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The Little White Horse

Elizabeth Goudge

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What Members Thought

Aug 24, 2008 Mir rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: gender, younger

There are some beautiful aspects of this story, especially the descriptions -- nature, food, clothing -- there's a richness to them that is very appealing. And the characters were interesting, although I can't say I *loved* any of them.

But the didactic elements! Man, I see why Goudge set the story in 1842 instead of a century later, when it was actually written. Over and over, the emphasis on Maria having to learn to accept and embody feminine virtues (and they are explicitly denoted as feminine There are some beautiful aspects of this story, especially the descriptions -- nature, food, clothing -- there's a richness to them that is very appealing. And the characters were interesting, although I can't say I *loved* any of them.

But the didactic elements! Man, I see why Goudge set the story in 1842 instead of a century later, when it was actually written. Over and over, the emphasis on Maria having to learn to accept and embody feminine virtues (and they are explicitly denoted as feminine, repeatedly). Be obedient. Don't ask questions. Sacrifice for others (although, interesting, Maria never ends up having to sacrifice much, she pretty much gets her own way and leads a pretty princessy lifestyle). Don't be proud. Forgive everything. Above all, don't quarrel.

And the foil character of Maria's "blameworthy" ancestress who was too "proud" to forgive her husband for little offenses like, oh, pretending to be in love with her when he really was after her inheritance, and then probably killing her father and infant brother to secure them. And in real life (view spoiler). She is definitely presented as more culpable than her husband, who was only really blamed for taking away property from monks. I felt like the women were always blamed more. Except for the governess, because she was pious, modest, and obedient. Of course, that resulted in her losing the man she loved and becoming a servant so are you sure you want us to take this to its logical conclusion, Ms. Goudge?

Of course, Miss Heliotrope was a poor clergyman's daughter to start with. Poor people should stay poor and be happy and not try to change their social status. I see here the same trope several other reviewers mentioned regarding Linnets and Valerians with commoner woman marrying a nobleman, Oh Horror! and just Ruining Everything for everyone. Her descendants are the Bad Guys who do evil stuff like, um, reclaim their hereditary lands. Other than than their main crime seems to be poaching rabbits, which is pretty friggin' anticlimactic for the Dark Men who live in the Black Castle in the mysterious and frightening pine woods.

The ending was all too pat and easy, and OMG (view spoiler).

I'll take care not to reread anything else of this author's. ...more

98 likes · Like · see review

Sep 21, 2007 Jackie "the Librarian" rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classicsworthreading, childrensbooks, fantasy

This is one of J. K. Rowling's childhood favorites, and it is a charming story of magic and unicorns in west England. Another orphan story, if you are into those! ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 18, 2007 Clarissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: childrens-fantasy

This is a real cozy comfort read. But it was written In 1946 and that shows. There are frequent references to the dreadfulness of Feminine Curiosity! The heroine must restrain her curiosity and wait for people to tell her what she needs to know in order to solve the mystery and resolve the centuries old enmity between her family and a neighbor. The constant strictures against women being wickedly curious are grating, especially In the scene Where the cook Marmaduke Scarlet says:

"as for your lad ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 01, 2007 CLM rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: orphans, childrensbooks, 19th-century, uk, fantasy

I can't wait for my nieces to be ready for this book, which I read and reread constantly as a preteen. ...more

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Jan 09, 2009 GraceAnne rated it really liked it

A lovely book, a favorite of JK Rowling's when she was growing up, and you really can see why. You can also see where some of the house elves might have come from .... ...more

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Jul 10, 2020 Hashi rated it it was amazing

I just re-read this beloved book from my childhood, and found it as lyrical and charming as I did 50 years ago.

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Jul 25, 2007 Tara rated it really liked it

Shelves: childhood-favorites, own, childrens

First read when I was in sixth grade and considered it my favorite book EVER for quite a while. Unfortunately, I only read it the one time before the library copy went missing and I wasn't able to locate a copy for another 20 years or so. The second time I read it, I was very surprised by some of the things I hadn't remembered and was less than thrilled with as an adult (I'm sorry, did Maria just get married at 14 years of age?! Wrolf is a what?!) but I still found it to be a charming book and M ...more

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May 01, 2013 Wkd rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A forever favorite...

I first found & read this book over 50 years ago when I was probably 9 or so. It has remained a favorite ever since. I've just read it again & am delighted to say that I loved it just as much as I did the first time. Truly a comforting novel & I hope to read it again in the future. ...more

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Oct 08, 2008 Magda rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: historicalfiction, spiritual

What a bizarre little book. It seems to be somewhat allegorical, but there doesn't seem to be ... a deeper story.

I'm certain I would have loved this book as a little girl, but for reading it for the first time as an adult, I'd have to say I was a bit disappointed. Also, the Old Parson was weird. ...more

1 like · Like · see review