Young Princess Irene is kept in ignorance of the ghastly goblins that live under the mountains--neither she nor any of the castle staff are allowed out after dark. But when she and her nurse Lootie accidentally stays out so late, a hideous creature chases them and nearly catches them. Because of that, Irene meets the young miner boy, Curdie, who knows the weaknesses of the goblins.
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After her narrow escape, Irene is drawn up into abandoned parts of the castle to where her great-great-grandmother lives, surviving on pigeon's eggs--also a wonderful character, somewhere between a guardian angel and a grandmother.
The review of this Book prepared by Karen
George MacDonald, born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland (1824-1905) was one of the early fantasy writers, or as they were called then, makers of fairy stories. This one has subtle but powerful magic, an heroic princess, hoards of goblins and their creatures, and Curdie, the poor but heroic young miner boy who has to be rescued by the princess before he can rescue her. There is more real magic in this book than in all the Harry Potters in the world. Can be enjoyed by readers of all ages from about 10 years upwards.
The review of this Book prepared by Michael JR Jose
