A review by mithren
At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald

hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Can't say I get it much at all, but it was a joy to read. I still don't know what North Wind and the country at her back are supposed to be about, but I liked Diamond's adventures with her.

For me the best parts of the book were MacDonald's writing and seeing the effect that Diamond had on everyone about him; though I didn't enjoy Diamond himself very much: he had too much of that Victorian perfectness to be a compeling character. I don't dislike him, I just don't mind him. Further, I generally couldn't make heads nor tails of the songs and dreams, though I liked the short stories.

The book sagged a bit between
the Church scene
and
Diamond and his family going to London
, but picked up after that.

I can't say anything about the ending because I spoiled myself while I was still halfway through the book, so I knew what was coming and was not surprised. I wish MacDonald had written the aftermath though, I wanted to see everyone reaction to what happend, but I understand that this book is not that kind of story.