsense, truth and kindness, compassion and a belief in the essential goodness of human beings lie at the heart of this unforgettable story. It is the best known of Frances Hodgson Burnett's works, though most of us have definitely heard of, if not read, her other novel Little Lord Fauntleroy.
The book has been adapted extensively on stage, film and television and translated into all the world's major languages. In 1991, a Japanese anime version was launched for television in Japan. It remains a popular and beloved story of a child's journey into maturity, and a must-read for every child, parent, teacher and anyone who would enjoy this fascinating glimpse of childhood. One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children's literature, The Secret Garden by Victorian author Frances Hodgson Burnett has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911."
When this book, originally published in book form in 1911, came up for an audiobook review on NetGalley I jumped at it. This has been a story that I have always wanted to read, but just like a lot of classics, finding time to get to certain books is not always easy. This remarkable story celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011, and it truly has stood the test of time. Flawlessly narrated by Oscar winner Glenda Jackson, with music, along with animal and wind sounds, I was transported into the beautiful garden.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this story in audio format, but I had a chance to learn about the book itself and how it transformed from a serial in a magazine then to book format. I find that to be very impressive as well as fortuitous because of the millions of people that have had the opportunity to read it over the years. Although this is the very first time I have read this, I am sure that this story has entered many a home in one format or another. Having the privilege to listen to it was truly a blessing.
The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary who lost both of her parents while in India and has returned to England. She was not a happy child by any means, and when she arrives at her uncle's home, her happiness only grows worse. What is more is that she is not a nice little girl. Selfish, angry and stubborn are just a few words to describe Mary. Things begin to change for her when she discovers a walled garden - and at this point in the audiobook there is pleasant music and birds singing - so I felt as if I were entering the garden with Mary. Simply put, magic happens. It takes place over time, but Mary begins to change.
I completely adored this story. Although it is around 300 pages, the audiobook flew by. I will definitely give this book another listen as the story was truly captivating. This audiobook would be a great bedtime story for children - maybe in three or so sessions.
I have never seen any iteration of this book before now, but as the blurb states, it has been adapted in several formats, as well as translated into several languages. As I have always wanted to make time to read more classics, it is wonderful that I got the opportunity to listen to this book due to NetGalley's relatively new audiobook review program.
Many thanks to Harper Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
