Title: The Children of Green Knowe
Author: Lucy M. Boston
First published January 1, 1954
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780152024680 (ISBN10: 0152024689)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Lucy M. Boston’s classic novel, The Children of Green Knowe, will take you on a thrilling and magical journey into the heart of an ancient manor.
Meet the three children, Toby, Linnet, and Alexander, who befriend Tolly, even though they have been dead for centuries. At Green Knowe, the present and past converge, and the master of the house is the captivating great-grandmother Oldknow, whose stories are woven with the oldest magic in the world.
With its overgrown garden and dusty old rooms, Green Knowe is full of secrets and wonders waiting to be discovered. Join the children on their adventures and experience the haunting beauty of this enchanting tale.
About the Author
Lucy M. Boston was an English novelist who began publishing her work at the age of 60.
Her books were written for both children and adults, but she is most well known for her “Green Knowe” series. The six low fantasy children’s novels were published between 1954 and 1976 by Faber.
The series is set in Green Knowe, an old country manor house that is based on Boston’s own Cambridgeshire home in Hemingford Grey. In 1961, she won the annual Carnegie Medal from the Library Association for the fourth book in the series, A Stranger at Green Knowe.
This award recognized it as the year’s best children’s book by a British author.
Throughout her life, Boston was known for her writing, her magical garden, and her artistic abilities. She was an accomplished artist who had studied drawing and painting in Vienna.
Additionally, she was a skilled needlewoman who created a series of patchworks.
Editoral Review
The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston is a classic children’s novel that captures the imagination with its enchanting story and mystical characters.
First published in 1954, Boston’s novel has captivated generations with its vivid and imaginative depictions of magical and mystical worlds. The story follows a young boy named Tolly who is sent to live with his great-grandmother at the illustrious Green Knowe estate.
As he explores the sprawling mansion and its idyllic surroundings, Tolly begins to uncover the legacy of his ancestors and the secrets that the old estate holds. Along the way, he meets a cast of extraordinary characters who are linked to the sprawling mansion in mysterious ways, including the ghosts of children who once lived there.
Boston’s novel is a masterful work of children’s literature that captures the reader’s imagination with its captivating characters, sumptuous descriptions, and intricate plot lines. The author’s adept storytelling transports the reader into an ethereal world that is both enchanting and whimsical, with a rich tapestry of descriptions that bring the story to life.
One of the book’s most notable strengths is its outstanding character development. Boston’s vivid descriptions imbue each character with a unique personality and backstory that adds depth and nuance to the narrative.
The plot structure is also well-crafted, with a series of interwoven plot lines that unfold seamlessly, building towards a climactic, heartwarming ending. The book’s pacing is also noteworthy.
Boston’s adept pacing keeps the story moving at a brisk clip, without sacrificing depth or meaning. The author takes her time with each scene, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the magic and mystery of the world that she has created.
Despite its many strengths, The Children of Green Knowe does have some limitations. Some readers may find the book’s themes and motifs to be repetitive or overly simplistic.
Additionally, the novel’s structure may be overly complex for some younger readers, who may struggle with the many plot lines and subplots. Overall, The Children of Green Knowe is an outstanding work of children’s literature that will captivate readers of all ages.
With its rich characters, sumptuous descriptions, and intricate plot lines, this classic novel is a must-read for anyone who loves magical worlds and whimsical storytelling. As such, we would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a charming and captivating children’s book.
Along with that, we rate the book with 4.8 out of 5, based on its compelling story-telling, character development, and imaginative world-building.
