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Malcolm #2
The Marquis of Lossie
"She has had, and sail have baith, time aboot (in turn); and I houp they'll du something for her in time, sir." "Her time shall be short here, anyhow. She's not worth the sugar you give her." "Eh, sir! luik at her," said Malcolm, in a tone of expostulation, as he stepped back a few paces and regarded her with admiring eyes. "Saw ye ever sic legs? an' sic a neck? an' sic a heid? an' sic fore an' hin' quarters? She's a' bonny but the temper o' her, an' that she canna help like the likes o' you an me." "She'll be the death o' somebody some day. The sooner we get rid of her the better. Just look at that," he added, as the mare laid back her ears and made a vicious snap at nothing in particular. "She was a favourite o' my -- maister, the marquis," returned the youth, "an' I wad ill like to pairt wi' her." "I'll take any offer in reason for her," said the factor. "You'll just ride her to Forres market next week, and see what you can get for her.
450 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1877
40 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
George MacDonald
1,524 books2,434 followersGeorge MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 7, 2019
Read most of this on my 9 hour flight from London. Very enjoyable, spiritually encouraging, and even convicting.
December 12, 2012
If only the current "Christian romance" genre would go back to the shadows where it belongs, and leave some shelf space for this kind of book--more "Christian" and "romantic" in any of the good senses of those words than all the Oke, Livingstone and Fisher to be had.
The more I read him, the more convinced I am that George MacDonald was a man who knew God, if there is a God (not that I doubt it, but that such a God as he knew would truly be God)--and in that knowing, found Joy.
"The Marquis of Lossie" may not be his best story, nor even reach the level of poetry that some of his other novels do, but it is still a treasure for its beautiful scenes, its convicting themes, its complete characters (there is hardly a two-dimensional character in the book--a fact that I find perfectly in keeping with MacDonald's love of humanity), and its soul-satisfying conversations.
This is why I love MacDonald:
"Age is not all decay: it is the ripening, the swelling of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk."
"I tell you, Lady Clementina, continued Malcolm, rising, and approaching her a step or two, "if I had not the hope of one day being good like God himself, if I thought there was no escape out of the wrong and badness I feel within me and know I am not able to rid myself of without supreme help, not all the wealth and honours of the world could reconcile me to life."
"The honesty in which a man can pride himself must be a small one, form more honesty will ever reveal more defect, while perfect honesty will never think of itself at all."
"Sit here, and look up, Lady Clementina:--see all those worlds: -- something in me constantly says that I shall know every one of them one day; that they are all but rooms in the house of my spirit, that is, the house of our Father."
The more I read him, the more convinced I am that George MacDonald was a man who knew God, if there is a God (not that I doubt it, but that such a God as he knew would truly be God)--and in that knowing, found Joy.
"The Marquis of Lossie" may not be his best story, nor even reach the level of poetry that some of his other novels do, but it is still a treasure for its beautiful scenes, its convicting themes, its complete characters (there is hardly a two-dimensional character in the book--a fact that I find perfectly in keeping with MacDonald's love of humanity), and its soul-satisfying conversations.
This is why I love MacDonald:
"Age is not all decay: it is the ripening, the swelling of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk."
"I tell you, Lady Clementina, continued Malcolm, rising, and approaching her a step or two, "if I had not the hope of one day being good like God himself, if I thought there was no escape out of the wrong and badness I feel within me and know I am not able to rid myself of without supreme help, not all the wealth and honours of the world could reconcile me to life."
"The honesty in which a man can pride himself must be a small one, form more honesty will ever reveal more defect, while perfect honesty will never think of itself at all."
"Sit here, and look up, Lady Clementina:--see all those worlds: -- something in me constantly says that I shall know every one of them one day; that they are all but rooms in the house of my spirit, that is, the house of our Father."
