One thing I like is that the protagonist shares my name. Since I don't come across a lot of protagonists with the name Maria, that might be part of why I love this book.
Plot Summary:
When orphaned Maria Merryweather and her governess Miss Heliotrope arrive at Moonacre Manor to live with Maria's new guardian, her cousin Sir Benjamin, she loves it immediately. Moonacre Manor is a quaint, lovely place, and Sir Benjamin is a warm, welcoming, humorous man. But centuries ago, a conflict and a tragedy resulted in casting a dark shadow over Moonacre and the village below it. Insatiably curious by nature, Maria resolves to find out what happened and to set things right.
Discussion:
First off, this book is written so beautifully. The descriptions are lovely, and complete without paragraph upon paragraph of words. The writing is also very clear and easy to understand, yet not so simple that it can't be enjoyed by a wide range of ages. The setting is England 1842, and the story is very sweet and delightfully old-fashioned. (I say this because the above plot-summary could sound like the story is something modern.) The story sounds like a fairy tale at times, and some scenes don't seem as real as others because of it, but while you're reading them they're convincing.
The plot moves smoothly. There are some rather convenient coincidences, but they read believably. The quest to uncover the mysteries of Moonacre Manor and the ancient family feud is stirring and dramatic.
Now for character discussion. First, Maria Merryweather, the curious thirteen-year-old protagonist. She has red hair, like the famous Anne of Green Gables, but unlike that heroine she doesn't long for pink because she can't wear it. Instead, she hates it because she can't wear it. (Being of an aristocratic family, and although she's not really pretty, she's rather vain about her clothes - one of her very human traits.) Maria is also very imaginative, and finds the mysterious beauty of Moonacre very much to her taste.
Her governess, Miss Heliotrope, finds this imagination a little disconcerting, and is doing her best to bring up Maria well. Miss Heliotrope is a plain woman, shy and reserved, saddened by a past tragedy, but she loves Maria and Maria earnestly loves her in return. Sir Benjamin and Maria both see past Miss Heliotrope's queer appearance and value who she is.
Sir Benjamin Merryweather is a cheerful man with a sometimes-fierce temper that he generally doesn't give way to. This temper led to a tragedy some years ago that he keeps secret. He delights chiefly in meals (the descriptions of which are rather tantalizing), and of course in his curious young ward Maria. He is very blunt, and speaks his opinion.
These are the chief inhabitants of Moonacre Manor. There are several other delightful characters like Robin, the daring shepherd boy. Old Parson, the perceptive middle-aged Frenchman who leads the little village church, tells fascinating stories of Moonacre, and plays the violin skillfully. The beautiful Loveday Minette, who is the porteress at the Manor gate and is connected in some mysterious way with Moonacre Manor. Monsier Cocq de Noir, who leads the fearsome band of Black Men on raids throughout the region. The characters are richly drawn and fascinating.
Just a note on the fantasy in the story. I do prefer fantasy when it's in another world, rather than magic that combines with ordinary life, especially when the author's a Christian and makes references to their faith. In this story -- well, the elements of magic doesn't create any outright conflict, but it might be a little odd for the characters to worship God as they do and still consider a few things magical... Just in case anyone doesn't care for that kind of thing.
Overall: The Little White Horse is a pure and lovely story that I've enjoyed for years. I definitely recommend it! Ages 11-up.
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