Rating: 
Summary: Predictable, but definately worth your time
Review: Honestly, I just bought this book because my hero, J.K. Rowling, cites it as one of her all-time favorites. After reading it, I understand why that is. The story itself grabs you from the beginning and pulls you into the stunningly-constructed world. Every detail is described, from the meals to the scenery, everything. The ONLY complaint that I had, is that sadly it's rather predictable. It'd be great to read to a child, or for the young-at-heart.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written, Disappointingly Constructed
Review: How difficult it is to find children's novels that are actually well-written, in a language that is not dumbed-down. Elizabeth Goudge's prose is truly beautiful. Her ability to paint a picture with words is refreshing and satisfying, and her writing most certainly draws the reader in -- one can't put the book down because one simply MUST know what happens to little Maria!The story falls short not in the writing but in the actual content. Throughout the book, it is clear that Maria's every decision is made beforehand -- from the clothing that is mysteriously laid out for her in the morning to her trip to the castle of the Wicked Men. It is as though she is merely reading a script -- not boldly adventuring forth to seek her destiny. Perhaps the stunning writing of Ms. Goudge sets the reader up for a more complex, less predicatable storyline. In any case, I found myself sorely disappointed in the tale, while completely satisfied with the writing. Why 4 stars then? There is great value in a well-written book, and compared to much of what is out there today, The Little White Horse shines. My nine-year-old daughter absolutely loved it -- and she is our resident Bookworm. Borrow this book from the library before you invest in a copy. If your daughter's eyes are sparkling after she reads it, then by all means, grace your bookshelf with this novel. There are far worse choices out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Way Damn Better Than Harry Potter
Review: I enjoyed this book immensley and have read it seven times. I love how Elizabeth Goudge describes Wrolf as a dog, when, in reality, he is a lion. This book is filled with mystery and a sense of courageousness that fills you as you read. I had already read all the Harry Potter books, and found this book more exciting than all of the series(except for maybe the first one)A must read for fantasy junkies and princesses in another lifetime(like me! Even though I am 14)
Rating:
Summary: enchanting old-fashioned fairy tale
Review: I read this book based on J.K. Rowling's statement that it was her favorite book as a child, and it's easy to see why she loved it. I wish I had known of it when I was a child. An allegory, a fairy tale and a morality play all rolled into one, this delightful story should entertain adult readers and enchant the younger set, though it may be too very sweet for older kids. As Goudge's The Little White Horse opens, Maria Merryweather is travelling toward her destiny, though she does not yet know this. Suddenly an impoverished orphan, she is travelling to Moonacre Manor, the home of a mysterious relative, in the company of her caretaker Miss Heliotrope and her little dog Wiggins. The story of Maria's adventures is fanciful and charming and populated by magical characters living in an enchanted place. Maria learns that people and stories are usually more than first impressions suggest, that even virtuous people have faults and even wicked people have goodness, that one can learn from previous mistakes ?- one?s own and others? ?- and make a better decision next time. All problems are resolved at the end, all loose ends tied neatly. First published in 1946, the voice here hints at modern narrative awareness of itself, but Is never cynical. A drawing of Moonacre Manor is here, and chapters are short enough to make this a great read-aloud novel.
Rating:
Summary: Moonlit fantasy
Review: It's too bad that so few of Elizabeth Goudge's books are in print, though I am grateful that this one has been reprinted. I'd never read it before, and initially I was turned off by the unicorn illustration on the cover. But I'd heard lots of comments about how magical it was, and so I sat down to read. Newly orphaned Maria Merryweather is being sent from London to Moonacre Manor, the castle-like home of her uncle, Benjamin Merryweather. Initially Maria and her devoted governess Miss Heliotrope expect the place to be cold and uncomfortable -- but Maria is delighted to see an enchanted, silvery landscape, and the brief vision of a white horse running past. She fits quickly into the slightly strange, almost idyllic surroundings -- despite the fact that no woman has come to Moonacre Manor in twenty years. But Sir Benjamin seems very pleasant -- as does the huge, unusual dog Wrolf. Maria is enchanted both by the beautiful natural surroundings and the neighboring village of Silverydew. But she begins to sense that something is wrong: her uncle is unhappy about something and won't talk about the briefly-seen white horse. Her childhood invisible friend Robin returns to her -- and the inhabitants of Silverydew know him. Beautiful items are laid out in her tiny, luxurious room -- with the initials L.M. And strange dark figures are creeping through the woods near the sea. Maria soon finds out about a long-lasting story of magic, sadness, greed and darkness that has haunted her family for generations, and is determined to set it right. Goudge was evidently one of the few authors who can effectively blur the line between reality and dreaminess. Some sections of her prose are almost intoxicating; she never held back from describing surroundings and items lushly. The dreamy atmosphere of the book is established when Maria and Miss Heliotrope (and Wiggins the dog) arrive at Moonacre. Such beautifully written passages crop up, such as "moonlight and firelight mingled their silver and gold." We also are given examples of Ms. Goudge's evident love of both nature, the countryside, and religion (not preachily, simply a demonstration of the beauties she saw in it). She also mixes in a few other items: the hare being a "Fairy" creature, the legend behind the Merryweathers and the valley, the sinister Black Men in the forest, and the enchanting visualization of the "little white horse" being one of the white horses that crashes in on sea foam. Some aspects of this book are a little unusual by current politically correct standards: we get several negative references to "female curiosity", atheists may be offended by Ms. Goudge's evident dislike of atheism. And I literally have no idea what a "syllabub" is. However, since this takes place in a past era, there's no reason to fuss about it. Maria herself is a delightful heroine, with just enough quirks to make her realistic -- her mild preoccupation with clothes, for example. Miss Heliotrope is not the usual strict spinster governess, but a kind and upright woman with real emotions and feelings. Wiggins is a little pain in the tail. We also have the fascinatingly charismatic Parson, who manages to make religion come dazzlingly alive while also being kind and gentle. And we have the loquacious Marmaduke Scarlet, a dwarf cook with an odd temper, an amazing culinary craft, and a vaguely gnome-like appearance. And it takes a little while for Robin to develop beyond the level of "boyish sprite," but he's a nice character as well. This is a thoroughly delightful book, full of childlike innocence and wonder that very few could pull off. Fans of Narnia and the "Hobbit" will probably eat this right up. A timeless, charming tale.
