Island Magic: Week 2
Ermine, St Christopher, Water-lanes, and the call of Beauty
“They sat back, looked at each other and laughed... (Peronelle’s) eyes were like amber seen beneath clear brightly running water pierced with sunlight. Warm they were, and fresh, and of an entrancing purity. (Ranulph’s) eyes were faded and yellow, with the penetration of great experience yet dull with jaded appetite. Yet it might have been that once his eyes were exactly like hers. Looking at her he seemed to see his own boyhood in them, and the smile died from his face... Her life must not go the way that his had gone... It must not..”
🌿 Elizabeth Goudge, Island Magic, ch 3
Welcome to our second week of discussions for Goudge’s first published novel, Island Magic.
We will cover a few things that Goudge touches upon in her story, as well as some of the deeper themes today: the history of ermine in art, the legends of St Christopher and why he would have made an impression on Goudge, the seeking of Ranulph, and the way that Rachell du Froq has built her life around Beauty. Glad you can join us!
The meaning of Ermine
The huge chimney had carved upon it the du Froq arms, in ermine with the motto "Plutôt la morte que la souille"…
🌿 Elizabeth Goudge, Island Magic, ch 1
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