The Secret Garden (Wordsworth Children's Classics)

Frances Hodgson Burnett's charming classic remains as enchanting as it was when I first read it as a child nearly 20 years ago. However, in re-reading it recently, I realized that the story's main characters seem to receive very compartmentalized attention throughout the narrative. It seems odd that the story begins with Mary, is apparently about Mary for the first half of the book, but then suddenly switches its focus to either Colin or the Garden as the main character in the second half. Mary diminishes; she is still a part of the book in the second half, but she no longer does any more significant growing or changing, and she becomes more of a supporting actress to Colin (and/or the Garden). The book ends with Colin and the Garden, and Mary is hardly even mentioned in the entire last chapter. It seems odd that the story would begin exclusively with Mary, be occupied with Mary for half the time, and then that Mary would sort of quietly fade away after that. It's a delightful story of two very sick and spoiled children learning how to care for one another and the Secret Garden, but the structure may leave something to be desired.

I bought this book for my great grand daughters, because it is one of my best loved stories. The first I heard of this book was when I was in the 5th grade, I am now 81 years old. My teacher would read a chapter a day to us in the afternoon. Years later when it was on TV, I couldn't get enough of it. Thankfully, my 2 little great grand daughters, ages 6-9, both love to read and they really love the classics. It is my goal to help build a great classic library for them.

My daughter loves this book.

I am very pleased with my purchase. First of all, I received this item before I expected, that's fabulous!!! Secondly, it's in a very good condition and thirdly, the cover it surprised me, because I expected the one showed in the picture and in fact the one I received it's a very lovely one. I felt in love at the first glance. I really love it! I would like to thank to the seller Countryhouselibrary!

Bought for an avid reader 7 year old granddaughter. I remember this was on my reading list at junior school, a true children's classic. The book is well printed and a nice addition to her library. There is a new remake film out next spring full of British stars.

As a beloved children's classic I thought I'd add it to my collection of children's books (I'm a student teacher). The book is fine and arrived very quickly but the cover is completely different to the one in the picture which I was a bit disappointed by as I found the one pictured a lot prettier and more child-friendly than the one which arrived.

I have read this excellent book every spring for 63 years since I was given it at age 11 and wanted another copy.However this is a cheap edition and you get what you pay for - it is acceptable for adults but the print is not attractive and not inviting for a child to read.

One of my favorite books, bought for my fiance for Christmas because he's yet to read it. Bought this edition because the other was sold out but I actually like it since it's a real children's book - for both children and adults. Definitely a must-read for everyone.