My focus book for April is "The Secret Garden" a book that was one of my childhood favourites and one that implanted itself so firmly in my memory that 50 plus years later I still remembered it with affection. Because of this and because it is that book that so many have happy memories of reading, I decided to read it again as an adult and try to identify what it is that resonates with readers today, over 100 years since the book was first written. Due to being written in 1911 when the King was still “Emperor of India”, and British civil servants were firmly in charge the chapters about Mary’s childhood in India and the references to “natives” read uncomfortably today. However, they do reflect the reality of life in 1911 and show us how much has changed since then.
In this blog I am focusing on the “Magic” that is so central to the tale of how Mary and Colin develop and bloom just as the Secret Garden they are tending develops and blossoms.
As I became more immersed in the story the vivid descriptions of the wild and windswept moors of Yorkshire brought them to life. From the moment Mary Lennox enters Misselthwaite Manor, I was caught up in a world where the natural landscape serves as both backdrop and as a character.
Frances Hogson Burnett brings the life enhancing aspect of nature into every scene, from the desolate beauty of the Yorkshire countryside to the neglected and faded beauty of the Secret Garden itself. In this book nature isn’t just a dramatic backdrop but a living, breathing entity which influences the lives of all who encounter it.
As I got further into the book my memories of the healing power of nature and friendship were correct, these themes are at the heart of the story, a story that celebrates the healing power of nature. Mary Lennox changes from an unlikable spoilt child into a caring and outgoing young girl. The Secret Garden becomes a safe space in which Mary and then Colin start to heal from their respective traumas, grow and bloom just as spring brings the first shoots of new growth that culminate in summer blossoms. Mary learns about friendship from Dickon and then shares this new discovery with Colin. By watching the changes spring brings to the garden and planting some seeds she learns to nurture and care for something other than herself, and the “Magic” of the garden begins to work on her, and then on Colin the other unloved and neglected child in the story.
One of the most important themes in the story is the power of resilience and renewal. Just as the garden is transformed and recovers its original beauty, so the characters experience a renewal of spirit and purpose. The book reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of growth and transformation.
Today we often hear about the positive benefits on mental health of spending time outside in nature or in our gardens (if we are lucky enough to have one). Whether it's taking a walking through nearby countryside, through a local park or spending time in our own garden, connecting with nature has the power to uplift our spirits and nurture our souls.
Think of Dickon, the quintessential nature-loving boy who tends to the animals of the moor with a gentle touch and a kind heart. He embodies the spirit of Pan, a woodland deity who roams the forests and fields, imparting wisdom, and joy to all who cross his path. By following Dickon's example and forging a deeper connection with the natural world, we too can experience the transformative power of nature in our own lives.
And let's not forget Sarah Sowerby, the nurturing mother figure whose love and guidance provide solace to the troubled souls of Mary and Colin. She represents the idealized mother archetype, offering unconditional love and support to those in need. Through her example, we learn the importance of compassion, empathy, and the healing power of love.
In conclusion, "The Secret Garden" serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of nature to heal, inspire, and uplift the human spirit, and let us remember that in the secret garden of our hearts, the seeds of hope and renewal await, ready to bloom and flourish in the light of our own inner sunshine.