"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

one of my favourite books..., 30 Nov 2007
I loved this book as a child - if you have read and enjoyed Miss Happiness and Miss Flower then you'll like this one too. It's based around the same family but from a different angle. So many of Rumer Godden's books are gems and this is too. My other favourite is In this House of Brede - but that's for adults.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

one of my favourite books..., 30 Nov 2007
I loved this book as a child - if you have read and enjoyed Miss Happiness and Miss Flower then you'll like this one too. It's based around the same family but from a different angle. So many of Rumer Godden's books are gems and this is too. My other favourite is In this House of Brede - but that's for adults.

Love the film - loved the book!, 14 Jul 2005
I picked this up because Black Narcissus is one of my all time favourite films and I wanted to see if the book contained the gothic yet exotic feel of the movie. The book does not disappoint. In fact, I usually like to have read the book before I see the film as movie interpretations are usually massive let-downs, however after reading the book I can whole-heartedly recommend this book! The descriptions of the landscape and indigenous people bring the book to life and the creeping sense of foreboding that makes the film such a treat can be felt throughout the book. In summary, if you like the film try the book or if you like the book try the film!

A book with a real difference., 05 Apr 2002
As soon as you set eyes on this book you feel you must start to read it immediately; and once you delve into it you know you are in for a completely different and totally absorbing adventure!

As you trek across the mountains with the nuns on horseback to their new venture, you feel you are part of the team. Rumer Godden's story telling takes you to a new height of reading. Full of interesting details and beautiful and encaptivating scenery, you are transported to a place and time where very few of us have been. If you want a read that is totally absorbing and enlightening then this brilliant book is one for you.

This book stays with you even when you have finished it and it is certainly worth another read, just for those little interesting details you may have missed first time around.

"Black Narcissus" is alive and vibrant, and totally compulsive reading. For those of us who are ready for a book that is a little bit different, this is the one ,for you; and good news - Rumer Godden has written more books in this vein, when you are ready.
Reviewer - Wendy Bennett

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

one of my favourite books..., 30 Nov 2007
I loved this book as a child - if you have read and enjoyed Miss Happiness and Miss Flower then you'll like this one too. It's based around the same family but from a different angle. So many of Rumer Godden's books are gems and this is too. My other favourite is In this House of Brede - but that's for adults.

Love the film - loved the book!, 14 Jul 2005
I picked this up because Black Narcissus is one of my all time favourite films and I wanted to see if the book contained the gothic yet exotic feel of the movie. The book does not disappoint. In fact, I usually like to have read the book before I see the film as movie interpretations are usually massive let-downs, however after reading the book I can whole-heartedly recommend this book! The descriptions of the landscape and indigenous people bring the book to life and the creeping sense of foreboding that makes the film such a treat can be felt throughout the book. In summary, if you like the film try the book or if you like the book try the film!

A book with a real difference., 05 Apr 2002
As soon as you set eyes on this book you feel you must start to read it immediately; and once you delve into it you know you are in for a completely different and totally absorbing adventure!

As you trek across the mountains with the nuns on horseback to their new venture, you feel you are part of the team. Rumer Godden's story telling takes you to a new height of reading. Full of interesting details and beautiful and encaptivating scenery, you are transported to a place and time where very few of us have been. If you want a read that is totally absorbing and enlightening then this brilliant book is one for you.

This book stays with you even when you have finished it and it is certainly worth another read, just for those little interesting details you may have missed first time around.

"Black Narcissus" is alive and vibrant, and totally compulsive reading. For those of us who are ready for a book that is a little bit different, this is the one ,for you; and good news - Rumer Godden has written more books in this vein, when you are ready.
Reviewer - Wendy Bennett

Engrossing , 11 Jan 2008
I loved this book, I haven't read any other Rumer Godden novels, but that will change. This a beautiful engrosing novel set in India. While telling the story of Una and Hal - daughters of Sir Edward Gwithiam, who are suddenly asked to leave their Englsih school and return to India - Rumer Godden has also contrasted the India seen by the families of diplomats to that of the India expierenced by ordinary Indians. Una's story is a hard one - her battle with Alix (her "governess" ) - her father's blindness at what is happening in his house, her relationship with Ravi - a second gardener in her father's grounds. You can't help but feel for Una - we have all been fifteen after all. I must say that although I sympathised with Una, I didn't like her any more than Alix to start with, but I warmed to her as the novel progressed.


