Getting ready for March
God So Loved the World by Elizabeth Goudge
“A deeply thoughtful and most reverent piece of work.”
Daphne du Maurier
“The author writes anew the life of Jesus with a simplicity and beauty before which the voice of criticism dies away.”
The Observer
Welcome!
Welcome to all of the new Goudge readers here on Substack! I am so glad that you have joined us here this week. We have been enjoying reading Goudge novels here for six months already, and they have given us so many beautiful Goudgian passages and revelations. I am thrilled to have assembled here so many Goudge-lovers, and would love for you to introduce yourself in the comments below. I will also do a little catch-up today to get us all on the same page. Please feel free to ask any questions you have as well!
Our Goudge Readalongs for 2024
Love to have you read along with us any month that you are able, or just join in our discussions along the way! Here is the list for the coming year, and the full post can be found here with all the book links.
Preparing for March
💙 In March we will be reading God So Loved the World by Goudge. We would love to have you join us! It is Goudge’s narrative biography of Jesus and it will inspire and challenge you in our walk up to Easter to meditate on the wonder of this oft told story.
Will this book be in some ways predicable?
Definitely. We have all just heard the Christmas story, and it starts there again.
Will it also have that Goudge magic?
Definitely yes!
Instant Success
In preparation for next month, I’ve already started my rereading, and I have to say that I’m still struck by so many of Goudge’s observations about the place and the people. As ever, she brings her observations about human nature and her ability to re-enchant place for her reader.
I have been surprised as well to read in Beyond the Snow, Goudge’s biography by Christine Rawlins, how very successful this book was! Here is an author who had only published novels - Island Magic, A City of Bells, Green Dolphin Country, The Herb of Grace, and Gentian Hill - and then writes her first nonfiction.
Was it too unusual for her readers?
The first printing sold out in just a couple of weeks. The second printing was a month later, followed by the third and a fourth only one year later! It was an instant success.
I think you will find that is a wonderful book as well. It will engage your imagination, and will certainly find your heart as well.
Where to find a copy
There are many used hardbacks in circulation on sites like EBay and AbeBooks, and also there is a reprinted facsimile edition available on Amazon.
I hope you can join us in March! 📖💙
Let us know if you will be reading Goudge, or her nonfiction, for the first time!
*Amazon Affiliate links are included in this newsletter. I make a few cents per recommendation, each of which I hope will be helpful to you! Note: I also include many links which are not affiliates to other sites for research.
Hello! I come here by way of Sarah Clarkson’s Book Girl Fellowship. I’ve bought several books of Goudge’s but haven’t read any of her work before today! Several of my purchases are on your list for the coming year. I began For God So Loved the World this morning with my coffee. Her heart for God makes her seem like an old friend. Someone I could sit with and chat over coffee/tea and lose track of time. I’m so excited to be here with you all, to get to know you, and to read Goudge for the first time ❤️
I will not be reading along this month, although I do own a copy of the book. I have two other Lenten studies going on so am being sensible, but know I can come back to this later.