Don't judge a book by it's cover!This is a slightly edited version of "David Elginbrod", a 1863 novel by George MacDonald. MacDonald is an amazing storyteller, and this gothic novel does not disappoint. I appreciate reading about the struggles between good and evil that some of the characters face. I always enjoy watching characters grow and develop over a story, and thus book had some memorable characters.

The first part with all the scottisch was quite a chore to read but the richness of the story and the wonderful writing totallymade up for it.
Great story and even greater gospel all over it.

2.5

I like George McDonald's writing style, it's classic and nostalgic. But the story itself did not come together for me. In the beginning two characters meet, the stage is set for what is to come, but it doesn't happen until the end. It felt like all the rest was filler, just because it's pretty obvious what will happen, right from the beginning.

Great story. I never know quite what to expect from George MacDonald's stories, except for the following: wonderful insights into truths, love and goodness portrayed so wonderfully, evil shown to be pathetic in itself, and death is one of its themes. This story is no different in these respects but good in itself with unexpected twists and turns. It's a story of redemption, love, faith, and spiritual growth. It also portrayed how strong an evil soul can have over a vulnerable one.

This was my second read of this book. I was in high school the first time I read it. In this second reading, I was struck by different things since I now twice the age of my first reading and mother of two. I love books that take you along on the path of personal and spiritual development without beating you over the head about it.

Ebb and Flow was theme of my experience with this book. There were definitely some slow parts to this book, but - like every MacDonald book - lots of wonderful insights. Some nights I would get 7 or 8 chapters in - couldn't put it down... other nights I couldn't get past one chapter. At one point, the book took an unexpected turn and became pleasantly terrifying - this was the best part for me. Unfortunately, by chapter 60, I was ready for it to be done... definitely too long. Also, while I'm familiar with MacDonald's theology and his critical eye toward the church, his characterizations get a little tired sometimes. Seriously, do we really need a preacher that preaches about the Good Samaritan, but makes the application that the victim never should have left on his journey without protection and therefore got what he deserved? Anyways, there is still a lot to appreciate in the book, and when he does decide to properly flesh out his characters, he does a magnificent job.

An old fashioned book but such beautiful characters. An engaging plot, too.

I love George Mc Donald -- you can cozy up with his books and get a good story and some insight into the love of Jesus. His gothic ones (this title, and The Fisherman's Lady) are especially good.

Once more I am astonished at George MacDonald's work. This story is mysterious, dark, and suspenseful, yet through it all shines the glorious truth of the gospel. There times I was confused and didn't know if I agreed with the authors thinking on certain areas, but the more I read the more I understood. Satan's power is very great, but God's power is even greater.

Hugh Sutherland is a wonderful character. He struggles just as anyone would. His confusion is very real. The last page really choked me up!

"Because I love you."
"Love me?"
"Yes. Didn't you know?"
"Why did you say, then that you didn't care if...if I never-"
"Because love is enough, Hugh-that is why."

This is a must read...well, all his books are!

A 3-star rating for a George MacDonald is still a pretty good read, but this one definitely is not one of his best. The title is deceiving, as the action mainly focuses Hugh, who is not nearly as interesting as David (or as other characters in the book, for that matter). The middle of the book is very good, where Hugh and his friends are dealing with "biological" mysteries (really those of hypnosis and mesmerism). These interactions are the heart of the book, yet seem to do little to contribute to Hugh's growth, which is stunted in this novel.

I love George MacDonald. No one tells stories like this anymore! They are long, but think about filling that long Scottish winter night with a great story beside a cozy fireplace and you will better understand. The characters are so real, and by the end of the story I'm always so sad to say goodbye. This particular story is a wonderful blend of love story, ghost story, coming of age and coming to faith story, and I loved every page.

This was great! I loved this!