July 24, 2016
What makes a book worth rating 5 stars? From reading titles like Sir Gibbie and, just now, Malcolm and The Marquis of Lossie, I have come to the conclusion that it is not (necessarily) flawless plots or characters, etc., If one were to govern by such standards, probably none of George MacDonald's non-fairy stories would garner the highest ratings. But there is so much more to them than that. More than anything else, they elevate the reader. In The Princess & Curdie, Irene's great-great-grandmother says,
"There is only one way I care for. Do better, and grow better, and be better."
This is exactly what George MacDonald's writings make me want to do. And if that doesn't make them the best of books, what could?
"There is only one way I care for. Do better, and grow better, and be better."
This is exactly what George MacDonald's writings make me want to do. And if that doesn't make them the best of books, what could?
February 14, 2016
I loved this book. I love the truth in it mingled with the clean romance and the character change and growth. I love the "Marquis" in disguise and the way he treats his sister. It really is a terrific, must read for all - especially those sick of modern Christian novels.
March 11, 2021
This is the sequel to "Malcolm"
Oh how I love MacDonald's writing!!!
I read that Mark Twain disliked MacDonald's writing. My thinking is that it was not his writing he disliked but the talk of God and Christianity. Twain was an atheist, at least for some time. However, after reading Twains Joan D 'arc books, I think he may have changed his views. If talk of God and Christianity is not your cup of tea, you may want to pass on this series. As a side note, I saw that Twain and MacDonald did at some point meet, and I can't help but wonder if MacDonald had some influence on Twain's religious perspective.
In "The Marquis of Lossie," the Scottish country talk is greatly reduced, and the Christian spirit expanded. Reading this one was much easier. for me. The speech change is due to Malcom, being the new Marquis of Lossie, feeling he should practice his proper English, and accustom himself to his new role.
As the spiritual content also increases, so does the ego of Lady Florimel as we see her corrupted by her new guardians. Malcom doesn't reveal to Florimel or his tenants the secret of his birth, the fact he is Florimel's brother, and that Florimel is not even titled but common until the last few chapters of the book. I don't consider this a spoiler. If you have read "Malcolm" you would already know this.
MacDonald creates masterful tension and conflict with this secret keeping device and reasons that Malcolm does so in order to ease the news to his beloved sister as gently as possible, hoping to open her up to the kinder and more humbler aspects to life. Unfortunately, the reverse happens, not by Malcolm but by her false guardian Lady Bellair. Living now in London, Florimel is exposed to deeper material and social corruption. Can Malcom change Florimel's inner world enough to accept the drastic change to come about her social status and accept it gracefully?
There is a lot of emotional turmoil between Florimel and her love Lenorne, Malcom and Clementina, and of course we have the return of old Mrs. Catanach working her evil about. Never fear, for MacDonald sends mighty justice in the end, which made for a powerful and happy ending.
As a last note, the beautiful depiction of scenery, sky and sea coupled with moments of poetry and song, just took my breath away. I will certainly be reading more of this author in the future.
Content concerns: Mild violence.
Oh how I love MacDonald's writing!!!
I read that Mark Twain disliked MacDonald's writing. My thinking is that it was not his writing he disliked but the talk of God and Christianity. Twain was an atheist, at least for some time. However, after reading Twains Joan D 'arc books, I think he may have changed his views. If talk of God and Christianity is not your cup of tea, you may want to pass on this series. As a side note, I saw that Twain and MacDonald did at some point meet, and I can't help but wonder if MacDonald had some influence on Twain's religious perspective.
In "The Marquis of Lossie," the Scottish country talk is greatly reduced, and the Christian spirit expanded. Reading this one was much easier. for me. The speech change is due to Malcom, being the new Marquis of Lossie, feeling he should practice his proper English, and accustom himself to his new role.
As the spiritual content also increases, so does the ego of Lady Florimel as we see her corrupted by her new guardians. Malcom doesn't reveal to Florimel or his tenants the secret of his birth, the fact he is Florimel's brother, and that Florimel is not even titled but common until the last few chapters of the book. I don't consider this a spoiler. If you have read "Malcolm" you would already know this.
