A review by coolhand773
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

3.0

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.