Island Magic [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Goudge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1972

The Channel Islands were divided in allegiance between France and England. Of French blood, and yet subjects of Queen Victoria, the islanders were curious hybrid creatures. But now, in 1888, England is slowly stretching out her arms to them.

Colin du Frocq is eight years old, and his dreams are of the sea that surrounds his home. By day he steals away and takes to the sea in any boat that is sailing. At night he lies in bed listening to the waves beating against the shore. Then one night, in a wild storm, a ship drives onto the nearby cliffs and a strange man enters Colin's life, changing Colin's course forever.

"A glowing book...beloved scenes transplanted into the gardens of the Channel Islands." (The New York Times)

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

8 1.5-hour cassettes --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Elizabeth Goudge (1900-1984) was a prolific British author of novels, children's fantasies, and inspirational works. She is widely loved for her elegant prose, profound insight into human personalities, and vivid descriptions of beauty.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 570 pages
• Publisher: Ulverscroft Large Print (February 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0854560920
• ISBN-13: 978-0854560929
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,963,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Top 10 on My List of Favorite Children's Books, May 7, 2008

By 

E. Maycroft "book lover & collector" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Island Magic (Hardcover)

Island Magic charmed me to my toes. This book is truly magical as Mrs. Goudge captures her readers and transports them to another time and place. Her writing style, characterization, and plot are all top notch - full of a grace, style, and emotion rarely found in any genre today. I read a library copy about 10 years ago and truly wish it was one of those books I did not return. It would've been worth almost any amount of library fines. Anyway, it's on my Top 10 list along with I Captured the Castle; The Hobbit; and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Magical, April 6, 2008

By 

M. McPhillips "single-handedly keeping Amazon... (Rumsey Island, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

As the first reviewer implied, the images from this book stay with you the rest of your life. You become one of the du Frocq family children and more your own self as a child. This would be in my list of books considered for my top spot; I've had it searched for by used book stores in the past and paid $35-$40 for it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love Elizabeth Goudge, November 16, 2003

By 

Alicia Diehl (Dripping Springs, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Island Magic (Hardcover)

If you do to, you will love this. The vision of this island, its flowers, cottages, and town, is clear in my memory though it has been years since I read it. The presence of the sea surrounding everything is powerful. Unlike Linnets and Valerians, this did not scare me as a youngster, when I read it.