MacDonald creates masterful tension and conflict with this secret keeping device and reasons that Malcolm does so in order to ease the news to his beloved sister as gently as possible, hoping to open her up to the kinder and more humbler aspects to life. Unfortunately, the reverse happens, not by Malcolm but by her false guardian Lady Bellair. Living now in London, Florimel is exposed to deeper material and social corruption. Can Malcom change Florimel's inner world enough to accept the drastic change to come about her social status and accept it gracefully?
There is a lot of emotional turmoil between Florimel and her love Lenorne, Malcom and Clementina, and of course we have the return of old Mrs. Catanach working her evil about. Never fear, for MacDonald sends mighty justice in the end, which made for a powerful and happy ending.
As a last note, the beautiful depiction of scenery, sky and sea coupled with moments of poetry and song, just took my breath away. I will certainly be reading more of this author in the future.
Content concerns: Mild violence.
July 2, 2012
Without fear of exaggeration, this is the most convicting novel I have ever read.
The plot - while page turning - is not really the point. Set in the mid 19th century and taking place in London and Scotland, this sequel to Malcolm is a relatively straightforward tale of love triangles, unsuitable suitors, wealthy, spoiled heiresses, a little intrigue and attempted murder, and herring fishing. (OK, so the latter does not regularly turn up in romantic fiction. Give it a chance: it fully belongs here!)
But the real point of this story is the preaching. Malcolm's friend and mentor Alexander Graham makes regular appearances, and while one may rightly claim that his chapters do not precisely assist in the main thrust of the plot, they - along with Malcom's own frequent philosophic meditations - are nevertheless the raison d'etre of the book.
Through these sermons and ruminations, I found myself challenged to be an 'engineer' of religion, and not a mere philosopher. I found myself convicted of an ongoing tendency to separate religion and life into independent, rarely communicating compartments - as if separated religion is anything at all. And I found my concept of salvation being stretched far beyond the rather binary boundaries of my childhood into something more resembling the journey suggested by the parable of the narrow gate and straight road.
Rather than continue this review in my own words, I will simply quote a few of the passages I highlighted.
"Obedience is the key to every door. I am perplexed at the stupidity of the ordinary religious being. In the most practical of all matters, he will talk, and speculate, and try to feel, but he will not set himself to do." (Page 319)
"Whoever can think of religion as an addition to life, however glorious -- a starry crown, say, set upon the head of humanity, is not yet least in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever thinks of life as something that could be without religion, is in deathly ignorance of both. Life and religion are one, or neither is anything..."
(Page 386)
(A conversation between Clementina and Florimel)
"For my part, I would give all I have to know there was a God worth believing in."
...
"Of course there is a God. It is very horrible to deny it."
"Which is worse -- to deny it, or to deny him? Now, I confess to doubting it -- that is, the fact of a God; but you seem to me to deny God himself, for you admit there is a God -- think it very wicked to deny that, and you you don't take interest enough in him to wish to learn anything about him."
(Page 305)
(A conversation between Clementina and Malcolm)
"Our Lord speaks of many coming up to his door confident of admission, whom he yet sends from him. Faith is obedience, not confidence."
"Then I do well to fear."
"Yes, my lady, so long as your fear makes you knock the louder."
"But if I be in, as you say, how can I go on knocking?"
"There are a thousand more doors to knock at after you are in, my lady. No one content to stand just inside the gate will be inside it long. But it is one thing to be in, and another to be satisfied that we are in.
...
He who does what his Lord tells him, is in the kingdom, if every feeling of heart and brain told him he was out. And his Lord will see that he knows it one day. But I do not think, my lady, one can ever be quite sure, until the king himself has come in to sup with him, and has let him know that he is altogether one with him."
