Faith Elizabeth Hough
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Review: The Secret Garden Devotional, by Rachel Dodge

11/13/2022

15 Comments

 
Picture
Do you remember the first time you read The Secret Garden? I was about nine, I believe, and I can still recall the spine-tingling spookiness of Misselthwaite Manor, the delight in meeting Martha and Dickon and the wonderfully irascible Ben Weatherstaff, the wonder at Mary's discovery of the garden and passion for growing beautiful things. Even though Mary was quite horrid by all accounts, I was rooting for her from the start--perhaps because when I was nine, I was rather horrid by all accounts, too. 

I knew then that I loved the book. Re-reading it as an adult, I realized just how much it had impacted me. Is it really Mrs. Sowerby's advice that my children hear whenever I tell them to go outside if they're sick or grumpy? Did Mary and Colin's encounter with "The Magic" influence the way I'm always on the lookout for the wonder in God's creation? Did Mary's transformation from sour and unlikable to strong and comforting impact my ability to think I could change, too?

I'll never really know all these answers. Obviously I was formed by many things in life, and even if I was just counting books you'd definitely have to throw several L. M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott titles onto the pile. I do know, however, that The Secret Garden changes me for the better every time I read it, and brings me closer to God as well.

This last re-read of Burnett's classic was made even more meaningful by the addition of guided meditations by Rachel Dodge, in her lovely The Secret Garden Devotional. She breaks the book down chapter by chapter and explores the various themes raised by the author, connecting them with our own lives and relationship with God. She points out so many details I would have missed otherwise, using quotations from the story and selections from scripture to guide your experience of The Secret Garden and turn it from mere pleasure reading to a further encounter with the Divine. 

And I can't forget to add that the illustrations by Anastasia Nesterova are absolutely adorable. I want an edition of The Secret Garden itself illustrated by her!

This would make a lovely gift for an older middle grade reader, a teen, or any adult who loves this beautiful story. Until tomorrow, you can get an extra 20% off if you pre-order it through this link (provided to me by the author), so it's a perfect time to order it as a Christmas gift.

Thanks so much to Rachel Dodge and the publisher for providing me an e-arc in exchange for this review.

For more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday recommendations, check out Always in the Middle!
15 Comments
Ms. Yingling link
11/14/2022 04:16:07 am

I always found The Secret Garden to be... rather disturbing. Now, of course, there's the problem of colonialism in Burnett's work. My students have no interest in the book; it seems to resonate only with lovers of older titles. Glad you enjoy it.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/14/2022 05:30:28 am

Well, I'm certainly a love of older titles, always and forever. :) But most of the children I know love this, too!
Have you read Steeped in Stories, by Mitali Perkins? I absolutely love the way she wrestled with the colonialism in Burnett's stories head-on, without dismissing the good in them. (As you're probably aware, Mitali Perkins was born in India, so she speaks from a place of actually having been hurt by a system that is so casually referred to in some of Burnett's works.) It's definitely worth a read; I found it challenged my way of thinking in the best of ways.

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Natalie Aguirre link
11/14/2022 05:00:17 am

I loved the Secret Garden as a kid. Glad you enjoyed this version of the book.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:22:16 am

Thanks, Natalie!

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Valinora Troy link
11/14/2022 08:50:09 am

I enjoyed The Secret Garden when I was a child. I loved the garden so much! I've been looking for a walled secret garden of my own ever since! While I didn't like Mary (or Colin), I think it's the strength of the book that these prickly, difficult (and very neglected) children can be reached with kindness (that's my memory of it anyway, it's been a while since I read it). The author is also showing through Mary (in a very negative way!) the attitude of the rich upper class British colonialists, who made a fortune from India, as opposed to the kindness of those who are poor. It's the same in A Little Princess - Sarah is horrible until she loses all her money and is relegated to the attic where the kindness of Becky (I think that was the maid's name) helps redeem her. From memory, there's a lot to The Secret Garden, so I can see why it has such an impact on so many. :)

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:23:20 am

I love hearing your thoughts on this, Valinora! Such good insights.

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Valinora Troy link
11/15/2022 01:23:35 pm

:) I had forgotten that the garden needs tending too. My sister reminded me it could be an analogy for the soul, hard work to root out the weeds and transform it into something beautiful. The more I think about the book, the more I feel I under-appreciated The Secret Garden! Thanks for reminding me of it!

Brenda link
11/14/2022 09:58:26 am

It's been a while since I've read Secret Garden, but from what I recall I enjoyed it. It's nice that the chapter-by-chapter explanations allowed for you to explore the themes in the book further. Happy MMGM and have a lovely week.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:24:08 am

It's really excellent, Brenda!

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Greg Pattridge link
11/14/2022 03:59:51 pm

You brought back many fond memories reading The Secret Garden when I was younger. My older sister read it first and since I wanted to do everything she was doing I grabbed it as soon as she finished. It's nice to have this companion book to deepen and connect one's faith to the story. Thanks for featuring it on MMGM.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:25:05 am

I love that story about your sister, Greg. :) I was a lot like that, too!

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carol baldwin
11/14/2022 04:55:43 pm

Thanks for featuring this book. Sounds like it would be a perfect gift for a young woman.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:25:52 am

It is, for sure!

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Sue Heavenrich link
11/14/2022 05:59:00 pm

I vaguely remember reading the Secret Garden... but now realize I'm going to need a refresher read.

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Faith Elizabeth Hough link
11/15/2022 09:26:51 am

It's worth it, for sure! I find it richer on each re-read.

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