"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."
I could see many similar copies by the same publishers on your shelves Anna. They are dear friends, aren't they? Henrietta's House was a new discovery for me last year when I found Girls Gone By Publishers by 'accident' - I think it was the Divine Librarian myself. It was a touching novel and I resonate with your feelings about how Henrietta's desire touched your heart. It did the same to mine, and that is how I like my own home to be. You show great understanding of Goudge's compassion for people, no matter their circumstances and it reminds us to do the same, doesn't it? The beauty in her work is what draws me back again and again. Beauty transforms us all. Thank you for sharing Anna.
Anna, this was a lovely interview and your collection is so impressive. I like that you group your books according to publishers. The unicorn figure on your bookcase is a perfect final touch!
Your mentioning Goudge’s inclusion of magic in our world reminds me of the Latin American concept of “magical realism.” I’ve always admired that ability to find beauty in the mundane.
Thank you! You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that before but her way of writing does seem very similar to magical realism. I wonder if Goudge was influenced by or exposed to that writing style.
That would be such an interesting thing to research. The concept has been around since the early 20th Century, so it’s within the realm of possibility.
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.
Bravo! So well expressed and I especially like the way you talked about the difference between the Narnia, Lord of the Rings books (which I LOVE) and the way Goudge writes about the magical breaking into OUR world. Lewis does a bit of that with the Narnian books but still not quite like Goudge.
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.
Lovely! So wonderful to see new-to-me Elizabeth Goudge titles.
So many good books :)
"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."
SO, SO true!!!
I could see many similar copies by the same publishers on your shelves Anna. They are dear friends, aren't they? Henrietta's House was a new discovery for me last year when I found Girls Gone By Publishers by 'accident' - I think it was the Divine Librarian myself. It was a touching novel and I resonate with your feelings about how Henrietta's desire touched your heart. It did the same to mine, and that is how I like my own home to be. You show great understanding of Goudge's compassion for people, no matter their circumstances and it reminds us to do the same, doesn't it? The beauty in her work is what draws me back again and again. Beauty transforms us all. Thank you for sharing Anna.
Yes, I agree. I haven’t reread Henrietta’s House in a while, but after reopening it for this interview I’m looking forward to reading it again.😊
Anna, this was a lovely interview and your collection is so impressive. I like that you group your books according to publishers. The unicorn figure on your bookcase is a perfect final touch!
Your mentioning Goudge’s inclusion of magic in our world reminds me of the Latin American concept of “magical realism.” I’ve always admired that ability to find beauty in the mundane.
Thank you! You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that before but her way of writing does seem very similar to magical realism. I wonder if Goudge was influenced by or exposed to that writing style.
That would be such an interesting thing to research. The concept has been around since the early 20th Century, so it’s within the realm of possibility.
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.
That’s lovely! I’m so glad you found a copy of “Make Believe.” It’s such a delightful book.😊
It is such a delightful moment when you discover Goudge books in second hand shops or unexpected places. Yay!
I still need Make Believe! How lucky that you found a copy, Joy!
Bravo! So well expressed and I especially like the way you talked about the difference between the Narnia, Lord of the Rings books (which I LOVE) and the way Goudge writes about the magical breaking into OUR world. Lewis does a bit of that with the Narnian books but still not quite like Goudge.
Thank you😊
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.
Thank you! Yes, I agree.😊