Read This Book…

Mary Craven is not a pleasant girl, but then again, her life hasn’t exactly been very pleasant despite her many privileges. Growing up unloved, unwanted, ignored, and friendless in turn-of-the-century Toronto, she spends most of her days in sullen silence. When her parents are tragically killed in an accident, her life changes forever when she’s sent to live in her uncle’s manor on the Georgian Bay. Everyone says there’s no one there but Indians and wilderness, and Mary believes that at first…but then she meets Flora, the young Métis woman employed by her uncle. Flora shows her kindness for the first time and opens her eyes to the beauty of nature and the breathtaking wonder of the Georgian Bay. And soon, Mary discovers a secret garden on the property and then a sickly cousin she never knew she had stashed in the attic. These discoveries make her feel a fierce love she’s never experienced before…but when her uncle’s new wife returns, everything and everyone that Mary now cares for could be in jeopardy.

I have to admit, The Secret Garden isn’t my most favorite of classics, but I loved this retelling. I loved that Cherie Dimaline, a Métis author, was able to take a classic story that is steeped in colonialism and give it her own twist—one where the Métis characters are portrayed respectfully and honestly, and the colonialism is confronted and talked about. I also really loved the setting of the Georgian Bay at the turn of the century and the descriptions of nature and the ways of living that persist even as white settlers encroach upon the land. There is such love and respect for the setting; it really came alive. Mary’s emotional journey was really lovely to read as well. Like in the original, Mary is quite contrary and bitter, and she echoes some of the more racist thoughts and opinions held by the white people around her. If you’re the type of reader who gets secondhand embarrassment when characters in books say or do awful or embarrassing things, this book is going to make you cringe! But Flora recognizes that Mary’s life has been small and without a lot of love, and while she refuses to take Mary’s abuse, she also gently opens Mary’s eyes, and Mary does the work to examine her own biases. Her friendship with her cousin Olive, who has been similarly lonely and mistreated, also helps as Olive is part Métis, and the girls form a really lovely bond. Mary also has a queer awakening when she meets Flora’s younger sister, which is a relationship that is so sweetly romantic that you can’t help but root for them. The challenges they face feel very real and immediate, but I loved how they came together to fight for their found family and their home.

I inhaled the audiobook in a span of about 24 hours. It was narrated by Brenfy Caribou, and I highly recommend the production if you read via audiobook! But either way, don’t miss this inclusive and thought-provoking classic retelling!