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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Given everything I've read about the influence MacDonald's writing had on C.S. Lewis (and other writers), I guess I was expecting a bit more. But upon further contemplation, I suppose that foundational material can be a bit blase, if first-experienced after meeting their antecedents. I had a similar reaction to my first in-depth exposure to The Beatles. After hearing pop music for the past couple decades, The Beatles were "nothing new". Lost in this dismissal is the acknowledgement that much of the later work was directly influenced by the foundation established by the originators.
So while this novel wasn't all that revelatory for me, it was enjoyable and well-written. MacDonald creates a nice blend between fable and fiction and his characters are well voiced. I will definitely seek a further exposure to his work and re-evaluate my position.
Thanks for taking the time to read this review.
So while this novel wasn't all that revelatory for me, it was enjoyable and well-written. MacDonald creates a nice blend between fable and fiction and his characters are well voiced. I will definitely seek a further exposure to his work and re-evaluate my position.
Thanks for taking the time to read this review.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This, and its sequel The Princess and Curdie are classics of my childhood. Make sure you read an unabridge copy, as the abridgements make the books flat and drab.
George MacDonald is a master of the magical fairy-tale, and that is exactly what this is. But it is a fairy tale with more thought and depth than one can find in the Brother's Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson.
George MacDonald is a master of the magical fairy-tale, and that is exactly what this is. But it is a fairy tale with more thought and depth than one can find in the Brother's Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson.
I've read these multiple times, and every time I get something new from them which, to me, is a mark of masterful writing. The Princess and the Goblin is a coming of age story for the title character.
They are beautiful, and surprisingly deep. Both of the main characters grow and change, the titular Princess has layers and is heroic in her own right. There is a spiritual level of the books, not at all dogmatic, but in keeping with MacDonald's own spirituality. There is a purity and goodness to the book that manages to avoid being saccharine, and instead brings its own mystery and depth.
These books, while fast paced, are also not for those who get annoyed by rich descriptions and tangents. Personally, I love both of those things, so to me, they're perfect.
These books, while fast paced, are also not for those who get annoyed by rich descriptions and tangents. Personally, I love both of those things, so to me, they're perfect.
An old, yet completely new-to-me story of a lonely princess, her mysterious grandmother, her (largely) absent father, a young miner boy, and lots and lots and lots of scary goblins. (Turns out---and this isn’t giving anything away---goblins, though quite dangerous and scary, hate rhyme and have very sensitive feet).
I went into this expecting something of a fairy tale, but the story went on and on for an additional hundred pages. Lots of nice surprises, but I wish it had been a bit shorter read.
I wanted to like this book. Having heard a lot of good things about George MacDonald, I expected it to be enchanting. However, while it wasn't terrible, it also fell far short of my expectations. As I see it, the book has three major problems:
1. The two main characters. This is the most frustrating of the book's problems by far, in my opinion. The two characters, Curdie and Irene, were unreal. Irene in particular was far sweeter and more mature than any actual 8-year-old, virtually an icon of perfection. Curdie, also, was much more noble and mature than any normal boy of his age would be, though he did have an actual flaw--being too practical to believe when Irene tells him of the magical things she's experienced --which is more than can be said of Irene. The two would have been much easier to relate to, and more interesting to read about, if they hadn't been such paragons.
2. The frequent didactic asides to the reader. I realize that these are partly just due to the style of the book, as fairy tales can get away with being more openly didactic than other forms of story, and that this story was clearly written for children and the author wanted to give them a good example. However, these asides often crossed the line and made me feel as if MacDonald was talking down to me. They had the additional effect of making the characters even harder to relate to, as Irene and Curdie would often be held up as models of behavior for children.
3. The plotting. This is probably the least frustrating of the three problems, as it is mostly pretty decent, with some events towards the middle and end of the book getting pretty suspenseful. However, I felt that the story was much too easy for Irene and Curdie. They encountered no problems that were not fairly easily overcome. The most glaring issue was at the end, whenit was thought that Irene had been kidnapped by goblins, but it actually turned out that she had been guided by her magical grandmother to take shelter with Curdie's mother . That was a huge disappointment, as it just deflated all the tension from the climax without giving any satisfaction whatsoever, or even allowing either of the main characters to do important things.
So, while I did enjoy many aspects of the book, and while it did have a genuinely magical air in parts, and a number of good ideas, I can't give it more than two stars. I would not reread it, but I would love to someday see a retold version that corrected those flaws.