Political yet romantic - captivating, 11 Mar 2002
This story finished too soon for my liking - it was a wonderful, emotional and captivating story which I wanted to continue. It included political, romantic and cultural themes which all lead to an amazing read. I haven't put the book away since I first read it.

unforgettable, 06 Dec 2001
this is one of the most beautiful, memorable books I have ever read. It is very evocative of the colours of India, and is a stunning (though short) summer holiday read...

Promising but unsatisfying, 20 Mar 2001
I am drawn to Rumer Godden's books because she writes of India so beautifully. Her descriptions are evocative and true. However, I came away unsatisfied from this book. Some characters, including Alix, the governess did not make sense or seem real to me. Also I found the ending unsatisfactory.

Even so, I give 'The Peacock Spring' three stars because it held me engrossed for a day until I had finished it, and because it reminded me of when I was fourteen and in love for the first time - that sense of 'us against the world' and of being more mature than adults realise.

The author's new preface (in the 1992 edition) told too much about what was to come, so I would recommend NOT reading it until one has finished the book. Perhaps it would have been better published as an addendum.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

one of my favourite books..., 30 Nov 2007
I loved this book as a child - if you have read and enjoyed Miss Happiness and Miss Flower then you'll like this one too. It's based around the same family but from a different angle. So many of Rumer Godden's books are gems and this is too. My other favourite is In this House of Brede - but that's for adults.

Love the film - loved the book!, 14 Jul 2005
I picked this up because Black Narcissus is one of my all time favourite films and I wanted to see if the book contained the gothic yet exotic feel of the movie. The book does not disappoint. In fact, I usually like to have read the book before I see the film as movie interpretations are usually massive let-downs, however after reading the book I can whole-heartedly recommend this book! The descriptions of the landscape and indigenous people bring the book to life and the creeping sense of foreboding that makes the film such a treat can be felt throughout the book. In summary, if you like the film try the book or if you like the book try the film!

A book with a real difference., 05 Apr 2002
As soon as you set eyes on this book you feel you must start to read it immediately; and once you delve into it you know you are in for a completely different and totally absorbing adventure!

As you trek across the mountains with the nuns on horseback to their new venture, you feel you are part of the team. Rumer Godden's story telling takes you to a new height of reading. Full of interesting details and beautiful and encaptivating scenery, you are transported to a place and time where very few of us have been. If you want a read that is totally absorbing and enlightening then this brilliant book is one for you.

This book stays with you even when you have finished it and it is certainly worth another read, just for those little interesting details you may have missed first time around.

"Black Narcissus" is alive and vibrant, and totally compulsive reading. For those of us who are ready for a book that is a little bit different, this is the one ,for you; and good news - Rumer Godden has written more books in this vein, when you are ready.
Reviewer - Wendy Bennett

Engrossing , 11 Jan 2008
I loved this book, I haven't read any other Rumer Godden novels, but that will change. This a beautiful engrosing novel set in India. While telling the story of Una and Hal - daughters of Sir Edward Gwithiam, who are suddenly asked to leave their Englsih school and return to India - Rumer Godden has also contrasted the India seen by the families of diplomats to that of the India expierenced by ordinary Indians. Una's story is a hard one - her battle with Alix (her "governess" ) - her father's blindness at what is happening in his house, her relationship with Ravi - a second gardener in her father's grounds. You can't help but feel for Una - we have all been fifteen after all. I must say that although I sympathised with Una, I didn't like her any more than Alix to start with, but I warmed to her as the novel progressed.


