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borbala_17's review against another edition
5.0
This was so beautiful... The ending brought things together so nicely and surprisingly, I really didn't see it coming, only when quite close already. I loved this, and now I understand why C.S. Lewis liked MacDonald.
zuly's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
prusche's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mithren's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Can't say I get it much at all, but it was a joy to read. I still don't know what North Wind and the country at her back are supposed to be about, but I liked Diamond's adventures with her.
For me the best parts of the book were MacDonald's writing and seeing the effect that Diamond had on everyone about him; though I didn't enjoy Diamond himself very much: he had too much of that Victorian perfectness to be a compeling character. I don't dislike him, I just don't mind him. Further, I generally couldn't make heads nor tails of the songs and dreams, though I liked the short stories.
The book sagged a bit betweenthe Church scene and Diamond and his family going to London , but picked up after that.
I can't say anything about the ending because I spoiled myself while I was still halfway through the book, so I knew what was coming and was not surprised. I wish MacDonald had written the aftermath though, I wanted to see everyone reaction to what happend, but I understand that this book is not that kind of story.
For me the best parts of the book were MacDonald's writing and seeing the effect that Diamond had on everyone about him; though I didn't enjoy Diamond himself very much: he had too much of that Victorian perfectness to be a compeling character. I don't dislike him, I just don't mind him. Further, I generally couldn't make heads nor tails of the songs and dreams, though I liked the short stories.
The book sagged a bit between
I can't say anything about the ending because I spoiled myself while I was still halfway through the book, so I knew what was coming and was not surprised. I wish MacDonald had written the aftermath though, I wanted to see everyone reaction to what happend, but I understand that this book is not that kind of story.
shebephoebe's review against another edition
3.5
Splendidly vivid and enthralling, a little bit saccharine, and...uh. Very Victorian. Didn't like the ending, I'll be honest, though I wasn't exactly surprised.
lydiawallis's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
livhamlin's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hidingincorners's review against another edition
3.0
***SPOILERS***
I did enjoy this book, though not so much as MacDonald's other books. And I knew, I just knew that he was going to kill Diamond off. I hate that. Why can't authors let the little angelic, God-touched children enter adulthood? I know they're too-good-for-this-world but that's all the more reason for them to STAY IN IT.
I did enjoy this book, though not so much as MacDonald's other books. And I knew, I just knew that he was going to kill Diamond off. I hate that. Why can't authors let the little angelic, God-touched children enter adulthood? I know they're too-good-for-this-world but that's all the more reason for them to STAY IN IT.
lanceschaubert's review against another edition
5.0
If I ever had any doubts that Lewis and Chesterton pull from MacDonald, this book eradicated them.
The North Wind, as we know, can be a terribly destructive force. But to get around back of her and see things from her perspective, to be spared the force of her fury long enough to see the grace of her gaze, to know the joy of riding her and the honor of her invitation to do so – these things make the suffering in this world sharable. And it is burden-sharing that makes life sweet.
The North Wind, as we know, can be a terribly destructive force. But to get around back of her and see things from her perspective, to be spared the force of her fury long enough to see the grace of her gaze, to know the joy of riding her and the honor of her invitation to do so – these things make the suffering in this world sharable. And it is burden-sharing that makes life sweet.
brandifox's review against another edition
What a strange, haunting, little book. I’m not sure what to think or feel about it - but I know I shall think and feel about it for some time.