Henrietta's House

Elizabeth Goudge (author)

Hodder Children's Books, UK: 1945, 1998; 214pp

ISBN: 0340722657

Note: out of print: try libraries

Genres: classic, historical fiction

Issues: family, friendship, perceptions, personal development, relationships, truth

‘Once upon a time there was a railway station waiting for a train.' Thus begins this charming children's classic, set in the early 1900s. Henrietta's adoptive brother, Hugh Anthony, is home from boarding school for the holidays. As it is his birthday the family and a few select - and elderly - friends are going on a picnic.

They set off in their various carriages, travelling in twos and threes at whatever paces their horses dictate, into the cool blue of the Somerset hills, intending to meet at Foxglove Combe, an ideal retreat with a beautiful view. For some mysterious reason, however, each of the horses takes their carriage a different route, through a creaky gate, past a fierce Old Man, and into a slightly surreal world where anything becomes possible.

Hugh Anthony finds himself descending into the depths with the Dean, entering a place where they must face their fears and share their strengths. Grandfather goes off on his own and finds a strange hermit praying in a cathedral-like cave. But it is Henrietta and her companions who have the most satisfying time, as their faithful horse leads them confidently to the girl's dream house, the house she has discussed many times with her all-too-often-absent father. She finds everything as she planned it - every book, every piece of furniture, every plant in the garden. Surely it must be meant for her? Or is this just a dream? And if it's not a dream, who could possibly have created this perfect place?

This classic children's novel stands alongside Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz as an enchanting journey into a slightly surreal world. Skilful writing draws the reader into one magical, golden afternoon that changes the characters forever as they each undergo an unexpectedly spiritual journey. Goudge cleverly intertwines myths, fairytales, theology and the idiosyncrasies of ordinary people to create a story that is about honesty, self-discovery and personal change.

I fell in love with this book as a very young child. It was delightful to find it again as an adult and realise that the story is just as captivating now as it was then.

Highly recommended, especially for imaginative readers.