The Enchanted Castle: 02/26/08

Edith Nesbit's fantasies all seem to follow a similar pattern. A large family of children are left to adventure on their own and find real magic beyond what they can conjure with their imaginations. Usually their dabbling in magic leads to trouble and of course life lessons. The Enchanted Castle falls squarely in this category.

The book follows the misadventures of siblings Jerry, Jimmy and Cathy and their new friend Mable. Mable lives in the enchanted castle but most of the magic happens due to the wishes granted by a troublesome ring.

Like The Five Children and It, the book mostly focuses on the wishes that each character makes and consequences of them. As each character in turn uses the ring to wish (including the unnamed Nanny, known only as Mademoiselle) the wishes become more fantastical and the results more surreal and potentially dangerous.

I read this novel for the 2008 Decades Challenge. The novel was originally published in 1907 and it holds up well.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Saturday, March, 1, 2008 at 01:21:17

Framed

I liked this book better than "Five children and It." But what I really enjoy about Nesbitt's books is how proper and grownup these children are. And their adventures are pretty funny."

Comment #2: Friday, February, 29, 2008 at 22:31:22

pussreboots

I agree with your assessment. I too enjoyed The Enchanted Castle more than Five Children and It. "