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In case you've missed my other comments about Rumer Godden's childrens' books, here are the basics. I love her children's books just as much as her novels for adults. Godden has a knack for incorporating local culture, awkward and unappreciated people, and interesting plot with a lovely prose style. She is unafraid to have her characters behave naturally which means that a story's crisis points will often leave readers feeling very uncomfortable because they recognize the behavior so well and dread the consequences thereof. Godden also is good at avoiding the "nice" sentimentality which can pervade children's books. Her world is always very real.
This is one of those Godden books whose name I see come up repeatedly. There are many of Godden's familiar themes apparent both in the details of the children's self-appointed task and bonding and the idea of having to adapt to a foreign culture. However, what makes this story really spring alive is that we are allowed into Miss Happiness' and MIss Flower's thoughts and conversation. I believe they would say, "Honorable Miss Godden!"
This is one of those Godden books whose name I see come up repeatedly. There are many of Godden's familiar themes apparent both in the details of the children's self-appointed task and bonding and the idea of having to adapt to a foreign culture. However, what makes this story really spring alive is that we are allowed into Miss Happiness' and MIss Flower's thoughts and conversation. I believe they would say, "Honorable Miss Godden!"