(Page 410)
A final note:
This book was published in 1891 and a large portion of the action takes place in the author's native Scotland. There is a fair bit of dialog in Scotch, which appears to the modern eye as misspelled, contracted English with a half-dozen bizarre words thrown in for good measure. I did not find my occasional incomprehension of one or two phrases or even an entire paragraph to be especially annoying or to detract terribly from the story. And the author takes pity on us: many of the characters are English, Malcolm himself takes care to speak English in their presence, and provides translations when they are truly necessary.
But, if this sort of thing is really annoying to you, or if you are simply intimidated by a 400+ page historical novel with preaching, then by all means read the abridgment, The Marquis' Secret. I personally read this book's prequel in the abridged form (The Fisherman's Lady) and was still prompted to immediately find the sequel in any form. However, I intend to go back and re-read "Malcolm" in the author's original in the immediate future!
The plot - while page turning - is not really the point. Set in the mid 19th century and taking place in London and Scotland, this sequel to Malcolm is a relatively straightforward tale of love triangles, unsuitable suitors, wealthy, spoiled heiresses, a little intrigue and attempted murder, and herring fishing. (OK, so the latter does not regularly turn up in romantic fiction. Give it a chance: it fully belongs here!)
But the real point of this story is the preaching. Malcolm's friend and mentor Alexander Graham makes regular appearances, and while one may rightly claim that his chapters do not precisely assist in the main thrust of the plot, they - along with Malcom's own frequent philosophic meditations - are nevertheless the raison d'etre of the book.
Through these sermons and ruminations, I found myself challenged to be an 'engineer' of religion, and not a mere philosopher. I found myself convicted of an ongoing tendency to separate religion and life into independent, rarely communicating compartments - as if separated religion is anything at all. And I found my concept of salvation being stretched far beyond the rather binary boundaries of my childhood into something more resembling the journey suggested by the parable of the narrow gate and straight road.
Rather than continue this review in my own words, I will simply quote a few of the passages I highlighted.
"Obedience is the key to every door. I am perplexed at the stupidity of the ordinary religious being. In the most practical of all matters, he will talk, and speculate, and try to feel, but he will not set himself to do." (Page 319)
"Whoever can think of religion as an addition to life, however glorious -- a starry crown, say, set upon the head of humanity, is not yet least in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever thinks of life as something that could be without religion, is in deathly ignorance of both. Life and religion are one, or neither is anything..."
(Page 386)
(A conversation between Clementina and Florimel)
"For my part, I would give all I have to know there was a God worth believing in."
...
"Of course there is a God. It is very horrible to deny it."
"Which is worse -- to deny it, or to deny him? Now, I confess to doubting it -- that is, the fact of a God; but you seem to me to deny God himself, for you admit there is a God -- think it very wicked to deny that, and you you don't take interest enough in him to wish to learn anything about him."
(Page 305)
(A conversation between Clementina and Malcolm)
"Our Lord speaks of many coming up to his door confident of admission, whom he yet sends from him. Faith is obedience, not confidence."
"Then I do well to fear."
"Yes, my lady, so long as your fear makes you knock the louder."
"But if I be in, as you say, how can I go on knocking?"
"There are a thousand more doors to knock at after you are in, my lady. No one content to stand just inside the gate will be inside it long. But it is one thing to be in, and another to be satisfied that we are in.
...
He who does what his Lord tells him, is in the kingdom, if every feeling of heart and brain told him he was out. And his Lord will see that he knows it one day. But I do not think, my lady, one can ever be quite sure, until the king himself has come in to sup with him, and has let him know that he is altogether one with him."
(Page 410)
A final note:
This book was published in 1891 and a large portion of the action takes place in the author's native Scotland. There is a fair bit of dialog in Scotch, which appears to the modern eye as misspelled, contracted English with a half-dozen bizarre words thrown in for good measure. I did not find my occasional incomprehension of one or two phrases or even an entire paragraph to be especially annoying or to detract terribly from the story. And the author takes pity on us: many of the characters are English, Malcolm himself takes care to speak English in their presence, and provides translations when they are truly necessary.
