THE ROSEMARY TREE

by Elizabeth Goudge ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 14, 1956

Hark back to Island Magic and City of Bells for the peculiar fascination of this modern fairy tale. The story is set in Devon, this time, and the characters are virtually fantasy characters:- John Wentworth, Vicar, who is a modern Don Quixote; his aunt, Miss Wentworth, lady of the manor, who has characteristics of an unapproachable but at heart amiable witch; the head of the private school, Mrs. Belling, who is the wicked witch; the prince in disguise, Michael, who has been imprisoned, first in his own fears, then in fact for misuse of trust funds; the commentator, Miss Harriet, John's old nanny, roombound by arthritis, but seeing more and understanding more than all the others- and wielding her power judiciously; and of course three enchanted children. The story has its several parts- and the solutions are happy ones, though the manor house must go, and Miss Giles at the school lose her prickles, and Michael lays bare his soul before the answers are found. Elizabeth Goudge writes supremely well when she writes of children. Her adults are not quite so close to her heart- except where she sees the children in them. And her style is occasionally too lush. But- for her long-term fans, this is a magic tale.

Pub Date: May 14, 1956

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Coward, McCann

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION