Cover Image: The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This was a sweet graphic novel that is a great adaptation of the well-loved classic, the secret garden. It’s not the complete story just yet and I hope the author gets the chance to have the second volume translated for a wider audience. I would highly suggest this to anyone who wants to see depiction of a classic book that stands true to the heart and the story between Mary, her uncle, and some other new companions in the mansion she now lives in with beautiful images of the characters, their emotions, and the whimsical world they see themselves in. Overall, a great read.

Thank you Europe Comics and Netgalley for providing me an eARC of The Secret Garden in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. This graphic novel is an adaptation of the classic novel. The art was compelling and it was faithful to the original story. This graphic novel can help bring the beloved story to a new generation of readers.

Was this review helpful?

Apparently this summer was, to a great extent, spent with old favourites - and this story is definitely one of those. This particular version was definitely well-executed, but yet again I appear to have preferred the original version...

Was this review helpful?

The Secret Garden follows the story of a young girl who loses her entire life and family to cholera, she is shipped off to her uncle's house where she goes from having servants doing everything for her in bright & colorful India to the drab & gray moor of England where she must learn to do everything for herself. During her stay she befriends a robin who leads her to a secret garden that has been closed off for ten years following the death of her aunt.

I've never read the actual story of the secret garden in the novel format and I only have vague recollections of the movie, but I will say that this graphic novel enticed me to want to pick up the actual book.

I love the way the author and illustrator brought this narrative to life within these pages. The artwork is beautiful, particularly whenever the characters talk about flowers. I only wish this had been the whole story rather than just part one. I would love more of this graphic novel!

Was this review helpful?

The second interpretation of The Secret Garden of Frances Hodges Burnett, and this one is closer to the real story, where little Mary was orphaned in India, brought back to UK to live with her uncle. The book is only the first part, but beautifully drawn and the author made effort to change the characters' mimic so readers will enjoyed it more. I can't wait for the second part!!

Was this review helpful?

First of all, thank netgalley for providing me with this graphic novel of the secret garden, secondly, this is the second graphic novel that I read of this story and so far I have liked it more, it is more complete, the drawing is much better for my taste at less, and catches more with the story, since it is not so summarized.
For me it is a good way to introduce readers to this classic, both for adults and children.

I give it 4 stars out of 5

Was this review helpful?

A story to which I always come back with great pleasure. Even though there were slight changes to adapt the story to the graphic novel format, it retained all its charm. Loved the artwork, especially the backgrounds, and the use of colour.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this expired before I could get to it. I apologise for that. If made available in the future please email me.

Was this review helpful?

A gorgeous adaptation, both in how the story changed to fit the graphic format, and the art, which is evocative, emotional, and engaging. I was heartbroken to get to the end of this part and realize that there wasn't any more for now. Can't wait for the second part, even though I already know the story well.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this graphic novel version of the classic children's book, The Secret Garden. The artwork is lovely, though some of the main character's facial expressions were off-putting. She seemed brattier in this version than in the original book.

Was this review helpful?

I have never read The Secret Garden but I am familiar with the story. This was a striking depiction and a beautiful adaptation! I am excited to read the next part.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not typically a fan of comic strip books but when combined with a classic like The Secret Garden, I couldn’t resist a read! It was worth my time, I enjoyed it. The illustrations are good, as is the use of colour and facial expressions. It’s a book I enjoyed taking my time with, to appreciate these illustrations. The story line was as expected, it held my attention.

Was this review helpful?

Já conhecia outras adaptações do livro de Frances Hodgson Burnett’s e este é mais um que consegue ser doce e encantador em sua adaptação.

______________________________

I was familiar with other adaptations of Frances Hodgson Burnett's book and this is another one that manages to be sweet and charming in its adaptation.

Was this review helpful?

I can’t help myself. You produce an adaptation of The Secret Garden, one of my favourite childhood books and movies, and I’ll be there for it. Even though this is only Part One, I had to read this graphic novel.