1. The two main characters. This is the most frustrating of the book's problems by far, in my opinion. The two characters, Curdie and Irene, were unreal. Irene in particular was far sweeter and more mature than any actual 8-year-old, virtually an icon of perfection. Curdie, also, was much more noble and mature than any normal boy of his age would be, though he did have an actual flaw--
2. The frequent didactic asides to the reader. I realize that these are partly just due to the style of the book, as fairy tales can get away with being more openly didactic than other forms of story, and that this story was clearly written for children and the author wanted to give them a good example. However, these asides often crossed the line and made me feel as if MacDonald was talking down to me. They had the additional effect of making the characters even harder to relate to, as Irene and Curdie would often be held up as models of behavior for children.
3. The plotting. This is probably the least frustrating of the three problems, as it is mostly pretty decent, with some events towards the middle and end of the book getting pretty suspenseful. However, I felt that the story was much too easy for Irene and Curdie. They encountered no problems that were not fairly easily overcome. The most glaring issue was at the end, when
So, while I did enjoy many aspects of the book, and while it did have a genuinely magical air in parts, and a number of good ideas, I can't give it more than two stars. I would not reread it, but I would love to someday see a retold version that corrected those flaws.
"It was foolish indeed—thus to run farther and farther from all who could help her, as if she had been seeking a fit spot for the goblin creature to eat her in his leisure; but that is the way fear serves us: it always sides with the thing we are afraid of."
The Princess and the Goblin is a classic children's fairy-tale. I really enjoyed this one. Princess Irene makes friends with a Miner boy named Curdie, when he protects her and her nurse from being attacked by goblins. Curdie discovers the Goblin's plot to kidnap Princess Irene and force her to marry the Goblin Prince. Soon afterwards, he is in need of rescuing, and he and Irene's friendship is put to the test. I could have done without the narrator's interruptions, and the poetry sections were sub-par, especially when we are to believe that poetry is a weapon against the Goblins. Other than those few qualms, I think it's a wonderful tale, full of magic, with a classic good vs evil plot. On a deeper level, it's about facing your fears and standing up for the truth even when no one else believes you.
CAWPILE Rating:
C- 7
A- 8
W- 5
P- 6
I- 8
L- 6
E- 8
Avg= 6.8= ⭐⭐⭐
#backtotheclassics (19th Century Classic)
The Princess and the Goblin is a classic children's fairy-tale. I really enjoyed this one. Princess Irene makes friends with a Miner boy named Curdie, when he protects her and her nurse from being attacked by goblins. Curdie discovers the Goblin's plot to kidnap Princess Irene and force her to marry the Goblin Prince. Soon afterwards, he is in need of rescuing, and he and Irene's friendship is put to the test. I could have done without the narrator's interruptions, and the poetry sections were sub-par, especially when we are to believe that poetry is a weapon against the Goblins. Other than those few qualms, I think it's a wonderful tale, full of magic, with a classic good vs evil plot. On a deeper level, it's about facing your fears and standing up for the truth even when no one else believes you.
CAWPILE Rating:
C- 7
A- 8
W- 5
P- 6
I- 8
L- 6
E- 8
Avg= 6.8= ⭐⭐⭐
#backtotheclassics (19th Century Classic)
This is a rare children's classic that I didn't read as a child. I distinctly remember checking it out from the library, but I also remember not finishing it. And now that I have read it (or, more accurately, listened to it), I know why. When I was a kid, I hated books that talked down to children. And MacDonald constantly says things like, "Good little children do this." I realize now that was a common thing for the times, but my eight-year-old self would have just felt insulted and frustrated. That aside, it was fun. I liked that, at one point, the princess rescues the little boy. But Irene was a bit docile and sweet for my tastes. Oh, well. It's a product of its time, I suppose.
While exploring her great house eight-year old Princess Irene gets lost; in attempting to retrace her steps she comes across a beautiful old woman who is spinning. The woman tells her that she’s Irene’s great-great-grandmother, and that her name is also Irene. She shows the princess the way to return safely to her room. But when she returns to it she gets a scolding from her irate nurse who accuses her of hiding and then making up a story about some old woman living in the attic.
The reverend MacDonald’s 1872 allegorical fairy tale of faith in a nurturing being that is not visible to everyone is very well read by Heldman whose sweet narration brings across the reassuring elements of the story. The voices that she uses for Princess Irene and the young miner Cudie are especially effective
The reverend MacDonald’s 1872 allegorical fairy tale of faith in a nurturing being that is not visible to everyone is very well read by Heldman whose sweet narration brings across the reassuring elements of the story. The voices that she uses for Princess Irene and the young miner Cudie are especially effective
Plot:
I vaguely remember the cartoon adaptation I loved growing up and hadn't realized it was a book first until recently. The story itself was cute and easy enough to follow. It felt very much like a mix between a fantasy, adventure, and fairy tale.
