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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
One of my favourites from when I was a little girl (very Little Women vibes for me, both then and now), although I feel maybe it’s one of those pieces of literature that you can’t fully appreciate as an adult unless you had a connection to it as a child. Still has to be one of my favourite stories.
This was the sort of book that is best left to the loveliness of childhood. I did enjoy the reread, but it really showed a narrative simplicity. Feels more like a kid tripping out on imagination than an actual semi-fantasy novel now.
I can see why I would have loved it when I first read it. But I really does not stand up to a adult audience.
I can see why I would have loved it when I first read it. But I really does not stand up to a adult audience.
Full review taken from here: https://lilypadblogs.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/review-the-little-white-horse-elizabeth-goudge/
Oh, the nostalgia. Oh, the love I have for this book.
Having misplaced my well-worn paperback years ago, I decided this year to buy another copy and give this children’s classic a reread. I’m so pleased that I did. Details that I remembered from reading the book as a child were made even more vivid; Goudge’s knack for lovely description is so clear in this tale, as is her genuine skill at making a children’s book simple in style but engaging for all ages. Honestly, I don’t care if you’re seven or seventy – if you read this book, I dare you not to find an easy joy in doing so.
Granted, an adult mind might spot a few loose ends and a few obviously contrived endings – but then we must remember that this book is not meant to be complex, and that it is a children’s tale. The Little White Horse is a fantastic first foray into fantasy for any child – it certainly has its fair share of the ethereal – but there are also elements of everyday life and everyday struggles that will charm children and act as a nod to those of us who are older.
At the end of the day, this is a biased review. And I’m not apologising for it. I love this book too much to tear it down for being ‘childish’ or ‘twee’. I honestly believe that it’s a lost classic that needs to be brought back to children; I know my children will certainly be introduced to it. And if they love it?
My job will be done.
Oh, the nostalgia. Oh, the love I have for this book.
Having misplaced my well-worn paperback years ago, I decided this year to buy another copy and give this children’s classic a reread. I’m so pleased that I did. Details that I remembered from reading the book as a child were made even more vivid; Goudge’s knack for lovely description is so clear in this tale, as is her genuine skill at making a children’s book simple in style but engaging for all ages. Honestly, I don’t care if you’re seven or seventy – if you read this book, I dare you not to find an easy joy in doing so.
Granted, an adult mind might spot a few loose ends and a few obviously contrived endings – but then we must remember that this book is not meant to be complex, and that it is a children’s tale. The Little White Horse is a fantastic first foray into fantasy for any child – it certainly has its fair share of the ethereal – but there are also elements of everyday life and everyday struggles that will charm children and act as a nod to those of us who are older.
At the end of the day, this is a biased review. And I’m not apologising for it. I love this book too much to tear it down for being ‘childish’ or ‘twee’. I honestly believe that it’s a lost classic that needs to be brought back to children; I know my children will certainly be introduced to it. And if they love it?
My job will be done.
adventurous
relaxing
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a story. There were things that I was a big fan of and things that... Very not. I loved the lore, the world building, the legend of the Merryweather's. The opening and the description of moonacre and silverydew really tug at my heartstrings and it seems like a place I would love to start anew, even if, at times, it seemed too perfect.
Now for the bad. The 1940's misogyny runs rampant in this story. My favorite quote:
"Sir Benjamin and Digweed did not offer to accompany them either, for the little pony carriage was altogether too feminine a turnout for their masculine dignity'"
No wonder JK Rowling is quoted to love this book on the cover.
Also Maria at one point literally litters and while Wrolf takes it away she's like "no it has to be hidden I hate littering" lmao wtf Maria.
Now for the bad. The 1940's misogyny runs rampant in this story. My favorite quote:
"Sir Benjamin and Digweed did not offer to accompany them either, for the little pony carriage was altogether too feminine a turnout for their masculine dignity'"
No wonder JK Rowling is quoted to love this book on the cover.
Also Maria at one point literally litters and while Wrolf takes it away she's like "no it has to be hidden I hate littering" lmao wtf Maria.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
J. K. Rowling said this was her favorite book, so I read it and it's a great story. Not earth shattering, but it's a great little book. I would recommend it.
I don't remember ever buying this book, or being given it, I just remember how much I loved it. If you like imagery and fairytales, this book is for you. It is the most beautiful setting, and the plot is gorgeous. My favourite part, though, is the way it lets you imagine everything that is going on, through the careful choice of words.
This really is a must read book, for all Disney lovers
This really is a must read book, for all Disney lovers
This book is magic. I read it because it had J.K. Rowling's stamp of approval right on its cover, and now it has mine! Though that doesn't matter nearly as much. Or at all.
