How The Little White Horse Can Inspire You to Live a Magical Life
The Little White Horse: A Magical Book to Read Online
Have you ever dreamed of living in a fairy tale? Of exploring a hidden valley full of wonders and mysteries? Of befriending a unicorn and other magical creatures? If so, you might want to read The Little White Horse, a children's fantasy novel by Elizabeth Goudge. It is one of the most beloved books of its genre, and has enchanted generations of readers since its publication in 1946. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the book and its author, tell you why it is such a classic, and show you how you can read it online for free.
the little white horse book read online
The Story of Maria Merryweather
The book follows the adventures of Maria Merryweather, a 13-year-old orphan who has to leave her home in London after her father's death. She is sent to live with her uncle Sir Benjamin Merryweather, who owns a large estate called Moonacre Manor in the West Country of England. There, she finds herself in a world out of time, where magic and mystery abound.
Maria soon learns that there is an ancient feud between her family and their neighbours, the Men from the Dark Woods. The conflict stems from a tragic event that happened centuries ago, when one of Maria's ancestors stole a precious pearl from a moon princess. The pearl was supposed to bring peace and happiness to the valley, but instead it brought curse and sorrow. Maria also discovers that she has a special connection with a little white horse, who is actually a unicorn named Wrolf. He guides her through her quest to restore harmony to Moonacre Valley.
Along the way, Maria meets many wonderful people and animals, who help her in her mission. She becomes friends with Robin, the son of her uncle's former fiancée Loveday; Marmaduke Scarlet, the cook and housekeeper who can make delicious dishes out of anything; Miss Heliotrope, her governess who has a fondness for lavender; Digweed, the coachman and gardener who knows all about plants; and Zachariah, the cat who can talk. She also encounters some dangers and challenges, such as giant spiders, wicked monks, hidden caves, and dark secrets.
The Themes of the Book
One of the reasons why The Little White Horse is such a timeless story is because it explores universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Some of these themes are:
The importance of self-sacrifice and perseverance. Maria has to give up many things that she loves or desires in order to achieve her goal. She also has to overcome many difficulties and obstacles that test her courage and faith. She learns that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and that sometimes you have to pay a price for your dreams.
The power of love and reconciliation. Maria realizes that hate and revenge only lead to more suffering and misery. She decides to forgive her enemies and seek peace with them. She also helps her uncle and Loveday to rekindle their romance, and reunites Robin with his father. She shows that love is stronger than hate, and that forgiveness is better than vengeance.
The beauty of nature and harmony. Maria is enchanted by the natural beauty of Moonacre Valley, and the harmony that exists between its inhabitants. She appreciates the simple joys of life, such as flowers, food, music, and friendship. She also respects the animals and the environment, and tries to protect them from harm. She demonstrates that nature is a source of inspiration and happiness, and that we should live in harmony with it.
The Adaptations of the Book
The Little White Horse has been adapted for film and television several times, with varying degrees of success. The most notable adaptations are:
The 1994 mini-series "Moonacre", starring Camilla Power as Maria, David Haig as Sir Benjamin, and Patrick Ryecart as Robin's father. It was a faithful adaptation of the book, but it was criticized for its low-budget production and poor special effects.
The 2008 movie "The Secret of Moonacre", starring Dakota Blue Richards as Maria, Ioan Gruffudd as Sir Benjamin, and Tim Curry as Robin's father. It was a loose adaptation of the book, with many changes to the plot and the characters. It was praised for its visual style and cast, but it was panned for its lack of coherence and originality.
Both adaptations have their fans and detractors, but they also have some similarities with the book. For example, they both feature the little white horse as a key element of the story, they both highlight the themes of love and reconciliation, and they both end with a happy resolution for all the characters.
Conclusion
The Little White Horse is a magical book that can transport you to a different world, where anything is possible. It is a book that can inspire you to be brave, kind, and hopeful. It is a book that can make you laugh, cry, and dream. It is a book that you can read online for free, thanks to the public domain status of its author.
If you are looking for a charming and enchanting story to read online, we highly recommend The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge. You can find it on various websites, such as Project Gutenberg or Internet Archive. You can also download it as an ebook or an audiobook on your device.
We hope you enjoyed this article about The Little White Horse, and we invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on it. Have you read the book before? What did you like or dislike about it? How did it compare to the adaptations? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
When was the book published?
The book was published in 1946 by the University of London Press. It won the Carnegie Medal that year, recognizing the best children's book by a British author.
Who is the author of the book?
The author of the book is Elizabeth Goudge, an English writer who wrote novels, short stories, and children's books. She was born in 1900 in Wells, Somerset, and died in 1984 in Peppard Common, Oxfordshire. She was influenced by her religious faith, her love of nature, and her interest in history.
What is the name of the unicorn in the book?
The name of the unicorn in the book is Wrolf. He is also called the Lion of Moonacre, because he has a mane like a lion. He is the guardian of the valley, and he helps Maria in her quest.
Is the book based on a true story?
No, the book is not based on a true story. It is a fantasy novel that uses elements of folklore, mythology, and legend. However, some aspects of the book may have been inspired by real places or events. For example, Moonacre Manor may have been modeled after Compton Castle in Devon, where Goudge lived for some time.
Where can I buy a copy of the book?
You can buy a copy of the book from various online retailers, such as Amazon or Book Depository. You can also find it in some libraries or bookstores.
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