But, if this sort of thing is really annoying to you, or if you are simply intimidated by a 400+ page historical novel with preaching, then by all means read the abridgment, The Marquis' Secret. I personally read this book's prequel in the abridged form (The Fisherman's Lady) and was still prompted to immediately find the sequel in any form. However, I intend to go back and re-read "Malcolm" in the author's original in the immediate future!
September 23, 2020
This one was a bit tough to follow; I struggled to finish it.
April 23, 2022
Review of the story to follow...
The only edition to provide the full, unabridged text alongside a complete English translation. The story is brilliant, as is Carrie Stout's artwork, and there's an intro by C S Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham.
The only edition to provide the full, unabridged text alongside a complete English translation. The story is brilliant, as is Carrie Stout's artwork, and there's an intro by C S Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham.
February 18, 2025
This book is the finale of this two part series.
It is a beautiful gothic tale with a hint of well written romance and much truth coming to the light.
The first book is full of mystery regarding Malcolm’s past, and this book brings it all to clarity and rest.
I cried. I giggled. I sighed. I gasped.
This tale had me on my toes as I saw every character fall into place and the curtains being pulled back.
My frontal lobe may have developed since the reading of this book.
Highly recommend.
It is a beautiful gothic tale with a hint of well written romance and much truth coming to the light.
The first book is full of mystery regarding Malcolm’s past, and this book brings it all to clarity and rest.
I cried. I giggled. I sighed. I gasped.
This tale had me on my toes as I saw every character fall into place and the curtains being pulled back.
My frontal lobe may have developed since the reading of this book.
Highly recommend.
June 24, 2008
MacDonald is perhaps my favorite author. He is best known for his fantasy and poetry, but neither genre is my favorite in general. I like his novels, even though it's obvious he wrote them in a bit of a hurry--I guess authors didn't make much money back then. There are plot holes, and his romances are formulaic--same in every book, and most of his novels have a Scooby-Doo-ish mystery. But I like it. What he lacks in literary sturcture, he more than makes up for in poetic imagery of Scotland and her people. What truly stands out about MacDonald is the insights he peppers throughout the stories. The stories are easy and engaging, but the concepts are not. How many novels do you read with a pen in hand for underlining? How many novels deepen the crease between your eyebrows? How many novels make you want to play a rousing rendition of "Amazing Grace" on your bagpipes? Few, indeed.
Okay, so I realize this isn't a review about the book; it's about the author, but since all his books are the same, I guess it is about the book.
Okay, so I realize this isn't a review about the book; it's about the author, but since all his books are the same, I guess it is about the book.
June 10, 2022
The man who wrote this book is a true master storyteller!
January 11, 2024
First book of the year that I gave 5 🌟😻
I just love George MacDonald's books, they are full of deep Christianity themes carried in a very natural flow. One regret I have is that this books are not translated in my native language because this is a very well detailed book that is written at the most superior level as nowadays will never ever find again in the books written in this era.
This follows the story pf Malcom which is a continuation of the first volume with the same title as the main character. There are a lot of reasons why I love this author's books but my top have to be the natural way he is capable of present us the Word of God. I read a few contemporary Christian books but neither did grasp the essence of Christianity and the Bible.
This just proves that this man wasn't also a real Christian that walked with God but also he was talented in presenting a story in a very smart way.
I just love George MacDonald's books, they are full of deep Christianity themes carried in a very natural flow. One regret I have is that this books are not translated in my native language because this is a very well detailed book that is written at the most superior level as nowadays will never ever find again in the books written in this era.
This follows the story pf Malcom which is a continuation of the first volume with the same title as the main character. There are a lot of reasons why I love this author's books but my top have to be the natural way he is capable of present us the Word of God. I read a few contemporary Christian books but neither did grasp the essence of Christianity and the Bible.
