Just So Stories

So this is rather a different review, as it’s not for a new release. It is, in fact, for a book that was first published in 1946 by the wonderful T. H. White.

I had, of course, read The Once and Future King series. In fact, I first read the The Sword in the Stone, after seeing the Disney movie as a 7 year old, and then, later, read the rest of the Arthurian novels.

And, realistically, I have a pretty wide and deep reading experience, particularly of classics, as a child and since, but for some reason, I was completely unfamiliar with this title, until a colleague brought it to my attention a couple of weeks ago.

So, being unable to get hold of it from the local library, I ordered a second-hand copy, and have read it over the past few nights. And I loved it.

Maria is an orphan who is ostensibly the mistress of an extensive estate, but is controlled in all senses by two vile guardians – the local Vicar and her governess, Miss Brown. I kid you not, two more revolting villains would be hard to find. These two nasties are steadily bleeding dry Maria’s only inheritance, while simultaneously seeking a way to disinherit her entirely, in order to profit by the sale of the estate.

Maria’s crumbling inheritance has seen much history with significant occupants and visitors, but when she discovers the remnants of the original Lilliputians living on a secluded island in the ornamental lake of the grounds (having been transported to England by a horrid person known to Gulliver), a most wondrous story and adventure unfolds, as Maria begins to gradually become the protector of the Lilliputians, at great risk to herself. Maria’s only friends and allies are the Professor, a completely failed academic, who lives the most pecunious existence in a derelict cottage tucked away in the woods of the estate, and Cook, Mrs Noakes… and it is these two stalwarts plus the little people, who have come to love her, who are eventually her salvation.

It was a great fun read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it, but I caution you that it will only be your most capable readers who will be able to both make sense of the sophisticated language and the themes/motifs throughout.

Sadly, we know that what was considered a classic children’s novel in times gone by, is not easily accessible these days but, if you are an adult reader, who is keen on White’s writing, do yourself a favour and get hold of a copy. It can still be bought as an ebook or an imported copy but there are also various editions available 2nd hand.

Thank you Victor Davidson for the heads up – I owe you one!