The Princess and the Goblin, with eBook

By: George MacDonald

Narrated by: Ian Whitcomb

Young Princess Irene is sent to the country to be raised in a half-farmhouse, half-castle located in the side of a mountain. While exploring the top of the castle, Irene becomes lost and inexplicably finds her way to a mystifying and beautiful woman spinning a thread. Princess Irene is drawn to the woman whom she discovers is her great-great-grandmother. But after she returns, her nurse, Lootie, refuses to believe in the old woman's existence, and the young Princess cannot find the way back to her great-great-grandmother.

Days later, while on an outing with Lootie, Princess Irene believes that she detects a Goblin. They meet a young miner, Curdie, who confirms her sighting. Soon Curdie discovers Goblins lurking under the castle that have constructed an evil plot against the king and his palace. Princess Irene's belief in her great-great-grandmother's powers becomes essential as she and Curdie work to foil the sinister Goblin plan. As the Princess tells Curdie, "sometimes you must believe without seeing".

©1996 Phoenix Recordings

Pre-Tolkien Fantasy

I approached this novel, because C.S. Lewis credited George MacDonald as a huge influence on both him and Tolkien. That is exceptionally high praise, but rightly deserved. Essentially, if you are a fan of either Narnia or Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, you will find a real treasure hidden here.

As for the recording itself, it's acceptable. Ian Whitcomb does a lovely job with the voice work, but the recording itself is very old and a bit scratchy. Also, for a brief period in the middle, it sounds like the TV is on in the background. Still, don't let that put you off this wonderful story. Very highly recommended!

A children’s book for all adults

A children’s book for all adults. It is packed with lessons of faith. It reminds that there are evil forces seeking to steal and destroy that which is precious to the King (us and our good works). It reminds that some persons will quickly recognize and be faithful to something greater than themselves while others (though naturally mighty in fortitude) will need longer to process that reality. Enjoy and let it remind us that with faith, we too can have access to that Golden thread that guides and protects.

A Wonderful book

All I can say is I loved this book. I would ride around the block before going home if I was at an exciting part in the book. The narrator was very good.

Charming, but it dragged at times

George MacDonald live from 1824 to 1905 and was a great inspiration to C. S. Lewis. I read MacDonald’s “Phantastes” which caused a “baptism of the soul” for Lewis… but it left me confused.

Unlike “Phantastes” which is simply a series of images and scenes following a primary hero, this narrative has a cohesive story arc mostly following the little princess, Irene, in a sort of fantasy world where goblins and magic exist. It’s a sweet little story with a sweet, well-behaved little girl who lives with the threat of being kidnapped by goblins. It’s creative, charming, and engaging enough, but I found myself bored in several places, like the narrative was dragging. It was disappointing because I actually liked the story overall.

Maybe it was as the narrator I didn’t like? Granted, it was a free copy, so I’m sure there are better out there.

Always follow the magic thread.

I found the complete works of George MacDonald on Kindle for $0.99. There are something like 18000 pages worth of reading. Unbelievable value. The first story in the collection is The Princess and the Goblin so that’s where I started. Princess Irene is a lot like Heidi but a little older and her world is a little more fantastic. Princess Irene is about eight years old and she lives in a castle in the mountains. Her father the king is often away from the castle visiting other areas of his kingdom and taking care of business. Princess Irene’s primary caretaker is her nurse, Lootie. One evening when Irene and Lootie are out in the mountains away from safety they find themselves lost and in danger from the Goblins who live in the area. They meet a young miner, Curdie, who is unafraid of the Goblins. Curdie knows that individual Goblins will run away when faced with any old singing rhyme. Curdie spends his time inventing and practicing silly rhymes so that he will be prepared for any confrontation with the Goblins. The Goblins fancy themselves more intelligent than the humans, but they are not very brave. One day the Princess explores a new part of the castle and discovers her great-great-great grandmother Irene. Unlike the nasty grandmothers in other stories, the old Irene is more like a guardian angel grandmother. She uses magic to protect and guide the young princess through the rest of the story. Curdie discovers that the Goblins are tunneling under the Princess’ castle and intend to kidnap her and marry her to their ugly prince. Curdie and the Princess work together to thwart the Goblins and ultimately save everyone staying in the King’s castle. I enjoyed the simple fairy story. I like that the good guys win. I like the grandmother’s magic and how the author doesn’t need to explain it.

This is for young men turning into heroes and young ladies learning to be princesses.