Rating:
Summary: The Sun and the Sickle Moon
Review: Maria Merryweather, her governess and the unfaithful dog, Wiggins, all set off to the home, (Or castle), belonging to Maria's cousin, Sir Benjamin. Maria soon finds out that the castle has a lot more to offer than expected, and she is delighted with her new home. However, Maria has a dangerous task to perform. She must make peace with the desendants of the Merryweather's greatest enemies, a task which should have been completed by Moon Princesses throughout the ages. Now, accompanied by Wrolf, her faithful dog, Wiggins, her not so faithful dog, Perrywinkle, her mighty steed, her hare, Zacheria the cat, and of course, her best friend Robin, Maria will go forth and try to make peace, securing the happines of her people.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorite books!
Review: My mother was a voracious reader and instilled the same appreciation of books in me. I first read this book when I was about 10 years old. I must have read it a hundred times at least! The writing was so vivid, I can still close my eyes and picture Maria and company having their sumptuous meals at Moonacre Manor; the angry darkness of the Black Men; and the gentle, wizened face of Digweed. Twenty years later, it's still one of my all-time favorites. A few years ago, I tried to find a copy of the original edition--my childhood copy was destroyed during Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica some years ago. I was quite disappointed when the book I did find came without the magnificent illustrations and maps contained in the original. I'd love to get a copy of an earlier edition for my children!
Rating:
Summary: A cherished favorite
Review: The Little White Horse is one of few books that can claim the honor of literally having its cover worn off from my too frequent readings. It is a children's book, but it is nonetheless a wonderful romp through a Victorian England that never was. I place it on par with C.S Lewis' work; it is heavy with Christian imagery, but isn't afraid to reach deep into the deepest of fantasies as well. It ends in a triple wedding, a feat not often accomplished even by Hollywood in its heyday. On a snowed-in day, this is the kind of book that calls for hot chocolate and a friend to snuggle up to for a reading.
Rating:
Summary: The best fantasy ever!
Review: This 40's fantasy--beloved by J.K. Rowling--might be too
saccharine for the 21st century; it is certain to bore most boys by the end of chapter one. Uneven pacing makes this tale a difficult read to embrace immediately; the vocabulary is dated and requires frequent trips to the dictionary. Much time is spent in exposition, with little dialogue in the opening pages, so youthful readers will need great patience until the plot takes off. The behavior of the 13-year-old protagonist is unrealistic, as she orders her elders about, making decisions beyond her years. However noble her intentions, can she tame a lifelong villain and convert a confirmed bachelor? More importantly: can she learn to curb her own temper, which could jeopardize her dearest goals? It has fallen to Maria Merryweather--the youngest in a line of unhappy moon princesses--to right century-old wrongs at and around Moonacre Manor. Upon arriving there as an orphan, accompanied by her faithful governess, Miss Heliotrope, Maria immediately loves the countryside, the quaint village and her middle-aged cousin/guardian. But gradually she discovers family secrets and town legends which transcend generations of pain and desapir. Can one slender girl make amends for past atrocities and more recent insults? And what was the fate of that elusive necklace of Moon Pearls? Author Elizabeth Goudge has chosen to set her story in the early 19th century, so be prepared for many antiquated words and Victorian objects. Various animals--some with supernatural powers--are crucial to the denoument. One clear, prevailing theme is that of the need for balance and cooperation between the sun and the moon, between both moral and physical courage. A loving couple must complement each other's characteristics, in order to achieve a dignified and sucessful whole. Intertwining fragments of mythology and Christianity in a curious blend, the story chronicles Maria's quest for the elusive Little White Horse--who proves not a horse after all! An interesting book which some may consider a children's classic.
Rating:
Summary: "In every fairy tale there is a kernel of truth."
Review: When Maria Merryweather is suddenly orphaned, she has no choice but to move to her new guardian's home, Moonacre Manor. Maria is accompanied by her ever-faithful governess, Miss Heliotrope, and the virtueless King Charles Spaniel, Wiggins. Maria's guardian, Sir Benjamin makes Maria and her governess feel very welcome in the vast house in spite of the fact that "no female had darkened" the place for more than twenty years. Maria quickly learns that her ancestor, Sir Wrolf, made some terrible mistakes which have ramifications for the residents of Moonacre Manor. It is apparent that Maria is the only person who can correct the past, and she does so with gusto. Aided and abetted by Serena the Rabbit, Wrolf the dog, and Zachariah the cat, Maria solves the mysteries of the past. I read this book years ago as a child, and it is still a delightful read many years later. I do think, however, that it primarily a girl's book; a girl is the main character--and indeed the resourceful heroine, so that should be kept in mind if buying this book as a gift. Also, apart from a dwarf, there is really no magic, wizards, fairies etc in this book. It's just the story of one little girl set in Victorian times, and the things that happen, do so thanks to kindness, the power of good, and an overall belief in the decency of humankind--a very nice old-fashioned story.
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