From the Bookshelf of Retro Reads…

The Dean's Watch

Elizabeth Goudge

Start date: October 15, 2018

Finish date: November 14, 2018

Discussion leader: Hana

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What Members Thought

Oct 26, 2018 Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, christmassy, modern-classics

"About the novels of Elizabeth Goudge there is always something of the fairy-tale, and The Dean's Watch is full of the enchantment of goodness- it has the timelessness that marks the author's best work"
The Scotsman"

From the back cover of my copy - & I don't know if I can improve on this review quotation.

I'll try.

I wasn't well whilst I was reading this novel, so I had trouble getting into it at first, gave it another shot & was swept into a world of magic!

My sisters are wonderful people an ...more

39 likes · Like · see review

Jan 10, 2020 LeahBethany rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Dean's Watch was a lovely, gentle read. I knew going in that the novel had been described as slow so I allowed myself to savor and enjoy the beautiful writing, the engaging characters, the bewitching setting and the charming story of a clockmaker, a dean and the city and people they love. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Aug 29, 2018 Bobbie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites

Group read for Retro Reads, Oct. 2018
This is a beautiful book, inspirational and spiritual. I can hardly add to the reviews already written except to say that I simply loved this book. I am so glad that the Retro Reads group introduced me to this author and book. I am anxious to read more by Elizabeth Goudge.

2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 26, 2020 Arlene rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

How could you not say this writing is not like reading silk? She weaves her stories with such lessons and truths. I’ve exhausted all public library availability for my area. I guess next will be a search through used book stores. Love this style of writing.

1 like · Like · see review

May 25, 2015 Carinne Gee rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-d-recommend

I would give this another 1/2 star if I could. First of all, I really love her writing. She has such a way with words and such a flow. However, I had a really hard time getting into this book. REALLY a hard time. I don't know if it was my mood at the time. It was pretty slow for me. The 1st 10% of the book just talked about the history of the cathedral in this town. I nearly put it down more than once. The only thing that stopped me was I knew how highly it came recommended. It wasn't until abou ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Kate rated it really liked it

See Tadiana Night-Owl's review.

It takes a bit of work to read since it was published in 1960. Language has changed, but there are lovely descriptive phrases. ...more

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Aug 25, 2021 Donna B rated it it was amazing

Such a satisfying read! Goudge gives us a strong sense of place and purpose, in her stories, with a bit of magic or charm thrown in. I found myself asking "Where can I, like the Dean, influence others for good?"
There are usually characters that I find maddening in her novels- as in real life. I learn alongside of them and find myself awed and grateful at the transformative journey. ...more

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