The very best George MacDonald book.

Alister, who had inherited but the little that remained of the land which had begrudging provided his once-mighty and still-proud clan a meager subsistence-the land known as Strathruadh-, was finding it increasingly difficult to care for his beloved people. The very land on which the village stood was now the property of a lowlander-a man who cared for neither the land nor the people, but whose sole interest lay in his investment, prestige, and prominence. The small portion of land remaining to Alister was his to farm, to nurture, to love. Oh, how he loved this hard, barren, hilly, heather-covered, wasteland. But God loved Alister far more than Alister could love the land, and, as a result, a sacrifice must be made. Alister must be made to choose between the seen and unseen; must be made to understand that ownership is not to own. God created and retains ownership of all things. We are given but a brief stint upon this earth that we may learn that which He would have us learn.

While Alister found the sacrifice far greater than he ever thought he could bear, with the aid of his brother Ian ( a man who, quite possibly, walked midst the Angels), Alister did that which must be done-obey his God, and with obedience came understanding, and with understanding, peace.

Welcome to the world of ancient Scotland, where the people appear as hard as the land upon which they live. Explore their lives, their loves, their dreams, and their hopes. Discover that which we must all eventually learn if we are to ever know true life.

Horn Book's review speaks for itself--if the standard is craftily turned sentences and plot, and amoral treatment of subject, this book is a failure. But for the reader who is able to be touched by the most tender family feelings and deep religious devotion; who believes that innocence and trust is the natural and desirable state for children; and who prefers words and ideas of plainspoken kindness and high hope, this book will satisfy, inspire, and confirm the best in us.

This book is a well written exploration of the guilt we all carry around with us and how we find the strength to face it. A surprising twist to more modern ideas of how we deal with guilt. Definitely worth owning.

This was the first book by George MacDonald I've read, but this one made me want to go out and get another to read. I read this one over about two days, and I can honestly say that I had to put it down very unwillingly. I particularly love Barbara, Richard's friend, and that she's completely free from all prejudice. It seems those around her could learn a few things from her! The end was completely believable, which made it seem as though the story could have taken place. The characters were likewise very believable which lent to a very smooth plot.

If you've never read George MacDonald ... you've never read George MacDonald. 'At The Back of the North Wind' is an eerie, almost ethereal story about a boy named Diamond and his special friendship with the North Wind. But don't be deceived by its apparently simplistic structure; around it MacDonald spins a web of engaging, thought-provoking details that can never truly be understood. There's a kind of mysterious, whispering philosophy pervading this book that makes it so unusual, so different from anything I've ever read. You can read this over, and over, and over, and still there's a bend in the road that you can never quite see around ...

George McDonald touches the core of your very existance with this book.Mr McDonald gently forces you to look to your soul and how much work on your soul life you really need."Creation in Christ" will set you on a burning life long search for the mind of GOD, which I believe, was Mr McDonalds' aim. I love the gritty truth of this master piece.

George MacDonald's classic work continues to take the breath away of spiritual pilgrims who find him for the first time. These small sonnets are each gems that act as windows for persons to catch a glimpse of the heart of God, and the heart of a man clearly connected to the Spirit's yearning in his life. These are best read slowly and savored, but as with any true classic, each time they are read, they have a richer meaning. The readings are arranged by month, one per day.

Someone should make a movie of the main story here because it would be a classic! Simple enough for the very young child but with heart enough for the older reader who has a heart to feel with. I like to read it to myself if I can't find a child to read it to every Christmas.

George MacDonald's "Robert Falconer" is perhaps the best of his works that I have ever read. It deals extensively with a boy's search to know God personally while struggling with the concepts about God presented to him by his extremely strict Calvanist grandmother who raises him. It contains some of the best advice on Christian ministry that I have seen in a novel and I recommend this book highly. If you only want an entertaining book this may not be the best one since it is written in the phonetic Scottish accent, which can be difficult to understand. A few times I had to read it aloud in order to comprehend what he was saying. Still, the content is absolutely excellent, the story is entertaining (if you can get around the accent) and I am going to buy this book for my personal library when I can get some money together.