The Little White Horse

Rating:
Summary: enchanting old-fashioned fairy tale
Review: I read this book based on J.K. Rowling's statement that it was her favorite book as a child, and it's easy to see why she loved it. I wish I had known of it when I was a child. An allegory, a fairy tale and a morality play all rolled into one, this delightful story should entertain adult readers and enchant the younger set, though it may be too very sweet for older kids.

As Goudge's The Little White Horse opens, Maria Merryweather is travelling toward her destiny, though she does not yet know this. Suddenly an impoverished orphan, she is travelling to Moonacre Manor, the home of a mysterious relative, in the company of her caretaker Miss Heliotrope and her little dog Wiggins. The story of Maria's adventures is fanciful and charming and populated by magical characters living in an enchanted place. Maria learns that people and stories are usually more than first impressions suggest, that even virtuous people have faults and even wicked people have goodness, that one can learn from previous mistakes ?- one?s own and others? ?- and make a better decision next time. All problems are resolved at the end, all loose ends tied neatly. First published in 1946, the voice here hints at modern narrative awareness of itself, but Is never cynical.

A drawing of Moonacre Manor is here, and chapters are short enough to make this a great read-aloud novel.

Rating:
Summary: "In every fairy tale there is a kernel of truth."
Review: When Maria Merryweather is suddenly orphaned, she has no choice but to move to her new guardian's home, Moonacre Manor. Maria is accompanied by her ever-faithful governess, Miss Heliotrope, and the virtueless King Charles Spaniel, Wiggins. Maria's guardian, Sir Benjamin makes Maria and her governess feel very welcome in the vast house in spite of the fact that "no female had darkened" the place for more than twenty years.

Maria quickly learns that her ancestor, Sir Wrolf, made some terrible mistakes which have ramifications for the residents of Moonacre Manor. It is apparent that Maria is the only person who can correct the past, and she does so with gusto. Aided and abetted by Serena the Rabbit, Wrolf the dog, and Zachariah the cat, Maria solves the mysteries of the past.

I read this book years ago as a child, and it is still a delightful read many years later. I do think, however, that it primarily a girl's book; a girl is the main character--and indeed the resourceful heroine, so that should be kept in mind if buying this book as a gift. Also, apart from a dwarf, there is really no magic, wizards, fairies etc in this book. It's just the story of one little girl set in Victorian times, and the things that happen, do so thanks to kindness, the power of good, and an overall belief in the decency of humankind--a very nice old-fashioned story.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written, Disappointingly Constructed
Review: How difficult it is to find children's novels that are actually well-written, in a language that is not dumbed-down. Elizabeth Goudge's prose is truly beautiful. Her ability to paint a picture with words is refreshing and satisfying, and her writing most certainly draws the reader in -- one can't put the book down because one simply MUST know what happens to little Maria!

The story falls short not in the writing but in the actual content. Throughout the book, it is clear that Maria's every decision is made beforehand -- from the clothing that is mysteriously laid out for her in the morning to her trip to the castle of the Wicked Men. It is as though she is merely reading a script -- not boldly adventuring forth to seek her destiny. Perhaps the stunning writing of Ms. Goudge sets the reader up for a more complex, less predicatable storyline. In any case, I found myself sorely disappointed in the tale, while completely satisfied with the writing.

Why 4 stars then? There is great value in a well-written book, and compared to much of what is out there today, The Little White Horse shines. My nine-year-old daughter absolutely loved it -- and she is our resident Bookworm.

Borrow this book from the library before you invest in a copy. If your daughter's eyes are sparkling after she reads it, then by all means, grace your bookshelf with this novel. There are far worse choices out there.

Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorite books!
Review: My mother was a voracious reader and instilled the same appreciation of books in me. I first read this book when I was about 10 years old. I must have read it a hundred times at least! The writing was so vivid, I can still close my eyes and picture Maria and company having their sumptuous meals at Moonacre Manor; the angry darkness of the Black Men; and the gentle, wizened face of Digweed. Twenty years later, it's still one of my all-time favorites.

A few years ago, I tried to find a copy of the original edition--my childhood copy was destroyed during Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica some years ago. I was quite disappointed when the book I did find came without the magnificent illustrations and maps contained in the original.

I'd love to get a copy of an earlier edition for my children!

Rating:
Summary: The Moon Princess
Review: When Maria Merryweather moves house to a new home in the countryside, it seems that there is a lot more to the town than first meets the eye.
Maria suddenly finds herself thrown into an adventure, based on a story that might not be true. But accompanied by her animal friends, and her best friend, Robin, Maria sets out on a quest to free the people of Silvereydew from a terrible mistake made centuries ago that was never put right. It is up to her to give back the land to its rightful owners and face the descendants of Black William in a battle of a moon princess and her little white horse.