This just proves that this man wasn't also a real Christian that walked with God but also he was talented in presenting a story in a very smart way.
April 25, 2023
For some reason the first book took me the months to read but this one I for through in less than a week.
My modern sensibilities aren’t thrilled with Florimel’s character arc BUT do I love this book anyhow? Yes
My modern sensibilities aren’t thrilled with Florimel’s character arc BUT do I love this book anyhow? Yes
October 14, 2023
Virtue looks bright in this book. Honesty, steadfastness, loyalty, transformation, redemption, pure love—all are displayed in the questions and characters MacDonald develops. Worth reading through to one of the most satisfying endings I’ve experienced yet.
August 20, 2016
4.5 Stars.
MacDonald is an incredibly underrated author, and that becomes clearer every time I finish one of his books (mind you, this is only my third). He expresses his beliefs in a way that is fresh, even to 21st century ears, and not preachy. His characters and writing have a sense of honor and virtue that is so incredibly rare in our world.
I'm afraid that I'm going to have to take off a 1/2 star for this one, just because I wanted stronger female characters. But this is 1877 and from a male author, so I'm not too upset. The definite gender roles, which I feel pressure as a girl in 2016 to resent, paint a deeper picture of Christ's love for the church (at least, that's what I think MacDonald is doing here!)
I had given The Fisherman's Lady a four-star rating and I don't remember much about how I had felt about it. But I didn't feel quite satisfied with the story and wasn't itching to pick up the next one. This book is the ultimate companion to that story, with a satisfying ending and a strong sense of justice for the characters. Having read both, I strongly suggest reading both of them! This is what the Christian novel should be.
MacDonald is an incredibly underrated author, and that becomes clearer every time I finish one of his books (mind you, this is only my third). He expresses his beliefs in a way that is fresh, even to 21st century ears, and not preachy. His characters and writing have a sense of honor and virtue that is so incredibly rare in our world.
I'm afraid that I'm going to have to take off a 1/2 star for this one, just because I wanted stronger female characters. But this is 1877 and from a male author, so I'm not too upset. The definite gender roles, which I feel pressure as a girl in 2016 to resent, paint a deeper picture of Christ's love for the church (at least, that's what I think MacDonald is doing here!)
I had given The Fisherman's Lady a four-star rating and I don't remember much about how I had felt about it. But I didn't feel quite satisfied with the story and wasn't itching to pick up the next one. This book is the ultimate companion to that story, with a satisfying ending and a strong sense of justice for the characters. Having read both, I strongly suggest reading both of them! This is what the Christian novel should be.
July 24, 2009
This is the sequel to the Fisherman's Lady and both are riveting. MacDonald is a very insightful developer of character and each of the threads that he weaves throughout both books builds more and more intrigue--until the amazing ending. The character Malcolm is truly good yet believeable and his commitment to justice is strong--yet he struggles enough to be seen as mortal. You can fall in love with the countryside, the fisher folk, the wonderful old Scottish grandpa. I think this is a book that should be read aloud to grandchildren!
May 30, 2023
I love this and The Fisherman's Lady so much! I always have adored books like this that make me want to romanticize my studying and work, even though I often fail to carry out the resolutions they motivate me to make. I just have to find another book of this ilk to read next, and all is well again! XD
An excellent and interesting story, which shall certainly be one I come back to again and again!
An excellent and interesting story, which shall certainly be one I come back to again and again!
February 29, 2024
I LOVE this book!! Definitely one of my favorite George MacDonald books. The beautiful way that Malcolm the main character, cares for his sister despite her scorn for him is so inspiring. This book always makes me laugh and cry which means that it's a good book.
March 12, 2023
MacDonald is always restorative.
January 16, 2024
How well MacDonald understood human nature! And how beautifully he represented God. This was a sweet and satisfying sequel to The Fisherman’s Lady.
