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shebephoebe's review against another edition
3.5
Splendidly vivid and enthralling, a little bit saccharine, and...uh. Very Victorian. Didn't like the ending, I'll be honest, though I wasn't exactly surprised.
lydiawallis's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
livhamlin's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hidingincorners's review against another edition
3.0
***SPOILERS***
I did enjoy this book, though not so much as MacDonald's other books. And I knew, I just knew that he was going to kill Diamond off. I hate that. Why can't authors let the little angelic, God-touched children enter adulthood? I know they're too-good-for-this-world but that's all the more reason for them to STAY IN IT.
I did enjoy this book, though not so much as MacDonald's other books. And I knew, I just knew that he was going to kill Diamond off. I hate that. Why can't authors let the little angelic, God-touched children enter adulthood? I know they're too-good-for-this-world but that's all the more reason for them to STAY IN IT.
lanceschaubert's review against another edition
5.0
If I ever had any doubts that Lewis and Chesterton pull from MacDonald, this book eradicated them.
The North Wind, as we know, can be a terribly destructive force. But to get around back of her and see things from her perspective, to be spared the force of her fury long enough to see the grace of her gaze, to know the joy of riding her and the honor of her invitation to do so – these things make the suffering in this world sharable. And it is burden-sharing that makes life sweet.
The North Wind, as we know, can be a terribly destructive force. But to get around back of her and see things from her perspective, to be spared the force of her fury long enough to see the grace of her gaze, to know the joy of riding her and the honor of her invitation to do so – these things make the suffering in this world sharable. And it is burden-sharing that makes life sweet.
brandifox's review against another edition
What a strange, haunting, little book. I’m not sure what to think or feel about it - but I know I shall think and feel about it for some time.
wkmcconnell's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE George MacDonald!! When I was a little girl and reading everything I could get my hands on, the librarian for my tiny church library 'adopted' me as her favorite, and fed me so many amazing books. What I especially love about writers like CS Lewis and MacDonald is the way that they weave deep theological statements into children's literature, so that even from an early age kids are learning about faith, and hope, and what it means to be a good person. You can never grow too old for stories like this!
enolas's review against another edition
5.0
Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me
The Carriage held but just Ourselves
And Immortality
He kindly stopped for me
The Carriage held but just Ourselves
And Immortality
rschmidt7's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful children's story
This fairytale by MacDonald is a wonderful (in the real sense of the word) story for children, though much of it may go over their heads.
MacDonald mixes metaphysics with childishness, and the result is absolutely spellbinding. The character of Diamond is so loveable. However, the middle of the tale drags a little, and could have been shortened up. The ending more than makes up for this, though.
In the end you will be left with a quite beautiful heartache, in the best way. If you enjoy fairytales and old children's stories, you will enjoy this.
This fairytale by MacDonald is a wonderful (in the real sense of the word) story for children, though much of it may go over their heads.
MacDonald mixes metaphysics with childishness, and the result is absolutely spellbinding. The character of Diamond is so loveable. However, the middle of the tale drags a little, and could have been shortened up. The ending more than makes up for this, though.
In the end you will be left with a quite beautiful heartache, in the best way. If you enjoy fairytales and old children's stories, you will enjoy this.
kaaleppii's review against another edition
5.0
I suspect Lewis got some of his inspiration for Narnia from this book. If the Lord blesses me with children, I will be reading this to them. Even for an adult, it puts the longing for heaven in one’s heart and imagination.