One of my all time favourite books is Island Magic (1934) by Elizabeth Goudge.
Elizabeth's mother was from Guernsey and the island and its stories were a huge influence on her.
The plot revolves round the du Frocq family in 1888,
(its always been a huge source of pride to me that one of my great great grannies was a Mary de Frocq, as there are no longer any of those names in the phone book)
Their struggling farm is on the south coast cliffs, I think near to Moulin Huet, and the main story revolves around a shipwreck and a washed up sailor who comes in too their lives.
But I wont spoil the plot for you!
If you love Guernsey and you love history, I think you will love this book,
but for years its been out of print, so its been a question of trying to find copies in antique and junk shops, as you can see from my motley collection!
That is until this week, Hendrickson Publications has re printed it,
and 10 copies have arrived at the Tapestry Gallery, very happy day (£9.99)
One last little snippet on Elizabeth Goudge, her 1946 children's book The Little White Horse was J.K Rowlings favourite book as little girl and a big influence on her Harry Potter books.
Hi Caro...visiting from across the pond. One of my good friends had the pleasure of visiting Guernsey and she told me about your blog. We are both voracious readers and now I want to read Island Magic. I also enjoy handwork, especially counted cross stitch. My needlework keeps me sane for sure. Would love to have you visit me in North Alabama. Nagaland is the name of my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comments Arlene, not sure on earth how, but managed to delete the one from 'flowers'but really am glad you enjoyed it x
DeleteThank you, so glad you enjoyed the blog and do hope you love the book as much as I do. Will check our Nanaland x
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