July 9, 2025
While I didn't love this book as much as the first one, I still very much enjoyed it. I know my parents had quite a collection of McDonald's works, but I'm just now reading them myself. I look forward to exploring more of this author's work.
Content notes: A girl has a baby out of wedlock (mentioned in the first book), and this tale is told a few times to try to persuade one woman that the man she is seeing is no good. An attempt is made on Malcolm's life with poison.
Content notes: A girl has a baby out of wedlock (mentioned in the first book), and this tale is told a few times to try to persuade one woman that the man she is seeing is no good. An attempt is made on Malcolm's life with poison.
September 23, 2018
Very hard to read
From the scots to the over flowery prose, this book was a slog. I appreciate the wisdom in it but not the effort. It won't be on the best-selling list no matter how good the message.
From the scots to the over flowery prose, this book was a slog. I appreciate the wisdom in it but not the effort. It won't be on the best-selling list no matter how good the message.
December 18, 2014
Another deliteful read authored by George MacDonald, a Scottish favourite. Also known as the Marquis of Lossie, I was attracted to read this particular book having spent time in Lossie of the book's title!
MacDonald is a master storyteller. Tension mounts almost to the breaking point before there is a turn to provide some relief, then back into another buildup of intensity before resolution. If I didn't actually have to sleep at some point in my 24 hr allotment, I would NOT have put this one down.
It is #2 in a series, but as I hadn't read the first, this definitely was a great stand-alone. He did well to recount issues to which he alluded, so I was never at a loss for understanding.
Definitely an action packed adventure, incredibly well described characters engaging my likes and dislikes and leading me on in their character development. I particularly like the male point of view in the romantic attachments and advancements. Verrra nice! [in my best brogue!]
A few great quotes from this book to inspire..
""..the first step toward action is the beginning of the death of doubt..."
"Malcolm's feeling ran higher than night as he stood thus alone under the stars waiting to embark for he knew not where..."
“As you grow ready for it, somewhere or other you will find what is needful for you in a book.”
― George MacDonald, The Marquis of Lossie
I was blessed to find this at my neighbourhood charity shop, but I'm quite sure it is available for ereaders due to its age/copyright. Download yourself a copy and treat yourself to a great read!
MacDonald is a master storyteller. Tension mounts almost to the breaking point before there is a turn to provide some relief, then back into another buildup of intensity before resolution. If I didn't actually have to sleep at some point in my 24 hr allotment, I would NOT have put this one down.
It is #2 in a series, but as I hadn't read the first, this definitely was a great stand-alone. He did well to recount issues to which he alluded, so I was never at a loss for understanding.
Definitely an action packed adventure, incredibly well described characters engaging my likes and dislikes and leading me on in their character development. I particularly like the male point of view in the romantic attachments and advancements. Verrra nice! [in my best brogue!]
A few great quotes from this book to inspire..
""..the first step toward action is the beginning of the death of doubt..."
"Malcolm's feeling ran higher than night as he stood thus alone under the stars waiting to embark for he knew not where..."
“As you grow ready for it, somewhere or other you will find what is needful for you in a book.”
― George MacDonald, The Marquis of Lossie
I was blessed to find this at my neighbourhood charity shop, but I'm quite sure it is available for ereaders due to its age/copyright. Download yourself a copy and treat yourself to a great read!
July 16, 2013
The Marquis' Secret completes the story of Malcolm Colonsay, the fisherman introduced in The Fisherman's Lady. Malcolm has decided to keep his true identity a secret so that he can serve his sister, Florimel, and reveal the truth to her in a way that will not ruin her life. He travels to London and finds her under the influence of socialites that are negatively influencing her. Can Malcolm save her from making serious mistakes and take his place as marquis?