Political yet romantic - captivating, 11 Mar 2002
This story finished too soon for my liking - it was a wonderful, emotional and captivating story which I wanted to continue. It included political, romantic and cultural themes which all lead to an amazing read. I haven't put the book away since I first read it.

unforgettable, 06 Dec 2001
this is one of the most beautiful, memorable books I have ever read. It is very evocative of the colours of India, and is a stunning (though short) summer holiday read...

Promising but unsatisfying, 20 Mar 2001
I am drawn to Rumer Godden's books because she writes of India so beautifully. Her descriptions are evocative and true. However, I came away unsatisfied from this book. Some characters, including Alix, the governess did not make sense or seem real to me. Also I found the ending unsatisfactory.

Even so, I give 'The Peacock Spring' three stars because it held me engrossed for a day until I had finished it, and because it reminded me of when I was fourteen and in love for the first time - that sense of 'us against the world' and of being more mature than adults realise.

The author's new preface (in the 1992 edition) told too much about what was to come, so I would recommend NOT reading it until one has finished the book. Perhaps it would have been better published as an addendum.

Miniature masterpiece, 26 Nov 2008
Rumer Godden had a long and prolific writing career, but her centenary last year seemed to pass unmarked. If you are not familiar with her then you have missed one of the few truly great British novelists of the twentieth century.

The River, which was later filmed by Jean Renoir, is a very short and, in parts, sad book, but in many ways typical of Rumer Godden's work: set in India, the main characters children, the theme growing up, and how to be perceived by adults as a person rather than a child. It is hard to think of another writer who can so well convey what it is like to be one of her characters, and who describe scenes and events so vividly. One modern writer she can possibly be compared with is Alexendar McCall Smith - like him she is a writer who always wants to understand why people are the way they are, and who never condemns others. Her writing has a delicacy and subtlety sadly lacking in most modern authors.




Profoundly affecting novella suitable for all ages, 21 Mar 2000
My grandmother gave me this book when I was about ten years old. It is one of the few books I will read time and again - always finding something new and thought provoking. It is about growing up - however old you are - self discovery and first love; whilst never wasting a word in mawkish sentimentality. It's probably not read anywhere near enough - do buy it, pass it on to friends and spread the word!

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, and the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, and now she's fallen in love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!

First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', and the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'right in the head', and their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, and sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rare in children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' and 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.

I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV and video games. Ideal for little girls... and grown-up ones as well!

My favourite childrens book, 07 Jul 2000
I read this book when I was 7 and watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting and its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are morals in the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)

This book was better than I remembered it being., 19 Nov 1997
Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home and happiness are threatened and how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.

one of my favourite books..., 30 Nov 2007
I loved this book as a child - if you have read and enjoyed Miss Happiness and Miss Flower then you'll like this one too. It's based around the same family but from a different angle. So many of Rumer Godden's books are gems and this is too. My other favourite is In this House of Brede - but that's for adults.

Love the film - loved the book!, 14 Jul 2005
I picked this up because Black Narcissus is one of my all time favourite films and I wanted to see if the book contained the gothic yet exotic feel of the movie. The book does not disappoint. In fact, I usually like to have read the book before I see the film as movie interpretations are usually massive let-downs, however after reading the book I can whole-heartedly recommend this book! The descriptions of the landscape and indigenous people bring the book to life and the creeping sense of foreboding that makes the film such a treat can be felt throughout the book. In summary, if you like the film try the book or if you like the book try the film!

A book with a real difference., 05 Apr 2002
As soon as you set eyes on this book you feel you must start to read it immediately; and once you delve into it you know you are in for a completely different and totally absorbing adventure!

As you trek across the mountains with the nuns on horseback to their new venture, you feel you are part of the team. Rumer Godden's story telling takes you to a new height of reading. Full of interesting details and beautiful and encaptivating scenery, you are transported to a place and time where very few of us have been. If you want a read that is totally absorbing and enlightening then this brilliant book is one for you.

This book stays with you even when you have finished it and it is certainly worth another read, just for those little interesting details you may have missed first time around.

