The Secret Garden is a children's novel by British writer Frances Hodgson Burnett, first published in 1911. The story centers around a little girl named Mary Lennox who was born in India to wealthy parents. Mary's life in India suddenly comes to an end when her parents die from a cholera outbreak. As a result, she is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in his Yorkshire manor.
There, Mary's world shifts radically as she is confronted by her own selfish nature and loneliness. Slowly, she opens up to life again, finding delight in new friendships and especially the beautiful manor gardens. Her uncle has isolated himself after the death of his beloved wife, and left to her own devices, Mary ends up finding the key to the "secret garden," the favorite place of Mrs. Craven.
Mary also encounters the son of Mr. Craven, her cousin Colin. A sickly boy, Colin has been neglected by his father and discouraged from living like a normal child. Once united, however, Mary and Colin become an unstoppable force that fully prioritize the revival and nurturance of the special garden, leading all the characters to fully embrace life once again.
Although The Secret Garden did not gain great popularity at the time it was published, it has now become a classic in young adult literature. In the last few decades, it has routinely been noted as one of the best children's books of the 20th century.