One of MacDonald's major weaknesses in this book is transitioning into the story from the story established in the first book. It's rather messy and unimagined. I also didn't feel that this book had the same charm and sweep as The Fisherman's Lady. To be sure, I was interested in what happened next, but this book lacks so much of what made the first book such a draw. He also takes a lot of time to walk us through the thoughts of random characters, and it really doesn't add much to the story. What carries this book is the characters. While not as well-drawn as in the previous book, the characters drive the story and keep it from becoming over-sentimental.
One of MacDonald's major weaknesses in this book is transitioning into the story from the story established in the first book. It's rather messy and unimagined. I also didn't feel that this book had the same charm and sweep as The Fisherman's Lady. To be sure, I was interested in what happened next, but this book lacks so much of what made the first book such a draw. He also takes a lot of time to walk us through the thoughts of random characters, and it really doesn't add much to the story. What carries this book is the characters. While not as well-drawn as in the previous book, the characters drive the story and keep it from becoming over-sentimental.
April 21, 2009
Often quoted by C S Lewis, I had not read anything George MacDonald has written, now I would like to read more of his works. These two books are about a young Scotsman named Malcolm, who is a fisherman by trade. He was brought up by a blind man, an old Scottish piper, and is mentored by a wise school teacher. Living his life with integrity and honor, he has to make some difficult choices - and I really enjoyed the insights into the SAvior's life and true Christianity that run through the book.
October 17, 2013
You can get irritated at Malcom for being such a Renaissance Man/ Christ-figure so effortlessly-- the fisher of fish is simply too otherworldly to impress one as a real role model, seeing how he can break horses, play the bagpipes, read Greek, discern the souls of men by looking at them, etc.
Even so, this is a good little story that you'd probably enjoy if you like Lewis or Chesterton or any of their ilk. It turns into a really enjoyable love story as well-- you wouldn't think old MacDonald had it in him, but he's got some lines in here that sets the Romantic's heart a fluttering.
Even so, this is a good little story that you'd probably enjoy if you like Lewis or Chesterton or any of their ilk. It turns into a really enjoyable love story as well-- you wouldn't think old MacDonald had it in him, but he's got some lines in here that sets the Romantic's heart a fluttering.
July 20, 2011
A good enough story with really great writing. I love MacDonald's writing style, and the thematic content is beautifully composed, but his story line isn't terribly original and only moderately interesting. I'm wondering if this is an edited version, and hence all the more lengthy sermonizing is taken out of it, for which I am grateful, since I'm reading for pleasure and not preaching.
Love all the Scotch in this book!
Love all the Scotch in this book!
May 11, 2018
Malcolm is determined to protect his headstrong half-sister from the consequences of her actions without letting her know whom he really is. However, Florimel is just as determined on taking her own way. As a result, Malcolm is forced to tell her that she isn't what she thought she was. As a result, Florimel learns humility and the fisher folk under Malcolm's care discover what a true nobleman he truly is.
January 31, 2016
Slightly predictable, but still fun. This is the sequel to The Fisherman's Lady, and I'm glad I had it on hand ready to go.
Malcolm is still a boss, and oh Florimel.
Takeaway: George MacDonald is a MacBroodypants. The plot was similar to that of several Georgette Heyer's works, but instead of being a fun romp with mistaken impressions and near marriages and elopements, MacDonald says "HELLFIRE FOR YOUR MISTAKES IF YOU DON'T REPENT". Gotta love it
3.5 stars
Malcolm is still a boss, and oh Florimel.
Takeaway: George MacDonald is a MacBroodypants. The plot was similar to that of several Georgette Heyer's works, but instead of being a fun romp with mistaken impressions and near marriages and elopements, MacDonald says "HELLFIRE FOR YOUR MISTAKES IF YOU DON'T REPENT". Gotta love it
3.5 stars
October 13, 2008
It's a fact that most libraries are sadly understocked on George MacDonald except for perhaps a few childs fairytales. This book does not belong in that category. I really enjoyed the tale, and the twist in it left my brain numb for a while. The characters are alternately loveable, horrible, mysterious, and pitiable.
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