Mostly staying true to the story I know and love but also taking a bit of license here and there, this is the adaptation where cholera isn’t the distant concern it was to me as a child. No, this cholera is personified and sending out some creepy vibes.

Mistress Mary, quite contrary gave me an unintended giggle when she sconed herself on a table. [For those of you who don’t live in Australia, to scone yourself is to hit your head. I don’t know if people still say this but it was a phrase from my childhood and as you can probably guess, having the opportunity to relive a childhood favourite has had the effect of regressing me just a tad.] I remember running under my Nan’s dining room table, not realising I’d grown since the last time I’d done it and sconed myself. Good times.

I loved Mary’s death stare but didn’t love her saying to Mrs Medlock, “I have no interest in your old crap”. We’re still in 1910 here and no matter how surly Mary is, I’m certain that word is not part of her vocabulary.

The colour palette changes with the seasons and, of course, Mary’s mood. Mary gets pretty chipper a lot earlier in the story than I remember and her loneliness and isolation are less pointed here.

It was frustrating finishing this story partway through and, given this graphic novel was less than 100 pages, I wondered why it had to be split in two in the first place. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the garden looks like in full bloom so will be continuing this blast from my past.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this comic book. I'd love to have the sequel in my hands now.
We follow the story of Mary, who suddenly finds herself an orphan and in England after living in India. At first I thought Mary was orphaned too quickly. I didn't quite understand how in one day she fell asleep and suddenly everyone is dead and two guards come. But anyway.
Mary goes to live in England with her uncle but again, she's pretty much on her own. At least at first. Little by little she blossoms, especially thanks to her famous secret garden. Mary is a very touching and endearing character. I can't wait to follow the rest of her adventures. The other characters are very nice and I would love to know more about Mary and her uncle. Moreover, the drawings are superb, colorful as we like.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging character and a poetic story.
5/5

Was this review helpful?

This is a graphic novel retelling of The Secret Garden but told in two parts. I really liked the artwork for this retelling and would like to read the next part, even though I already know what the story will be like. This is just a fun book to read when you reminisce about your childhood and if you love The Secret Garden and will read every retelling of it. This is basically an exact retelling so there’s nothing really new to the story except the artwork.

Was this review helpful?

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

The Secret Garden script & art by Maud Begon was a delight. Many children's classics are easy to consume in all their forms, and this story is no exception. There's something so refreshing about seeing a familiar story told through pictures as well as words, and I just loved every minute of it. My only sadness is that this is only the first half of the story. I'm so looking forward to the next half!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Europe Comics for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. I thought this book was pretty enjoyable. The graphics and illustrations were good and the book stayed true to the original story for the most part. I would definitely read the second part. My only complaint is that I thought it was a bit boring at times. Still, I enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

You know the tale: it’s India, 1910, and cholera kills Mary’s entire family. Hiding in the nursery, she alone is spared...

Maud Begon has done a marvellous job adapting Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911-classic to the graphic novel format. She’s faithful to the story, incorporates original dialogue, and well captures Mary as the ghasty, petulant horror who blossoms with exercise, fresh air, and a garden to care for.

Martha is as much a delight here as in the original. Dickon: well, he’s still as wholesome as Burnett created; in Begon’s illustrations he looks a little like a leprechaun - perhaps channelling that unreal goodness. I especially liked how the artwork escapes to the garden during Mary and Colin’s first bedside encounter.

The Secret Garden: Part One runs 95 pages, ending with Mary meeting Colin, and the two discussing the importance of secrets… The two-part form is infuriating! Argh: the wait! I enjoyed Begon’s adaptation enormously and am impatient to see how she renders the second half.

Lovely illustrations, snappy dialogue, even pacing: it’s a treat to see The Secret Garden in this format.

Was this review helpful?

This is a good adaptation of The Secret Garden and I can see it circing well in my library. The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books and I'm glad to see it in this format!

Was this review helpful?