Rating:
Summary: The Sun and the Sickle Moon
Review: Maria Merryweather, her governess and the unfaithful dog, Wiggins, all set off to the home, (Or castle), belonging to Maria's cousin, Sir Benjamin. Maria soon finds out that the castle has a lot more to offer than expected, and she is delighted with her new home. However, Maria has a dangerous task to perform. She must make peace with the desendants of the Merryweather's greatest enemies, a task which should have been completed by Moon Princesses throughout the ages. Now, accompanied by Wrolf, her faithful dog, Wiggins, her not so faithful dog, Perrywinkle, her mighty steed, her hare, Zacheria the cat, and of course, her best friend Robin, Maria will go forth and try to make peace, securing the happines of her people.

Rating:
Summary: The best fantasy ever!
Review: I loved this book, I first read it when I was little and even now 20 odd years later its still a firm favourite. It has everything you want from a true fantasy, never mind your Lord of the Rings rubbish, this is it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most beloved children's books ever!
Review: J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, describes this as having been her favorite childhood book. It was mine also -- and here are some reasons why. First, it is a terrific adventure story about a young girl who is feisty, opinionated, imperious and fiercely intelligent -- and who learns to control those qualities so that they become helpful instead of harmful.

Second, the book was written a few decades ago and -- surprise! it advocates old-fashioned values such as courage, honesty, kindness and gentle humor. One of the themes of this book is the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. How refreshing, in the era of crass, foulmouthed material from Disney and Nickelodeon being pushed by marketers as suitable fare for young children.

Third, the book is beautifully written. It does not condescend to young readers by assuming they cannot stretch their minds or vocabularies. It contains wonderful imaginative language, complex sentences, unfamiliar words and fantastic images, all wrapped in a story that is exciting enough to make many young readers curious about the unfamiliar elements. I loved this book so much as a child that I have kept my original paperback copy for 35 years and have bought hardcover copies for my children.

Rating:
Summary: Mistaken Identity--by Moonlight
Review: This 40's fantasy--beloved by J.K. Rowling--might be too
saccharine for the 21st century; it is certain to bore most boys by the end of chapter one. Uneven pacing makes this tale a difficult read to embrace immediately; the vocabulary is dated and requires frequent trips to the dictionary. Much time is spent in exposition, with little dialogue in the opening pages, so youthful readers will need great patience until the plot takes off. The behavior of the 13-year-old protagonist is unrealistic, as she orders her elders about, making decisions beyond her years. However noble her intentions, can she tame a lifelong villain and convert a confirmed bachelor? More importantly: can she learn to curb her own temper, which could jeopardize her dearest goals?

It has fallen to Maria Merryweather--the youngest in a line of unhappy moon princesses--to right century-old wrongs at and around Moonacre Manor. Upon arriving there as an orphan, accompanied by her faithful governess, Miss Heliotrope, Maria immediately loves the countryside, the quaint village and her middle-aged cousin/guardian. But gradually she discovers family secrets and town legends which transcend generations of pain and desapir. Can one slender girl make amends for past atrocities and more recent insults? And what was the fate of that elusive necklace of Moon Pearls?

Author Elizabeth Goudge has chosen to set her story in the early 19th century, so be prepared for many antiquated words and Victorian objects. Various animals--some with supernatural powers--are crucial to the denoument. One clear, prevailing theme is that of the need for balance and cooperation between the sun and the moon, between both moral and physical courage. A loving couple must complement each other's characteristics, in order to achieve a dignified and sucessful whole. Intertwining fragments of mythology and Christianity in a curious blend, the story chronicles Maria's quest for the elusive Little White Horse--who proves not a horse after all! An interesting book which some may consider a children's classic.

Rating:
Summary: Beware Of Cavities
Review: I read this book on the recommendation of J K Rowling who, according to the cover, "absolutely adored" it. I can only conclude that Ms Rowling has a sweet tooth for there is enough sugar in this book to sink a battleship.

To summarise: Poor orphan comes to a magical manor house. Forms loving relationships with one and all - usually at first sight. Everything she touches turns to gold. And they all live happily ever after. (Oh, puh-leeze!)

This book is not a patch on Rowling's own work. Don't make the mistake of thinking her recommendation suggests that it is. It is neither a mature work nor complex. After a strong opening it simply turns to mush and so many empty calories.

And now I'm off to the dentist.