Happy Birthday, dear Elizabeth Goudge!

amyofhearthridge

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Can I introduce you to a dear friend of mine? Elizabeth Goudge. A gorgeous writer who has touched me profoundly. She is in my top five favorite authors.  Someone who you cannot read quickly, you must simmer and savor. Today I celebrate her birthday and like to think of her with a glimpse of the English countryside outside her window, pen scratching the paper, sipping tea, creating unforgettable stories for us to enjoy. They are sweeping, deep, with many layers, and you can reread them over and over and take away something entirely new each time. My favorites are A City of Bells, A Dean’s Watch, and A Pilgrim’s Inn (formally, Herb of Grace, which I like better). Have you read any of her books? Join me today in remembering Miss Goudge! Many happy returns!

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15 thoughts on “Happy Birthday, dear Elizabeth Goudge!”

  4. I finished “The Dean’s Watch” this winter based on your recommendation, Amy. I almost didn’t make it through the history of the cathedral during the first 100 pages – but I’m glad I persevered because I eventually found my sympathies attaching to the lives of its characters. (Her characters are never shallow. And it is evident that she has a fondness for them and people in general.) I had read a handful of novels by E. Goudge previously. Although I am not an Anglican, I am a Christian, and I respect her opinion which seems to be that Christianity (as represented by the Anglican faith) is an anchor whereby all other things in life are measured.

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    1. Oh, I’m so glad you did, Karen! Yes, I feel like Christian themes do come through in her writing, although she isn’t overtly writing about Christianity or Anglicanism. She does have some spiritual mysticism in some of her books, The Middle Window, being one of the weirder ones, but I can be discerning and throw out what I need too. You can’t read her books fast. They are good for me, because I’m a fast reader, and they force me to slow down so I can get at all the beauty! Thank you for stopping by Karen.

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      1. Her mysticism makes me uncomfortable and is spooky when placed in her settings of antiquity. She seems to use it to enhance a contrast of good and evil because it makes me want to cling to what is good in the story. Still, I like her stories that are less mystical. I read this quote today and thought of you, Amy, and your powers to discern. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

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