Reviews

The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald

sgyawriter's review against another edition

4.0

A lot more exciting than the first book, with more depth, and a more expansive plot. It's an interesting little fantasy, although it hits you over the head too much with the moral message of not being greedy and selfish. I guess that's to be expected as a Christian fantasy/allegory for children, but there are ways to tell a story like this without all the moralizing.

Also, I don't like how Curdie is presented as this perfect flawless character who can do no wrong, never makes mistakes, and always knows what to do. Because of that, there's no real suspense or risk, and no character development.

But I really did enjoy some parts of the story, and I like the "old princess" and all the symbolism surrounding her as the God-figure. It also has some nice twists at the end to make you go back and think about things, but also a disappointing, sudden, cynical ending.

pagesandstitches's review against another edition

5.0

The ending was...unexpected...but I loved the rest!

dawngarrett's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this story. Much to think about in seeing and not seeing. Probably more for moms than kids, but still an exciting story with a battle.

ljudy's review

5.0

I adore this book.

marilynfitch's review

4.0

This story convinced me that I want to continue to read more Macdonald, and left me with many things to chew and ponder. Compared to Princess and the Goblin, the overarching storyline was considerably bleaker and darker, and I wouldn’t recommend it to younger readers who may have been able to handle and enjoy Princess & the Goblin (my 5 year old, for example). I think some more maturity is required to appreciate and glean the nuggets of wisdom that Princess & Curdie has to offer, and it may leave young readers feeling confused, upset, and disenchanted. Nonetheless, a brilliant story that I enjoyed and will have my kids read when they are a tad bit older. Finally, as a big fan of “Curdie’s mother”, I was happy her name was revealed in this sequel :)

sarahkcrane's review

4.0

I really enjoyed the beauty of this story. The heroism and the deep trust of Curdie, through a lot of different challenges. The great-great-grandmother princess and the little princess as well. Falling in love with MacDonald's work for the beauty and all it speaks.

bookyjes's review

3.0

Well, I didn’t realize that this book takes place AFTER The Princess and the Goblins. So, now I need to read that one.

This was a solid story, and I enjoyed the characters and the ending. It’s crazy how long ago this wa written and still most of it is easy to follow it regardless of the years. I would recommend to fans of fantasy and YA books. I’m glad I decided to finally read some George MacDonald.

bookitwithbecca's review

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

jlemiaj's review

4.0

In 1976 my uncle gave me a copy of The Princess and the Goblin and it's been one of my favorite books throughout my life. This year, I read it, again, and finally decided to find the sequel.

Yay! It's a good book ... a bit more morality-teacherly than The Princess and the Goblin, but a lovely story.

lael96's review

4.0

Not as interesting as the first book but I definitely got the little character building hints in this one. Good book overall