The Annotated Secret Garden (The Annotated Books)
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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Book Summary Information
Author: Frances Hodgson BurnettEditor: Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina
Introduction: Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-10-17
ISBN: 0393060292
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Book Reviews of The Annotated Secret Garden (The Annotated Books)
Book Review: "As long as you have a garden, you have a future."
Summary: 4 Stars
This beloved children's classic is a welcome addition to Norton's Annotated Series, the tale accompanied by comments about the text, emphasizing the historical details of Mary Lennox's magical journey. The imagery is powerful- spoiled little girl, ill cousin, a lonely childhood and a garden in England that yields life-changing secrets. If one is already familiar with the story, the annotations enhance the text; personally, I have always found annotations distracting, but these are enjoyable for me because I am already familiar with the novel and curious about the information included in the commentary. In this context, I find the remarks interesting, if not vital.
The illustrations throughout are wonderful- black and white, full color, pen and ink- reminiscent of an era when Colonialism is a natural extension of England's empire, children cared for by ayah's and nurses, until, of course, the tragedy that sends little Mary to the lonely English moors and her secret garden. To a child, such pictures are the stuff of imagination, a magical country where anything is possible, even deliverance from the cruel vagaries of fate.
Gerzina's preface highlights Burnett's personal experiences, interests and prolific writing life, this novel much applauded when it first appeared in 1911, falling into obscurity until the illustrated edition once more captures the public's attention. Of eclectic religious tastes, Burnett's spiritual inclinations are formed by her experiences, a classic Victorian thrust into reality by circumstances and a growing emphasis on scientific investigation, deeply frightened by any specter of unhappiness and extremely sensitive to the suffering of others. How much of the author's spiritual inclinations affect her writing is left to the reader to determine.
The preface offers insights into the inspiration and focus on the magic components of hope: "The Literary Influences of The Secret Garden", "The Slow Devolution of a Classic", interpretations of the novel and Burnett's perspective in children's literature It is the background of the story as well as Burnett's history that offers a unique perspective to Mary Lennox's drama, inspired by the difficult life of a woman who continued to write despite significant obstacles. Luan Gaines/ 2007.
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