Wilfred Cumbermede; An Autobiographical Story

by George MacDonald

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1872. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter xl A talk with my uncle. When I returned home for the Christmas holidays I told my uncle, amongst other things, all that I have just recorded; for although the affair seemed far away from me now, I felt that he ought to know it. He was greatly pleased with my behaviour in regard to the apple. He did not identify the place, however, until he heard the name of the housekeeper: then I saw a cloud pass over his face. It grew deeper when I told him of my second visit, especially while I described the man I had met in the wood. "I have a strange fancy about him, uncle," I said. "I think he "must be the same man that came here one very stormy night--long ago--and wanted to take me away." "Who told you of that?" asked my uncle, startled. I explained that I had been a listener. "You ought not to have listened." "I know that now--but I did not know then. I woke frightened, and heard the voices." "What makes you think it was the same man V "I can't be sure, you know But as often as I think of the man I met in the wood, the recollection of that night comes back to me." "I dare say. What was he like?" I described him as well as I could. "Yes," said my uncle, "I dare say. He is a dangerous man." "What did he want with me?" "He wanted to have something to do with your education. He is an old friend--acquaintance, I ought to say--of your father's. I should be sorry you had any intercourse with him. He is a very worldly kind of man. He believes in money and rank, and getting on. He believes in nothing else that I know." "Then I am sure I shouldn't like him," I said. "I am pretty sure you wouldn't," returned my uncle. I had never before heard him speak so severely of any one. But from this time he began to talk to me more as if I had been a grown man. There was a simplici...

Genres: Classics, Christian

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1872

About the author

George 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.

Reviews

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The parts are more than the whole on this one. Macdonald's plotting is better than usual, and his views are more transparent leading to some interesting theological and epistemological conversations in the novel.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Beautifully written with intricate details and world building.

A bit too long for my liking. could have been much shorter. Very slow build up and a bit rushed during the last 1/4 of the book.

Major conflict doesn't get really going until this point as well.

Sad and tragic.

I still liked it, glad I read it, but not on my "will read again" list.

Content concerns: Suicide (not Wilfrid). Wilfrid does not get Mary the girl he loved. (Clara who was deceitful ..he figures it out) Mary marries another.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Reminds me of Austen. Overall the point of life is to love God, not chase after wealth even when their is disappointment.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a departure for MacDonald. An “autobiography” (of the title character), it is definitely not as preachy as a typical MacDonald novel. It tracks the life of Wilfred from his childhood to echoes of the end, with a recurring location of the nearby hall. The tale returns readers here on multiple occasions for a variety of reasons—all for a good reason. Wilfred must learn the role of property for his life, learning either from worldly wisdom or the insights and counsel of his uncle.

Wilfred’s love life also takes a prominent role, leaving the reader slightly dissatisfied in the end, though the resolution of the property is satisfying.

Behind all of this is his spiritual journey, which begins with looking at the character of God as Wilfred understands Him, in comparison to the way He was preached in local churches. He eventually comes to recognize His presence in his life, but is far less sentimental than many other Macdonald conversions.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into someone moving toward a Christian worldview. I can understand as I read why CS Lewis valued MacDonald as an author. I have all his writings (Johannesen ed) and I've read about half of them.

[C A Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything; intrigue, mystery, love, tragedy and God.

[Andrea anetzley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of redemption and Grace by a master storyteller.

I have been reading through as many George MacDonald works as possible to get an idea of what many see in his writing. I loved the way he describes how he came to Faith at last, and that he never portrays himself as being perfect. He treats his subject matter with tenderness. I really enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading many more of his books.

[Elsbeth]

I definitely liked this book. It is written as an autobiography; we follow Wilfrid's experiences as he himself views them after so many years. This sometimes reminded me of 'David Copperfield'.
Wilfrid's friendship with Charley was a highlight; their discussions were very interesting (if somewhat difficult at times).

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

1872 Week 5