Skip to the content Skip to the main menu
MuggleNet Book Trolley
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
  • Blog Tour
  • Giveaways
  • Interviews
  • MuggleNet
  • Bookshop.org Shop
  • Amazon Shop
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Bookshop.org Shop
  • Amazon Shop
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
  • Blog Tour
  • Giveaways
  • Interviews
  • MuggleNet
  • Bookshop.org Shop
  • Amazon Shop
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Bookshop.org Shop
  • Amazon Shop

Book Review: The Children of Green Knowe by L.M. Boston


[button color=”black” size=”big” link=”http://affiliates.abebooks.com/c/99844/77798/2029?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abebooks.com%2Fservlet%2FSearchResults%3Fisbn%3D9780152171513″ target=”blank” ]Purchase here[/button]

The Children of Green Knowe
by L.M. Boston

Lucy Maria Boston lived almost a hundred years, and it was a good thing. She wrote eight books for children — or rather, she wrote them for herself, though they have been loved by many children — and she didn’t even start writing until she was over sixty. Five of her books were about the homey, magical grounds of the English castle Green Noah, also known as Green Knowe. This is the first of those books, and it’s gorgeous.

Usually, at this point, I would be expected to tell you something about what happens in the book. But “what happens” isn’t really such a big thing, in terms of plot or dramatic shape. The experience of reading this book is like being in a very lovely place that you would prefer not to leave. There are stories in it — wonderful, fascinating stories — and there is drama too, some of it quite hair-raising. But an overall summary of the story would be as follows:

Little Toseland, sometimes known as Tolly, is sent to stay with his great-grandmother at Green Noah during the Christmas holidays. He has never been there before, but it turns out to be the very place where he really belongs. It’s an ancient but well-preserved castle with delightful gardens, though prone to flooding from the nearby river. And the cozy old house is full of the laughter and pattering feet of other children who lived there, ages ago.

Tolly gradually learns to see and hear them, and makes friends with them. Meanwhile he learns more of their history, and the history of the house in general, from his wonderful Granny Oldknow. These two — and, it seems, others before them — may simply be sensitive to the memory of Oldknow children past. Or the place may be haunted. Haunted, particularly, by three delightful children whose lives were cut short centuries ago — Toby, Alexander, and Linnet — and the wild animals and birds they have tamed. Haunted, as well, by living statues, walking trees, and other voices and figures that appear from time to time.

In the end, though, it doesn’t matter whether it’s real or make-believe. It is so full of innocent fun, historical drama, the love of nature, warm companionship, holiday traditions, and a touch of wistfulness, that you won’t want to let it go. You will fall in love with the people, and want to wrap yourself up in the place. Luckily, you can pay a return visit in Treasure of Green Knowe.

  • Post date
    January 8, 2006
  • Posted by
    MuggleNet
  • Posted in Book Reviews
Previous post: Book Review: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman Next post: Book Review: Treasure of Green Knowe by L.M. Boston

Related Posts

Book Review: “Death Masks” by Jim Butcher

  • Post date
    January 1, 2013

Book Review: “Governor Ramage R.N.” by Dudley Pope

  • Post date
    January 1, 2013

Book Review: “How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope,” Edited by James Crews

  • Post date
    March 23, 2021

Book Review: “You Can Do All Things: Drawings, Affirmations and Mindfulness to Help with Anxiety and Depression” by Kate Allan

  • Post date
    February 4, 2020

Theme by Anders Norén