Setting:
The setting was easy to imagine for the most part. I found the grandmother's rooms to be the most interesting place but the author did a lovely job describing the mines as well.
Characters:
I liked Princess Irene. She was a good kid but also brave, curious, and at times a bit sassy. She sounded a bit older than she was at times but I guess that could be due to the world she lives in. I did like her excitement whenever her papa-king would come home and also how easily she forgave Lootie. Her hurt at not being believed was realistic.
Curdie was also likable, brave, intelligent, but could also be a bit stubborn. But he, like the princess, was also quick to make amends as well. I liked that he risked his life in an attempt to figure out what the goblins were up to.
Lootie was realistic as a nurse/nanny and I enjoyed her character as well.
The grandmother was kind but didn't really grow on me as a character. Her presence and why it is only shown to certain people is never explained but she came across as a sort of guardian angel.
There wasn't a lot of development regarding the goblins, though I did like the note toward the end about some of them changing their ways. I did really enjoy the queen, who was funny. Every time she got angry I inwardly laughed at her.
Relationships:
I liked the budding friendship between Princess Irene and Curdie, as well as the caregiver relationship between Lootie and the princess. The few scenes reuniting the king with his daughter were also sweet though I wish more had been said about her mother.I am assuming that she's dead or close to it... .
Writing/Voice:
The writing was a little hard to get into at times as MacDonald writes in a way I haven't seen. Sometimes I would have to read sentences again because they felt ill formed. At times he butts into the narrative much like Goldman did in The Princess Bride, which I wasn't a huge fan of but he also wasn't quite as annoying about it as Goldman at least. The story comes across as dated but also very much like an old fairytale.
Ending:
The story wrapped up well enough but I didn't like that the fate of the princess and Curdie was so abruptly ended and told I'd have to read their story in another book. Bah.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I'm not sure it's something I would re-read, except perhaps to children, but I am interested in reading the sequel and re-watching the adaptation. I'm glad I gave this classic a chance and can see how it inspired other fantasy writers like C.S. Lewis. 3.5 stars.
I vaguely remember the cartoon adaptation I loved growing up and hadn't realized it was a book first until recently. The story itself was cute and easy enough to follow. It felt very much like a mix between a fantasy, adventure, and fairy tale.
Setting:
The setting was easy to imagine for the most part. I found the grandmother's rooms to be the most interesting place but the author did a lovely job describing the mines as well.
Characters:
I liked Princess Irene. She was a good kid but also brave, curious, and at times a bit sassy. She sounded a bit older than she was at times but I guess that could be due to the world she lives in. I did like her excitement whenever her papa-king would come home and also how easily she forgave Lootie. Her hurt at not being believed was realistic.
Curdie was also likable, brave, intelligent, but could also be a bit stubborn. But he, like the princess, was also quick to make amends as well. I liked that he risked his life in an attempt to figure out what the goblins were up to.
Lootie was realistic as a nurse/nanny and I enjoyed her character as well.
The grandmother was kind but didn't really grow on me as a character. Her presence and why it is only shown to certain people is never explained but she came across as a sort of guardian angel.
There wasn't a lot of development regarding the goblins, though I did like the note toward the end about some of them changing their ways. I did really enjoy the queen, who was funny. Every time she got angry I inwardly laughed at her.
Relationships:
I liked the budding friendship between Princess Irene and Curdie, as well as the caregiver relationship between Lootie and the princess. The few scenes reuniting the king with his daughter were also sweet though I wish more had been said about her mother.
Writing/Voice:
The writing was a little hard to get into at times as MacDonald writes in a way I haven't seen. Sometimes I would have to read sentences again because they felt ill formed. At times he butts into the narrative much like Goldman did in The Princess Bride, which I wasn't a huge fan of but he also wasn't quite as annoying about it as Goldman at least. The story comes across as dated but also very much like an old fairytale.
Ending:
The story wrapped up well enough but I didn't like that the fate of the princess and Curdie was so abruptly ended and told I'd have to read their story in another book. Bah.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I'm not sure it's something I would re-read, except perhaps to children, but I am interested in reading the sequel and re-watching the adaptation. I'm glad I gave this classic a chance and can see how it inspired other fantasy writers like C.S. Lewis. 3.5 stars.