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The Secret Garden (Illustrated): The 1911 Classic Edition with Original Illustrations

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When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a terrible illness, she is thrust into a new life with her reclusive uncle in the confines of the enigmatic Misselthwaite Manor. Consumed by bitterness and loneliness, Mary’s life is about to change once more when she stumbles upon a hidden key and a long-forgotten door—a gateway to a secret garden full of mystery and splendor, where time stands still. As Mary unravels the mysteries of the secret garden's neglected beauty, she embarks on a new adventure with her spirited maid and loyal companion Martha, her kind-hearted brother Dickon, and Colin, Mary’s fragile cousin, whose illness has confined him in his chambers for years. Soon, Mary starts to blossom through the healing power of nature, helping Colin rediscover the beauty of life. Originally published in 1911, The Secret Garden is a masterpiece among the classics that has captivated readers of all ages for over a century. Set in the enchanting backdrop of early 20th-century England, this poignant tale follows the transformative journey of young Mary Lennox, inviting us into a world of beauty, innocence, and self-discovery. With its vivid descriptions of the lush Yorkshire countryside and the power of imagination, Burnett's exquisite prose transports readers into a world of wonder and enchantment, filled with innocence and the nurturing power of love and friendship. This beautiful edition The Secret Garden , one of the best classic novels for young boys and girls of all time, will be the perfect gift for book lovers and a new beloved part of your collection!

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1890

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About the author

Francis Hodgson Burnett

48 books6 followers

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5 stars
195 (66%)
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64 (21%)
3 stars
27 (9%)
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5 (1%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea.
315 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2024
Sweet and wholesome but nothing remarkable. Reminded me of Heidi
Profile Image for Krista.
229 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2022
Almost as good as I remember it being, but more magical when I experienced it as a youngster. I am about to gift it to my 10 year old daughter, hoping it sparks the joy for her that it did for me at that age.
Profile Image for Renate Natalie N.
241 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2025
I really enjoyed it ☺️
Wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm so glad I finally read it.
You need to keep in mind that this is a book written for kids. Spoiled kids you really don't like, but grow and more aware of themselves, so it ends up you loving them ♥️
Love the characters.
Profile Image for Maria.
1 review
February 8, 2024
Wonderful, inspirational and joyful story

The transformational power of love, compassion between two lonely, unloved orphaned children who, with the help of a mysterious local boy, discover the healing power of God' unimaginable love by observing and participating in the miracle of the rebirth of an abandoned, neglected and hidden garden. The magic of childhood friendships between children of different background thrown together by providence who learn to work together and share all that is good while growing physically, emotionally and spiritually strong. The children call it magic but it is God' natural revelation peppered with a dash of wise motherly wisdom from Mrs. Sowerby, the local boy's mom.
Profile Image for Whitney FI.
211 reviews26 followers
November 27, 2023
During my four day weekend, I wanted to knock out an incoming book club read. So, the famed Edwardian Era novel - The Secret Garden - it was.

Though it’s been 30 years since I’ve seen the film, the story honestly was all still very familiar. The book was good (minus some cringe old world attitudes about stuff); it had some nice passages about nature, but I’ll be truthful, I didn’t come away with anything extra from the book. Apparently my brain has held onto the core story this long.

A+ choice to curl up with under a blanket in front of the Christmas Tree, though. I have to say. 💐
Profile Image for LRnrwwww.
10 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2024

I love this book I read it on my own and you can use audiobooks and it is I would say a classic, and it is amazing book that you could read, and the characters are just so well written, and I feel like they have their own personality and like I’m pretty much friends with them That’s how my idea of the book is really enjoy. Always recommend reading.
Profile Image for Terri Dufner.
79 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2024
March Comfort Book Club read and
Middle grade March book you missed out on prompt
Profile Image for book_bear.
224 reviews60 followers
November 10, 2024
Always a wonderful, comforting book to read and reread! :)
12 reviews
October 5, 2025
Such a beautiful book. It’s crazy how it was written so long ago, but you can relate to it as if it was written today.
Profile Image for Randi.
63 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2025
"Where you tend a rose, my lad,
A thistle cannot grow."


While it is a product of its time (1911) and it must be read through that lens, The Secret Garden revels in the beauty and healing that can be found in God's green earth.

This quick little read has so much to say in regards to grief and healing, life and death, belief and hope. Little Mary, Dickon, and Colin exemplify the benefits of hard work, exercise, fresh air, healthy appetites, and wholesome friendships.

It is an undeniably beautiful story that slowly unfurls like a rose, emphasizing the importance of taking care--of self, of others, of the world around you--and the power of love, friendship, and belief in God and oneself.
Profile Image for Mano.
27 reviews
September 4, 2023
Mary Lennox is an ugly and ill-behaved girl. She was left with her uncle in a large house surrounded by many gardens... Mary finds an orphan child hiding in the attic, crying every night, and she finds a colleague of hers in the garden who is the maid’s brother... and they become friends... One day they find a secret garden that has no door. They search for it, then they search for its key... and each of them begins to improve with each visit to the garden and attempt to care for it. All I can say in the end... I wish I had a secret garden... It reminds me of an old cartoon song:
لحديقتنا في قريتنا باب ولها أسوار
لا يعلم أحد ما فيها تخفي عنا الأسرار
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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