Goudge reader: Anna Witmer
A “Share your Goudge Collection” Interview
“(Elizabeth Goudge) is a writer who excels at helping her reader see the beauty in both the large and small moments of life, and every new book of hers that I read leaves me wanting to read more…”
🌿 Anna Witmer on reading Goudge
Today we are continuing with our series of interviews with readers about their own Elizabeth Goudge collections. I’m very excited to share this wonderful interview with our youngest Goudge reader yet, and one that I have known all her life: my daughter, Anna Witmer.
Anna lives in western PA with her family, one rabbit and one gerbil. She loves to read and also writes various things, mostly poetry. She likes to work outside in the garden, play guitar, watch animals and have fun with children whenever possible. She will be dual enrolled this year as a high school junior at a local college and in our homeschool.
Welcome Anna!
Julie: When did you first find Goudge? Which Goudge book did you read first?
Anna: My mother introduced me to Goudge at a fairly young age. My memory is a little blurry but I believe I was around six or seven years old. The first book I read, or had read to me, was either The Little White Horse or Linnets and Valerians. I can’t quite recall which one it was because my father read several of Goudge’s children’s books to my siblings and I one after the other. I think it may have been The Little White Horse for I remember being enchanted by the many adventurous and magical elements; from Maria’s tower-top room to the Dark Woods, the wonderful food created by Marmaduke Scarlet, and of course, the little white horse.
Since then, I have read all of Goudge’s children’s books, some several times, and around a third of her adult novels. She is a writer who excels at helping her reader see the beauty in both the large and small moments of life and every new book of hers that I read leaves me wanting to read more.
Julie: Which Goudge book is your favorite edition? What year, and is it a UK or US edition?
Anna: I had to think about this question for a while in order to come up with an answer. There are so many truly beautiful editions of Goudge’s books that it feels almost impossible to pick one.
The edition I will claim as my favorite, at least at the moment, is the Puffin Books 2001 US edition of Linnets and Valerians. There is nothing very special about this edition in terms of illustrations or cover art. It was however, the very first Goudge book I ever owned and as such it has a special place in my heart. I have reread Linnets and Valerians the most out of all of Goudge’s books and that is simply because I had this edition on my shelf. While I am certain I will see, and perhaps own, many editions of Goudge’s books that are more lovely or valuable, for me, this one will always be the most nostalgic.
Julie: Is there a scene from one of Elizabeth Goudge’s books that sticks with you? What moments in life make you think of it? And which book is it from?
Anna: This is not quite scene but more of a concept from Henrietta’s House. In fact, I think it’s the main concept for it is what the book is named for. Ever since I first read Henrietta’s House, I have loved the idea of having one home in which to gather all your various loved ones and, as Henrietta puts it, “sit down comfortably and love them in peace and quiet.” Throughout my life I have struggled with letting people who I have come to love move in and out of my immediate acquaintance. Henrietta’s longing to simply bring them all into one place so she can hold them close and love them speaks deeply to what I feel for those I love.
Here is a passage about this from Henrietta’s House:
“The Old Gentleman looked a trifle bewildered. ‘You seem to have a great many adopted relatives,’ he said.
‘Yes,’ said Henrietta. ‘I have. Really, it’s quite confusing. You see, I love so many people that I get quite tired running from one to the other to see if they are getting on all right. What I need is a house of my own where I can collect them all together under one roof now and then, and sit down comfortably and love them in peace and quiet.’ ”
“Her books never fail to remind me just how special life is.”
🌿 Anna Witmer on reading Elizabeth Goudge
Julie: What do you love most about Goudge’s writing?
Anna: My favorite thing about Goudge’s writing is how she reveals the magical in all that seems ordinary. From describing children and adults, animals and landscapes in the most beautiful way, to making daily chores into something special, her books never fail to remind me just how special life is. She sees people with such love and grace that she can help you see the best in anyone and feel compassion for even the most unlikable of humans.
Reading books like The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia lets you dream of a fantastic, imaginary world with parallels to our own. Reading Goudge lets you see the world we live in now with a new and marvelous perspective.
“Goudge reveals the magical in all that seems ordinary…”
🌿 Anna Witmer on Elizabeth Goudge
Anna, you are very fortunate to have been introduced to Goudge as a child. I have only relatively recently discovered her. It must be so interesting to have read her children’s books at a young age and then return to them later. I like your comment about seeing the magical in all that seems ordinary, it is something I am really enjoying myself in Goudge’s books.
I live near Cambridge, (UK), and visited a fascinating second hand bookshop today where I discovered a copy of “Make Believe”. I had never heard of it before and now see it again in your collection. I also bought a rather battered copy of “Henrietta’s House”, which has a few coloured illustrations. I was delighted with both.
I love seeing your collection, Anna! I think it's wonderful that you were introduced to Goudge at such a young age. I bet her words have shaped you in many ways.