"Black Narcissus" is alive and vibrant, and totally compulsive reading. For those of us who are ready for a book that is a little bit different, this is the one ,for you; and good news - Rumer Godden has written more books in this vein, when you are ready.
Reviewer - Wendy Bennett

Engrossing , 11 Jan 2008
I loved this book, I haven't read any other Rumer Godden novels, but that will change. This a beautiful engrosing novel set in India. While telling the story of Una and Hal - daughters of Sir Edward Gwithiam, who are suddenly asked to leave their Englsih school and return to India - Rumer Godden has also contrasted the India seen by the families of diplomats to that of the India expierenced by ordinary Indians. Una's story is a hard one - her battle with Alix (her "governess" ) - her father's blindness at what is happening in his house, her relationship with Ravi - a second gardener in her father's grounds. You can't help but feel for Una - we have all been fifteen after all. I must say that although I sympathised with Una, I didn't like her any more than Alix to start with, but I warmed to her as the novel progressed.


Political yet romantic - captivating, 11 Mar 2002
This story finished too soon for my liking - it was a wonderful, emotional and captivating story which I wanted to continue. It included political, romantic and cultural themes which all lead to an amazing read. I haven't put the book away since I first read it.

unforgettable, 06 Dec 2001
this is one of the most beautiful, memorable books I have ever read. It is very evocative of the colours of India, and is a stunning (though short) summer holiday read...

Promising but unsatisfying, 20 Mar 2001
I am drawn to Rumer Godden's books because she writes of India so beautifully. Her descriptions are evocative and true. However, I came away unsatisfied from this book. Some characters, including Alix, the governess did not make sense or seem real to me. Also I found the ending unsatisfactory.

Even so, I give 'The Peacock Spring' three stars because it held me engrossed for a day until I had finished it, and because it reminded me of when I was fourteen and in love for the first time - that sense of 'us against the world' and of being more mature than adults realise.

The author's new preface (in the 1992 edition) told too much about what was to come, so I would recommend NOT reading it until one has finished the book. Perhaps it would have been better published as an addendum.

Miniature masterpiece, 26 Nov 2008
Rumer Godden had a long and prolific writing career, but her centenary last year seemed to pass unmarked. If you are not familiar with her then you have missed one of the few truly great British novelists of the twentieth century.

The River, which was later filmed by Jean Renoir, is a very short and, in parts, sad book, but in many ways typical of Rumer Godden's work: set in India, the main characters children, the theme growing up, and how to be perceived by adults as a person rather than a child. It is hard to think of another writer who can so well convey what it is like to be one of her characters, and who describe scenes and events so vividly. One modern writer she can possibly be compared with is Alexendar McCall Smith - like him she is a writer who always wants to understand why people are the way they are, and who never condemns others. Her writing has a delicacy and subtlety sadly lacking in most modern authors.




Profoundly affecting novella suitable for all ages, 21 Mar 2000
My grandmother gave me this book when I was about ten years old. It is one of the few books I will read time and again - always finding something new and thought provoking. It is about growing up - however old you are - self discovery and first love; whilst never wasting a word in mawkish sentimentality. It's probably not read anywhere near enough - do buy it, pass it on to friends and spread the word!

Still a good storyteller, 23 Feb 2007
I remember Rumer Godden's books from my childhood, although I hadn't read this one. The language and setting is naturally dated, but the theme - self confidence - is universal and my 6 year-old daughter and 4 year-old son really enjoyed it (they were impressed a six year old could go to the shops on her own!) and identified with Elizabeth learning to ride her bike. For a while 'Ting!' became a household phrase. This story has a Christmassy feel, although the action takes place throughout the year, and magic and reality are neatly blended. Rumer Godden has written some great books for kids and I am sorry that most of them seem to be currently out of print.

"Wishes are powerful things", 21 Dec 2007
This is without doubt my favourite children's Christmas story. As it says right at the beginning, "This is a story about wishing", and it tells how a little orphan girl named Ivy wishes for a doll to hold and a family to love her at Christmas, and of a Christmas doll named Holly who wishes for a child to own her, but remains unsold when the toy shop closes on Christmas Eve. There is also a woman with no children of her own who would love a little girl to look after. How the three wishes interact is told delightfully in this enchanting book. I used to read it to my daughters when they were children, and more recently to my granddaughter. But I sometimes read it to myself, as I enjoy it so much.

