The Tutor's First Love

I have read only the eponymous selection, but this collection is ENORMOUS, and I hope to dip into it throughout my life! After reading Michael Phillips's adaptations of several of MacDonald's novels I was keen to read some in the original form, Scots and all. This collection meets that need, and I'm glad to have read the first story as G.M. intended it.

Though the Scottish was somewhat difficult by times, I enjoyed this book immensely.

A edited version of George MacDonald's "David Elginbrod". I am grateful for the elimination of the writing in dialect that MacDonald used when he first wrote this. 19th century Scottish brogue in written form is a challenge for me. At the same time I am told that the editor also did some cutting of the text and that makes me wonder what good stuff I missed.

It's an interesting read, giving thoughtful insight into MacDonald's theology and his response to the practice of religion in his day as well as his response to the phenomenon of "spiritualism" which was popular at the time. The latter dates the book a bit, but also serves as a foil for some good insights and views. Some passages will stay with me for quite a while.

Story was very good, but hard to read. Takes place in Scotland and the conversations make for slow going.

Amazed by the variety of strong characters George MacDonald has brought to life and how relatable their struggles are -not so much the physical details like Euphra's hypnotism, but the formation that took place as a result of the ordeal.

This book touched my heart down to it's very soul.

I cannot describe how deeply I fell into the story and how alive the characters and the world building felt to me.

Some may be put off with the Scottish dialect that is phonetically written. It occurs mostly in the beginning and tapers off.

This is not your typical romance, nor do I think all my romance friends would care for it.

Romance friends as well as Christian friends: The book is heavily Christian and talks chiefly about finding God and what love truly is.

Very quick summary:

Hugh is a tutor who becomes part of the Elginbrod family. It is here he first meets Margaret, David and Janet. David is tutoring the family on mathematics etc, but what Hugh doesn't realize is the education David is giving to him, and how so much more important David's lesson will become for Hugh's spiritual growth. Hugh ends up having to leave the family for a time, to tutor a young sickly boy Harry. During his stay with Harry's family, many events occur. He falls "in love" with Euphrasia and learns that the home is "haunted." In comes antagonist Funkelstein (? spelling) and some paranormal talk about hauntings and spirits (popular during the period in which the book was written). Hugh and Harry become close only to be separated by Hugh becoming obsessive with Eurphraisa. The boy is quite saddened. Margaret is a servant to a visiting guest, but knowing Hugh is there, conceals herself away from him.
As for Euphrasia, she plays antagonist for most of the book. She eventually has the good fortune of having Margaret help her find God. and redeem herself.

Lots of emotional drama.

I know my description sounds "hokey" and does not do the book justice, but the review is to remind me when I decided to re read it again at a later date.

Content concerns:  Although Hugh and Euphrasia fall "in love" their love is not love. Hugh eventually finds true love with Margaret, but Margaret stays in the background for most of the book. A special note is that the reader (at least me) gets tricked into thinking Hugh and Margaret will become a couple, but knowing MacDonald, I could see Hugh was not ready. Margaret was. Mac Donald usually writes romance to show each person finding God or real love first before seeing their true partner. I was at first upset Hugh did not chose Margaret right away and I disliked Euphrasia immensely. At the same time, I also felt where the author may have been going with this (the unsurety killed me though lol). Hugh had to experience what love is not, and go through many internal changes before he and Margaret could come together. Margaret, already knew this, as she was already one with God and knew love personally. She had little to no jealousy of Euphrasia, and "loved her, because Hugh loved her." I wished so much to be like Margaret if that makes sense. So, when Margaret's time comes to be a part of Hugh's life, it is beautiful, even though her part in the book takes up few pages. Her presence is the most powerful of all the characters, equal to David's short lived time. There were no physical relations between Hugh and Euphrasia, as they both adhere to propriety. So it's safe romance peeps, but some may feel this is considered OW issues. I did not feel that. There is no cursing and some very mild violence. Euphrasia and David both die and Hugh and Margaret declare their love to each other. True soul mates

I really enjoyed this book. Very suspenseful! :) I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read good wholesome books.

Lovely novel by one of my favorite authors. Unique journey of Hugh Sullivan a young tutor. This novel involves romance, life lessons, the wonders of God, darkness and evil. George MacDonald is a wonderful story weaver. His books are often marketed as romance novels but that never does them justice. They are so much richer and deeper.