The Enchanted Castle
4 journalers for this copy...
A plot summary makes this story sound ordinary by children's literature standards: the summer adventures of four children who discover an enchanted castle and a magic ring. But Edith Nesbit's adored classic (written in 1907) is so much more than the description suggests. Right from the start, the author plays with the idea of magic, teasing us with a sleeping princess who turns out to be a fake. Elsewhere, the magic is "real" as can be--in fact, though written nearly 100 years ago, The Enchanted Castle prefigures the magical realism of modern novels in the matter-of-fact way it weaves the uncanny into the children's everyday life. And, while few authors are confident enough to parody bad writing, Nesbit does it hilariously (and ever so gently) through one character's tendency to "talk like a book": "'To brush his hair and his clothes... was to our hero but the work of a moment,' said Gerald." Things turn scary when the Ugly Wuglies, fake people made from painted cardboard masks, old clothes, and broomsticks, come to life. But on the whole this book about enchantment--much praised by such luminaries as H.G. Wells and Noel Coward--is, simply, enchanting. (from Amazon.com)
Passed this on to someone else
was given this by a friend
Picked up
Cute little read
Will take to the next bookcrossing catch up. If not picked up will leave at the Brisbane Library
Journal Entry 7 by discoverylover at Wellington City, Wellington Province New Zealand on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
This was wrapped up as a 'blind date with a book' at the Hobart Convention and I was intrigued enough to take it.