A Story For Children That Captures The Spirit Of Christmas, 20 Nov 2005
I first read this book when I was a small child in the 1960's and without doubt it is an enchanting tale suitable for both boys and girls of any age.

The book captures the real meaning of Christmas at every level and is told through the eyes of a small girl who longs for a doll in a toyshop but more importantly a family.

The book had been out of print for a number of years and I am pleased that it is now back in circulation. Last year just before Christmas I managed to get hold of a secondhand edition through Amazon and read the story to my own children. Reading it in instalments prior to Christmas they were totally captivated by the story, so much so we are reading it again together this December.

I would wholly recommend the purchase of this book for your children you will not be disappointed.

A Beautiful Tale - A must-read for adults and children alike., 01 Feb 2007
The Diddakoi is a story I remember reading as a young child. Twenty-odd years later, it was still in my heart. To pick it up again was to re-enter a world that I had not visited in far too long. As well as the characterisation being perfectly balanced, Rumer Godden paints a precise picture in your mind with lively and colourful images. I loved it as a child and now I love it even more.

A many layered gem, 19 Dec 2004
This is a lovely little book which contains many more layers more than the rather bland synopsis describes. It is a book for both children and adults which explores issues of racism, child abuse, traditional differences and suspicions with empathy and realism. Any child who has been bullied will be familiar with what Kizzy suffers at school, and will be heartened to find there are solutions offered in this tale. Kindness by strangers to a lonely but spirited little girl wins through against well-meaning but insensitive and sometimes cruel intentions, and it has a happy and realistic ending. I was given the book aged about 10 and have always loved it, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Nostalgic, charming but with a gutsy and believable heroine, 14 Aug 2001
This is a frank account of a child who is wary of and is disliked by other children because of her gypsy background. But her gutsiness and loneliness will touch you! I read this years ago as a little girl and loved it, and thoroughly enjoyed Lynda Bellingham's excellent reading. It is nostalgic, charming and perhaps old fashioned but it kept both my daughters ( 9 and 6) really entertained and wanting more on a long drive to Cornwall. Excellent.

A deft and incisive study of alienation and acceptance, 10 Feb 2001
I first read this (at least 5 times!) as a child and was stunned by the remarkably frank and at times painful way a child who is perceived as "different" is treated by society as a whole. Adults are supposed to "know better" but here they are portrayed as average, flawed human beings. A triumph of a book which should be requisite reading for all adults and children; the studies of a (sadly) lost way of life are also a delight.

Read this and feel happy, 07 Feb 2007
My mum read this to me as a child, and I have revisited it with my own 6 year old. It is wonderful, and my daughter loved it so much she is now reading it for herself. The characters are all beautifully drawn. Rumer Godden captures Nona's homesickness, and the gentle story of how Nona grows to settle into her new home through creating a home for the Japanese dolls is told with much sensitivity. I had forgotten how mean Belinda was, but of course, she too learns a lesson through the dolls. It is also a lovely introduction to Japanese culture for both children and adults.

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, 12 Jul 2003
This is a magical book for all girls of all ages. Based on the classic tale of a stranger being forced to live with distant relatives and not liking one bit the new arrangements. Gradullay, through, her interest and enthusiasm about making a Japanese doll house she wins everyone round and ends up loving her new life. What really makes this story stand out is the information and detail and love of a different culture - Japan - that really shines through, making it a classic for everyone who has ever read it. The only shame is it is out of print!

A wonderful book., 05 Dec 2002
I read this book when I was about six, and was absolutely entranced by it. The descriptions are beautiful, and since then I have reread the book about twenty times. Literally. All ages can enjoy the book, and it is also informative, teaching children about Japanese culture.

The book is informative, beautifully written, and heartwarming. Every child deserves a copy of it.

Hankies at the ready!, 10 May 2007
Like previous reviewers, I too