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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I remember being confused that this book wasn’t JUST about the little white horse which is all I cared about
This is a book that revels, without shame, in the star-dusted dreams of young girls. It is pure wish fulfilment in the most delightful and honest of ways and does not pretend to be anything else. Miss Goudge's beautiful prose is descriptive in infinite detail. Each time you enter a room or meet a character or enjoy a meal it is explained in full; down to the colour of the napkins or the pattern of the curtains. She creates a world that is both welcoming and comforting, with an edge of danger and past mistakes that form a backdrop, like a shadow, making the beauty of Moonacre seem brighter.
Some may find the Christian themes of the book rather strong, or old fashioned, but they come at one less aggressively on rereading and are mostly inoffensive and gentle. I personally, never liked the Old Parson much, but as I love all the other characters I am willing to forgive him.
Since I first read this book I have visited Compton Castle in Devon, which is believed to have been the inspiration for Moonacre Manor. It truly shares the spirit, if not the exact layout, being the most lovely and cosy Castle I have yet seen. If you would like to find the Well it is out in the narrow alley that runs between the kitchen and the orchard, and is to this day, filled with ferns.
If you are able to, it is worth purchasing the collectors edition of this book, which has the wonderful illustrations of C. Walter Hodges including the colour plates and the maps. It makes for a doubly beautiful experience to read.
There has also been made a film of the book in 2008, under the title 'The Secret of Moonacre.' Although aesthetically lovely, it was poorly written and greatly changed from the book. I do not recommend it other than to look at the pretty costumes and sets.
Some may find the Christian themes of the book rather strong, or old fashioned, but they come at one less aggressively on rereading and are mostly inoffensive and gentle. I personally, never liked the Old Parson much, but as I love all the other characters I am willing to forgive him.
Since I first read this book I have visited Compton Castle in Devon, which is believed to have been the inspiration for Moonacre Manor. It truly shares the spirit, if not the exact layout, being the most lovely and cosy Castle I have yet seen. If you would like to find the Well it is out in the narrow alley that runs between the kitchen and the orchard, and is to this day, filled with ferns.
If you are able to, it is worth purchasing the collectors edition of this book, which has the wonderful illustrations of C. Walter Hodges including the colour plates and the maps. It makes for a doubly beautiful experience to read.
There has also been made a film of the book in 2008, under the title 'The Secret of Moonacre.' Although aesthetically lovely, it was poorly written and greatly changed from the book. I do not recommend it other than to look at the pretty costumes and sets.
A story set in Victorian England with an orphan who moves to her uncles house. Her uncle is a man who is deeply involved in the local myths and legends and accepts them without question. Many years ago there was a conflict between his ancestors and the ancestors of the Dark Men and this has continued to this day, legend says that there will come a moon princess who will cure this rancor and allow all the people in the area to live together in harmony.
There are moments where this is quite a fun read but there are also moments that seemed to be a little too full of "look, here, allegory". Still not a bad read and I'm glad I picked it up.
There are moments where this is quite a fun read but there are also moments that seemed to be a little too full of "look, here, allegory". Still not a bad read and I'm glad I picked it up.
I’m a huge Goudge fan, but hadn’t actually read this one before. It’s odd because it’s clearly fantasy, and yet it’s also so very clearly Goudge–her voice, her descriptions, her concerns. I don’t think it’ll ever be my favorite of her younger books (Smoky House, for the record) but I did enjoy it a lot. [Apr. 2011]
This is one of my favourite books. Pure comfort, like eating warm French baguette, it is addicting. Now, this is an old book, and one has to know this before hand, for the style can take some getting used too. Still, it has a fun heroine, and a wonderful setting. I love descriptions in this book. The way food, rooms, landscape are described are detailed and engaging. My mouth has watered on more than one occasion. I encourage everyone to read this book and enjoy.
Reread 2015: This time around, the ending was so satisfying and I noticed the feasts that take place in the last chapter. Wow.
Reread 2020: what is with men marrying their pseudo daughters?? I’m tired. ok the times. But also gross. Yes I am talking about Loveday and Sir Benjamin. Gender politics are just such shit in these books.
I still fucking love this book though. All the descriptions of the valley and the food and house m. Everything is just so comforting and wonderful. I also love Maria so much. Screw the talk of her temper and curiosity. They are great.
Reread 2015: This time around, the ending was so satisfying and I noticed the feasts that take place in the last chapter. Wow.
Reread 2020: what is with men marrying their pseudo daughters?? I’m tired. ok the times. But also gross. Yes I am talking about Loveday and Sir Benjamin. Gender politics are just such shit in these books.
I still fucking love this book though. All the descriptions of the valley and the food and house m. Everything is just so comforting and wonderful. I also love Maria so much. Screw the talk of her temper and curiosity. They are great.
I was obsessed with this book when I was 8 after discovering a neglected copy in my elementary school library. It hadn't been checked out in years, but I fell in love with it on the first read and filled the old-school paper check out slip with my name over the next couple of years. I asked and asked for my own copy, and my father was a frequent shopper at all of the used bookstores for miles around so it seemed reasonable. But it had been out of print for so long that my parents' best efforts failed until it was reprinted again in 1992. I'm pleased to see it's been reprinted several more times since.
My hot-off-the-press paperback copy will never be quite the same as the ancient, hardbound, image-less copy I read so many times, but I'm quite glad to have it so that I can go back and re-read it every so often. Prior to yesterday, I'd last read it about five years ago. I still getting something new out of it every time, in addition to the good old things I remember. It's like getting reacquainted with the best kind of old friend.
I just learned from skimming other Goodreads reviews that apparently J.K. Rowling lists it as one of her childhood favorites. Huh.
My hot-off-the-press paperback copy will never be quite the same as the ancient, hardbound, image-less copy I read so many times, but I'm quite glad to have it so that I can go back and re-read it every so often. Prior to yesterday, I'd last read it about five years ago. I still getting something new out of it every time, in addition to the good old things I remember. It's like getting reacquainted with the best kind of old friend.
I just learned from skimming other Goodreads reviews that apparently J.K. Rowling lists it as one of her childhood favorites. Huh.
This is a childhood favorite of mine. I was bothered by the gender stuff this on my latest read. The female main character has agency and generally awesome but the book keeps going on about how "female curiosity" is bad. However I still love all the domestic details especially the food. Also all the animals.
I first became interested in this book after I watched The Secret of Moonacre. I saw it was based on a book and, seeing as the movie was decent, I was curious.
As is almost always the case -- Book trumped Movie
Hard.
The Little White Horse is a pleasant little foray into fantasy-land that while I enjoyed, but won't be reading again. It was all-in-all an enjoyable read, but nothing terribly memorable.
As is almost always the case -- Book trumped Movie
Hard.
The Little White Horse is a pleasant little foray into fantasy-land that while I enjoyed, but won't be reading again. It was all-in-all an enjoyable read, but nothing terribly memorable.
fast-paced