There are not many writers loved by different generations. Among them stands out the American storyteller Francis Burnett.
early years
Francis Eliza Hodgson was born on November 24, 1849 in Manchester (UK). When she was only three years old, her father died suddenly. The girl’s mother was with five children on the verge of ruin. In order to somehow improve her situation, she took up the affairs of her husband herself. And at first she was successful.
Francis grew up and began to study in a small private school, where she quickly found friends and the main hobby of her life is reading. Very soon, the girl realized that she could not only read other people's stories, but also invent her own. At first, the tales were told to friends who adored Francis for her imagination. And then the future writer began to fix her ideas in a notebook.
Young Francis' favorite stroll was the shady garden. The girl played in it, read books and was inspired by nature. She remembered this garden for her whole life and was immortalized in novels.
Beginning of a writing career
Despite the initial successes, the Hodgson family was getting worse. Then it was decided to use the last chance and go to where everyone was given hope for a better life, in America. In this country, Francis lived with his mother a brother who could help.
The United States at that time was not going through its best times: the country was destroyed during a long civil war. Because the Hodgson was so hard to find a job. And if the brothers could still hope for something, then there were no vacancies for the girls.
Francis decided to devote herself to what she always liked. She began to write and send her works to various magazines. It was first published in a women's edition. Then came the period of failures. To increase her chances of being published, Francis took a male pseudonym.
Life changed and became more difficult after the mother died. At 18, Francis had to take care of the family. Five years after the terrible event, the girl married Dr. Svan Burnett and took his last name. In this marriage, Francis gave birth to two sons. Dr. Burnett was his wife's literary agent and helped her conduct business. However, the marriage was not happy. It broke up in 1898.
Years of maturity
Two years later, Francis Burnett got married again. But the second marriage lasted even less - two years. In part, this happened because the writer began to live in two countries. Her home was in the USA, but she was inexorably drawn to the UK, where she spent her childhood. Francis arranged meetings with her readers on both sides of the ocean, fueled by inspiration, walking around places familiar from childhood, and reflected the beauties of Great Britain in her novels.
A little later, Francis Burnett received
US citizenship and has not left this country since. There she wrote her latest works. One of the most striking was the novel "The Vanished Prince", released in 1915. While the whole world was suffering from the First World War, at least some ray of joy and hope was needed. That was what became the novel for young and adult readers.
Frances Eliza Burnett died on October 29, 1924 in New York and was buried next to her family.
Mysterious Garden
The first parts of the novel "The Mysterious Garden" were released in 1910. And only a year later the fairy tale was fully published. Francis Burnett, whose best books were inspired by memories of England, featured in the novel the garden, the former favorite place of her childhood games.
The main character, Mary, was born and raised in India, which at that time was a colony of Great Britain. She lost her parents very early and therefore was forced to leave for England to her only relative. Only uncle was not happy to see his niece. The unsociable man forgot everything around him, reveling in his grief: some time ago he lost his wife. Mary was very lonely. She did not know how to make friends. She began to learn this in the company of her cousin Colin Craven, the servant of Martha and her brother Deacon.
On the territory of Uncle Mary's estate, she found a wonderful garden, which was long abandoned. Together with her friends, the girl set to work. But over time, it turned out that not only the garden was transformed, but also the lives of all those who worked in it.
The Little Lord Fountleroy
The prototype of the protagonist was Vivian, the youngest son of Francis Burnett. The author’s books are dedicated to children. The Little Lord Fountleroy was no exception.
Cedric lives with his mother. His father, an Englishman who immigrated to America, died when the boy was very small. The charming and independent Cedric easily found friends among adults, he talks with a shoe cleaner and a grocer. It seems to the little boy that his life is perfect. But in one day everything changes drastically.
A lawyer arrives from Great Britain who insists that Cedric go with him. It turns out that the boy’s grandfather did not have any heirs, and therefore he will have to prepare to take up his rights. Cedric has to leave his loving mother and meet the stern grandfather. In addition, the boy will have to come to terms with the mores of conservative England. Or try to change them at least within their own world.
Francis Burnett is rightfully considered one of the best writers of all time for children. Her books teach to be friends, treat the world with love and care. Because more and more generations of parents choose the tales of Francis Burnett. The author’s books are very popular for home reading with children.