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The Secret Garden (Barnes & Noble Classics)

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Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was a prolific author of over 50 Books. Today she is remembered as the author of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and her masterpiece "The Secret Garden. "The Secret Garden" was published in 1911.
The Plot! Mary Lennox is ten years old when her parents die in India. She is sent to Misselthwaite Estate in Yorkshire to live with her uncle Archibald Craven. Craven is in deep despair following the death of his beautiful wife. He travels widely and is rarely at home in Yorkshire. The house is an old, creepy and Gothic mansion. Mary begins a friendship with the maid Martha. Martha comes from a poor Yorkshire family of twelve children who are loved by a wonderful mother named Susan. Gradually we see how Mary is transformed from a sad child to a girl who becomes interested in a secret garden. The garden has been neglected for ten years. Craven's wife died giving book to their son Colin. Mary becomes friends with Dickon (one of Martha's brothers)a young lad who lives free and happy.Dickon has a crow named Soot, a fox named Captain and two squirrels named Nut and Shell. Dickon has also rescued a baby lamb. Dickon becomes Mary's friend. He and she work hard to make the dessicated secret garden come alive with beautiful flowers and greenery. A cheerful red robin guides them to the hidden entrance to the garden. They also revive the health of Colin Craven the ten year old son of Mr. Craven. Mary and Colin improve in their emotional, spiritaul and physical health. The novel eneds with Mr. Craven's joy at seeing his son a happy and healty young man. The novel is positive and optimistic in its belief in the restorative power of nature.
Barnes and Noble has produced a fine edition with a good introduction and illustrations to enhance the readers question. A short biography and bibliography is also included. Enjoy one of the best classic novels written for young readers!