Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Read it again and again and again...., Feb 1 2009
I read "The Little White Horse" as a kid in England. I managed to get a paperback copy of it one day, many years ago, when I was actually at a horse racing day-out in Canada. That book I read constantly over the years until it fell to pieces. I managed to replace it in hardback in 2005 and since I heard that a film is coming out soon, decide to read it yet again. Still one of the best childrens books that I ever read. I love the way the animals come to life in the book. For those who have never read it before, it is a book that puts you right in the Victorian era. Just a wonderful classic!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A lovely story for the young--or the young at heart, Jan 27 2009
My 9 year old daughter recently read The Little White Horse and was so enchanted by it that she asked me to read it as well. I agreed, but I didn't expect to enjoy it very much as it looked like the type of silly story that only children can truly enjoy.
Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. I LOVED this book. Yes, it is a fairy tale for children, with beautiful scenes, magical creatures, and humorous moments, but it is so much more. This book really has substance. The main character, Maria, must overcome evil and sorrow in her world with the power of courage and love. Sometimes casual remarks made by the characters gave me, as an adult, pause for thought. And the love the author shows for the beauty of nature, and for simplicity of religion, was inspiring to me.
Those who tend to be cynical may cringe at the overly sweet and innocent tone of the story, and even more so at the ridiculously happy and perfect fairy tale ending. But personally, I found this beautiful story with a very happy ending refreshing! We hear about so much trouble and misery in the world today, that I really enjoyed taking a break from reality and just diving right into this delightful book.
My favourite thing about The Little White Horse was the positively delicious descriptions the author gave for all the lovely things Maria encountered her first few months at Moonacre Manor--the clothing, the rooms, the gardens, the sky, the people, the church, the village--and most of all the food, the glorious food!
I should also mention that there is an awful lot of humour in this book, although some of it is subtle enough that children may miss it. I usually had a smile on my face while reading, and one scene in particular made me laugh so hard that I actually cried!
Well, I can't recommend this book highly enough. I believe it would be a complete joy to read for any child or any adult who is a child at heart and who hasn't lost their sense of wonder at the beauty that can be found in the world--for yes, there is beauty in the world outside Silverydew and Moonacre Manor as well.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Predictable, but definately worth your time, Jun 26 2004
Honestly, I just bought this book because my hero, J.K. Rowling, cites it as one of her all-time favorites. After reading it, I understand why that is. The story itself grabs you from the beginning and pulls you into the stunningly-constructed world. Every detail is described, from the meals to the scenery, everything. The ONLY complaint that I had, is that sadly it's rather predictable. It'd be great to read to a child, or for the young-at-heart.
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DVD ~ Richard Attenborough
