Customer Reviews

There and Back (George Macdonald Original Works)

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As with all MacDonald novels, the plot and subplots, while of substantial interest and expert construction, are of secondary importance to the theme expertly woven throughout the tapestry of spiritual truths and insights.

MacDonald's characters are merely the messengers, not the message. They are, for the most part, common, ordinary people who live common, ordinary lives. They face trials and tribulations as well as joys and triumphs, however it is never so much what they face, but the manner in which they face it.

MacDonald weaves an interesting tale of a young man, Richard, who is an heir to the aristocracy, yet throughout the majority of the narrative, as a result of extraordinary, yet quite believable, circumstances is aware neither of his heritage nor his future prospects. By the time he has gained this knowledge, the impact has been considerably lessened and redirected, for, he has, beforehand, gained the Kingdom of God. There is not much that the world can do, either good or bad, that can shake the faith, hence the peace, of a true child of God. The highs are never too high, nor are the lows ever too low; for in either case, to God belongs the glory.

I invite you to join Richard and Barbara, as well as Richard's very interesting grandfather and a rather eccentric ensemble cast of supporting characters, as they begin their odyssey into the light. It is a journey not without considerable interest, and a delightful degree of mental and spiritual exercise.