Review Detail

I received this book as a Christmas gift when I was eight, I am now 30. I still find myself entirely enchanted by its wonders. The characters are so well developed, I still have a soft spot for poor Uncle Freddy and his embroideries. What a wonderful introduction this is to some of our most influential and revered historical figures: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau. I also loved the mystical elements of India and the Transcendental movement as a whole. Superbly though...more I received this book as a Christmas gift when I was eight, I am now 30. I still find myself entirely enchanted by its wonders. The characters are so well developed, I still have a soft spot for poor Uncle Freddy and his embroideries. What a wonderful introduction this is to some of our most influential and revered historical figures: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau. I also loved the mystical elements of India and the Transcendental movement as a whole. Superbly thought out and executed, Ms. Langton's work in this novel never fails to delight in this unusual and captivating tale. Ms. Langton has a wonderful sensibility for creating appreciation for artifacts both physical and intellectual. The novel is able to smoothly offer the idea of choosing wisely now for the future you create for yourself, but it never comes off as preachy. I was so thrilled the day I was able to put up a gazing globe in my own yard, and those of you who read this treasure will know why!