"Linnets and Valerians", Elizabeth Goudge

I remember being vaguely disappointed in this when I first read it, and I find myself a bit disappointed again; there are many elements in the book that are as good as anything Elizabeth Goudge ever wrote -- Ezra and the bees, Nan's parlour, exploring the Manor and Lion Tor, the four children and their relationship with daunting Uncle Ambrose -- but I think the problem is with the antagonists. ( Read more... )

(And looking at the Goodreads reviews on this one, I can't help rolling my eyes at the American moms going "Avaunt! Avaunt! Keep this evil witchcraft away from the children!")