The book opens by introducing Mary Lennox, a sour and disagreeable 9-year-old girl. She lives in India with her father, a British statesman, and her mother, a self-absorbed woman who frequently is out at parties and socializing. Mary has been mostly raised by her Indian servant named Ayah. Ayah and the other servants are extremely docile and will indulge Mary’s every whim, which has led her to become a very spoiled little girl who expects others to do everything for her.

One day, there is news of a cholera outbreak and Mary finds out abruptly that her nurse Ayah has died. She does’t feel much sadness and goes to take a nap. Later she is found by a police officer who tells her that both her parents have also perished from the disease. As a result, Mary is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, at his huge estate in Yorkshire, England. The estate is called Misselthwaite Manor.

Mary journeys to England by boat and is met by Mr. Craven’s housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. Mary continues behave very disagreeably, feeling a reluctance to move to this unknown place. In the car ride to the manor, Mary is informed by Mrs. Medlock about her uncle’s reclusive behavior. Mr. Craven has become somewhat of a hermit after losing his beloved wife 10 years prior. When they arrive at the mansion, Mary is sent straight to her new room and meets her servant, Martha Sowerby.