Book cover of At the Back of the North Wind

Book description

George MacDonald's best-known fantasy has enchanted generations of children and adults since it was first published in London over a century ago. Considered to be a landmark in the development of the children's novel, this enthralling fairy tale is just as endearing today.

Modern readers will thrill to the story…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked At the Back of the North Wind as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If I died, went to the edge of Heaven, and then returned, how would I be different? That’s what happens to a young boy named Diamond.

I love the premise, which wasn’t obvious until I realized the Back of the North Wind represents death. This is supposedly a children’s book, but the original is 300 pages long.

I love the sophistication and insights of the dialogue, the gorgeous passages, and the depictions of the god-like North Wind as a tall, beautiful woman. As the book progressed, I was introduced to a little girl, Nanny, Diamond’s companion in adventure.

MacDonald’s works…

This beautifully written children’s book was very meaningful when my mother read it aloud many years ago. The tale follows a poor boy named Diamond who resides in a chilly hayloft above a horse (also named Diamond). It is written with such tenderness and engaging detail that it can’t help but draw the reader into its pages.

The book follows the child’s adventures following his exciting meeting with the beautiful North Wind. It is a refreshingly different and uplifting kind of children’s literature, and it truly is a breath of fresh air.

If you love At the Back of the North Wind...

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