Beyond the Secret Garden: The Life of Frances Hodgson Burnett (with a Foreword by Jacqueline Wilson)

The Secret Garden is the author of Frances Hodgson Burnett. She was born in Manchester in 1849 and emigrated to Tennessee with her family due to the cotton famine. Despite her successful life, she was a complex and contradictory character, losing both parents by her twenty-first birthday, and experiencing periods of depression. Ann Thwaite creates a sympathetic but balanced and eye-opening biography of the woman who has enchanted numerous generations of children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2020
Publisher: Prelude

Frances Hodgson Burnett, the acclaimed author of "The Secret Garden," was a writer deeply influenced by the theme of reversal of fortune, having experienced both poverty and wealth in her life. Born in Manchester in 1849, she and her family were forced to emigrate to Tennessee due to the devastating effects of the cotton famine. Despite facing financial challenges from a young age, Burnett's determination and talent led her to pursue her passion for storytelling. At the age of 16, she began publishing her stories, hoping they would provide financial support for her family.

However, it was her novel "Little Lord Fauntleroy" that truly catapulted her to literary stardom. Published after her marriage, the book resonated with readers and earned her widespread acclaim. On the surface, Frances's life appeared to be a successful one. She hosted regular literary salons in her home and enjoyed frequent travels between her properties in the UK and America. She was a socialite, admired by prominent figures, and had a circle of friends. However, beneath the surface, she was a complex and contradictory character.

Burnett lost both her parents by the age of 21, a tragedy that left a profound impact on her. Henry James, a renowned writer, described her as the most heavenly of women, but he also avoided her due to her complex personality. Despite this, she garnered admiration from many prominent people and formed lasting friendships. However, her personal life was also marked by an ill-advised marriage to a much younger man, which ended in heartache.

Throughout her life, Burnett experienced periods of depression, particularly after the tragic loss of her eldest son to consumption. Despite these challenges, she continued to write and enchant numerous generations of children with her stories.

In her biography, "Frances Hodgson Burnett: A Life," author Ann Thwaite provides a sympathetic yet balanced and eye-opening portrayal of the woman who has captivated countless readers with her timeless classics. Thwaite delves into Burnett's personal and professional life, exploring her relationships, creative process, and the enduring impact of her work. Through extensive research and interviews with family members, friends, and experts, Thwaite sheds light on the complexities of Burnett's character and the forces that shaped her life and career.

One of the key themes in Thwaite's biography is Burnett's determination to overcome adversity. Despite facing personal tragedies and financial struggles, she never lost her passion for writing or her belief in the power of storytelling. Her resilience and perseverance allowed her to achieve success and leave a lasting legacy in the world of literature.

Another notable aspect of Burnett's life is her social and cultural influence. She was a prominent figure in the literary world of her time, hosting literary salons and engaging with other prominent writers and artists. Her work also reflected the social and cultural changes of the 19th century, particularly in terms of gender roles and the treatment of children.

Thwaite's biography also explores Burnett's creative process, from her early years of writing to the publication of "Little Lord Fauntleroy." She sheds light on the challenges she faced as a woman writer in a male-dominated industry, as well as the influences and inspirations that shaped her work.

Overall, "Frances Hodgson Burnett: A Life" is a comprehensive and engaging biography that provides a deeper understanding of the life and work of one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th century. Through Thwaite's meticulous research and insightful analysis, readers gain a fresh perspective on Burnett's complex character, her enduring legacy, and the impact of her stories on generations of readers.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780715654187