"The Secret Garden," written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in the late 19th century, tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and unhappy child who becomes orphaned and is sent to live with her reclusive uncle at the mysterious Misselthwaite Manor. As Mary explores the manor's enchanting yet neglected gardens, including a hidden garden that has been locked away for years, she begins a journey of self-discovery, healing, and friendship.

At the beginning of the book, we meet Mary Lennox, who is left alone in a foreign land after a cholera outbreak claims her parents' lives. Sent to England to live with her uncle, Mary soon realizes she is largely forgotten and left to her own devices. The opening chapters illustrate her initial experiences with the manor, highlighting her disdain for her new environment and her feelings of loneliness. This sets the stage for her growth and the adventures that lie ahead as she uncovers the garden's hidden beauty and forms connections with others, ultimately transforming her character and outlook on life.