WHAT IT IS: A single Edwardian children's novel, with lots of magic. It's quite charming and not long. Three siblings make a new friend during summer holidays while staying near a grand castle. There's a larger plot about the mysteries of the castle as well as a few 'magical mishap of the week' adventure chapters.
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT: The whole novel is lovely, but there's a specific element/section that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Basically, there's an ongoing storyline about how the statues of Greek gods and goddesses dotted around the castle gardens come to life every night. This storyline culminates in a long section where the children party with Apollo & Co all night long. All of the gods are wet and sexy and friendly and wise (and maybe half-naked? it's unclear)—especially Apollo, wow. He is swoon-worthy. I want the kids to come back ten years later when they are grown-up and have a slightly less G-rated party with the gods. Or have crossover characters come visit the castle.
In addition to Apollo & Co, the world-building overall is fascinating. There's a suggestion that the gods and goddesses are from another world? And also stuff about links between the castle and other magical places in the world. Plus a beautiful idea about how all statues can or do come to life, but sometimes they choose not to if they are positioned in ugly places.
Another aspect of the novel I love is the relationships between the humans. There's something a little more complex about the child-human dynamics than what you find in other Nesbit books. One of the boys tries to be very gallant with the pretty French schoolteacher who is supposed to be (vaguely) looking after them all summer. Additionally, most of Nesbit's books focus solely on groups of siblings; something about Mabel being outside the family adds an interesting layer to the group.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT?(optional): It's free on Gutenberg HERE!
The Enchanted Castle - E. Nesbit
WHAT IT IS:
A single Edwardian children's novel, with lots of magic. It's quite charming and not long. Three siblings make a new friend during summer holidays while staying near a grand castle. There's a larger plot about the mysteries of the castle as well as a few 'magical mishap of the week' adventure chapters.
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT:
The whole novel is lovely, but there's a specific element/section that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Basically, there's an ongoing storyline about how the statues of Greek gods and goddesses dotted around the castle gardens come to life every night. This storyline culminates in a long section where the children party with Apollo & Co all night long. All of the gods are wet and sexy and friendly and wise (and maybe half-naked? it's unclear)—especially Apollo, wow. He is swoon-worthy.
I want the kids to come back ten years later when they are grown-up and have a slightly less G-rated party with the gods. Or have crossover characters come visit the castle.In addition to Apollo & Co, the world-building overall is fascinating. There's a suggestion that the gods and goddesses are from another world? And also stuff about links between the castle and other magical places in the world. Plus a beautiful idea about how all statues can or do come to life, but sometimes they choose not to if they are positioned in ugly places.
Another aspect of the novel I love is the relationships between the humans. There's something a little more complex about the child-human dynamics than what you find in other Nesbit books. One of the boys tries to be very gallant with the pretty French schoolteacher who is supposed to be (vaguely) looking after them all summer. Additionally, most of Nesbit's books focus solely on groups of siblings; something about Mabel being outside the family adds an interesting layer to the group.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT?(optional):
It's free on Gutenberg HERE!