The Secret Garden

Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Clare West

Narrated by Multiple Narrators

Little Mary Lennox is a bad-tempered, disagreeable child. When her parents die in India, she is sent back to England to live with her uncle in a big, lonely, old house. There is nothing to do all day except walk in the gardens - and watch the robin flying over the high walls of the secret garden ...which has been locked for ten years. And no one has the key.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Release date: Nov 8, 2007
• ISBN: 9780194215688

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Francis Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was a novelist and playwright born in England but raised in the United States. As a child, she was an avid reader who also wrote her own stories. What was initially a hobby would soon become a legitimate and respected career. As a late-teen, she published her first story in Godey's Lady's Book and was a regular contributor to several periodicals. She began producing novels starting with That Lass o’ Lowrie’s followed by Haworth’s and Louisiana. Yet, she was best known for her children’s books including Little Lord Fauntleroy and The Secret Garden.

Reviews for The Secret Garden

[theeditrix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It had been several years since I last read this, so it was wonderful to revisit the first Anne book. It was just as magical as I remembered. : - )

[jenj5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

April 2009 Church of the Cross Book Club selection.

The first of my favorite series of books; I come back to them again and again. This is my comfort food book. Previously read October 2006 and many times before that.

[bexaplex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I feel somewhat hypocritical as I wield my stars, since I docked Little Women a star for being very 19th century, and here is a 1908 story of a girl who chooses a fairly conventional path. But there's something about Anne Shirley... I find myself quoting her when something goes awry: "I never make the same mistake twice." I think it's very wise to pack all your mistakes into your youth when everyone around you is filled with indulgence and forgiveness :)

[dawnbirduk_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A walk back into my youth.

[swarkentin_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully illustrated re-release of this timeless story. I read the story for myself years ago, then to my daughter, and now to my granddaughter. It still thrills and will never get old. The redesigned books larger format, nice clearer print and almost 3D type cover picture is sure to be treasured for generations to come.

[lkarr-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It makes you laugh and cry.

[marie2830-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is nearly impossible for me to describe my absolute fondness for this book and the character of Anne, herself. She is perhaps the most relatable, lovable fictional character in my heart, and the background of Green Gables and Avonlea, charming beautiful places, so well described and romantic, I hardly need the words on the page to love it. I feel that Anne Shirley and I, are mist definitely kindred spirits.

[shanaqui_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this when I was about ten or eleven, and forgot how much I adored it. I've finally got the whole set of the Anne books, so I sat down to reread this one today. It's easy to read, and charming, and more touching than I'd remembered -- I came over all sniffly a couple of times. And I also had a lot of delighted little giggles.

[kassilem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I remember liking this movie but never even thought to read the book until I saw it on the BBC's 100 Best list. That's one reason I like the list: it's bring attention to books I wouldn't normally think about. And this one deserves to be thought about, and read. I enjoyed Anne with an "e"'s character and loquacious nature. Now I need to go watch the movie again and possibly read the other two books after this one as Anne grows up even more.

[pasquini_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic written a century ago, this story describes Anne's adventures in school and on the Cuthburts estate as an orphan girl with a wild imagination

[myckyee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book just as much now as I did when I read it so many years ago. What's not to love about Anne? She's a great heroine and her story is wonderful to get lost in. L. M. Montgomery was a great storyteller!

[nancynova · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A reread of this childhood classic. Anne is an orphan, adopted by a brother and sister on Prince Edward Island. They really wanted a boy to help on the farm, but when Matthew brought home chatterbox Anne, he was smitten and convinced Marilla to keep her, with delightfully changed lives all around!

[helenliz_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

First time I'd read this, having somehow missed it as a child. I can see why it works, it's a sweet tale of a girl worming her way into the hearts of those around her. But, dear me, Anne talks and talks and talks and it's about nothing at all in particular. She has a vivid imagination, but it;s not terribly to much point and I found her somewhat tedious. I don't feel I missed much not reading this d=sooner.

[katieloucks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was in the play version of this! So good!!

[sueincyprus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anne is sent, by mistake, to an elderly brother and sister who want a strong boy to help them. Anne is a delightful dreamy chatterbox who soon makes friends. The book charts her teenage years, and is very moving in places. Excellent, for adults as well as teenagers and children.

[readingfiend_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't believe I never read this book growing up! I want to go back in time and live there and grow up like Anne and her friends did. From start to finish I was hooked.

[sarahehwilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adore this book (and others by LM Montgomery) as much as the next girl... but I have to say I particularly love the way she describes the countryside of P.E.I. I find it as engaging as the human story.

[gigglessilly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just love this edition. It is so pretty and ofcourse the story is fantastic . Very well written. I admit I have never read the other books but I have to get my hands on the others.

[tracyrae-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly delightful.

[kayanelson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I never read this book as a child and am so sorry I didn’t. How charming. Sure it’s a little dated as to social conventions, etc. I don’t know if I’ll read the rest of the series or just watch Anne with an E. But I really this book and can understand why it is such a classic.

[ineilc-279646 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At last I got round to reading this - laugh-out-loud in places!

[briandrewz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a treat for the mind and imagination! L.M. Montgomery gives us the story of Anne Shirley, brought to Avonlea, P.E.I. to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. So begins a charming tale that leaves you wanting more (thank goodness there is more in the form of a whole set of sequels). Montgomery's descriptions of Prince Edward Island are nothing short of wondrous.I have seen the television mini-series produced in the 1980s and loved it. I had never read the book until just recently. I am so glad I did. Completely charming and captivatingly imaginative, this book will have you smiling all the way through.

[desiree_reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A sweet, chapter novel perfect for any eager reader of grade-school age.

Anne is a perky, funny, talkative 10-year old who brings both joy and consternation to those around her. She grows from young girl to young woman in the tale, so we see her learn and grow and mature. Also, as the story was originally written in the early 19th century, and is set in the late 18th century, the book is the perfect picture into that time period in Eastern Canada.

Highly recommended for your young readers.

[amcheri-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very enjoyable. I had no idea what to expect so I was delighted to find myself laughing out loud regularly at Anne's antics. I wish I'd had time to read the book with my eyes instead of the Audible version, though. While I like Rachel McAdams as an actress, I didn't enjoy her narration of the audiobook. Let me clarify a bit... I thought the dialogue reading was very good but the narrative portions felt monotone and I found myself missing large chunks because I just tuned out.

Still a happy experience that took me away from the horrible things going on in the world today.

[kslade-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great novel of an orphan on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Love, friendship, etc.

[stevetempo_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful coming of age story that increased in enjoyment with each turning page. Such great characters and themes. I hope to find time to read other books in the series. Highly recommended to all ages.

[nordie_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Book I never read as a child, and one I've tried to read once or twice as an adult and have now completed!

Anne is a little Pollyanna-ish, all positive and seeing the good things in life, despite being an orphan. She is adopted by a brother and sister, who had wanted a boy to help on their farm but got Anne by mistake.

The next few years sees Anne grow up, hating her bright red hair and freckles, and getting into constant scrapes, much to the consternation of Marella.

It's a reminder about how young people are when they are considered to be adults - Anne trains to be a teacher and accepts the Avonlea job at 16 years old. Girls are also considered not worth filling their brains up with "teaching stuff" much into their teens.

Glad now that's another "must read" book I've crossed off the list, not convinced I'll read another in the series

[leah152 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't really think there's anything else I can say that hasn't already been said so I'll just go with: I've loved this since primary school & I still love it :O)

[northern_light-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is just as lovely a read as I remember from childhood. Anne becomes an essential member of the family from the very start. As an adult you pick up subtle nuances that are missed. A book for all ages

[drfuriosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reading this book is like visiting an old and dear friend. Exactly what I needed this weekend. This time around, I so appreciate Anne's relationship to Marilla and how Marilla's complex interior life plays out through Anne.