Beyond the Secret Garden

In this nuanced biography, Ann Thwaite explores the life of Frances Hodgson Burnett, a writer whose journey from poverty to literary acclaim reflects her favorite theme of fortune's reversal. Born in 1849 and emigrating to Tennessee due to financial struggles, Burnett began publishing stories at a young age to support her family, eventually achieving fame with "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Despite her outward success, which included hosting literary salons and traveling between the UK and America, her life was marked by personal tragedies, complex relationships, and periods of deep depression. Thwaite presents a sympathetic yet balanced portrait of a woman whose legacy continues to enchant children across generations.