What do you think?
Rate this book
True to the Last
It takes unwavering courage to withstand the power of peer pressure, especially when it requires standing alone. Geoffrey's demonstration of true friendship and faith knows no bounds. The ridicule and taunting he endures does not prevent him from risking his life for the safety of his “friends.” But when he must face the ultimate challenge, will Geoffrey have the strength to remain true to the last?
- GenresFictionChristian Fiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1885
2 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Everett-Green
214 books13 followersBorn in 1856, Evelyn Everett-Green was the daughter of noted Victorian historian Mary Anne Everett Green, and her husband, artist George Pycock Green. She was educated at home when young, before attending Bedford College (1872-73), during which time she wrote her first novel, and the Royal Academy of Music. Her plans to keep house for her brother in India were forestalled by his death in 1876, and she turned to social service, nursing, and Sunday School teaching.
Everett-Green's first novel to be published, Tom Tempest's Victory, appeared in 1880, followed by more than 300 other books over the next fifty years, ranging from stories for young girls, to romantic fiction for older readers. She moved from London to Albury, Surrey in 1883, setting up house with her friend, Catherine Mainwaring Sladen. In 1911, the two moved abroad, eventually settling in Madeira. Evelyn Everett-Green died in 1932.
Everett-Green's first novel to be published, Tom Tempest's Victory, appeared in 1880, followed by more than 300 other books over the next fifty years, ranging from stories for young girls, to romantic fiction for older readers. She moved from London to Albury, Surrey in 1883, setting up house with her friend, Catherine Mainwaring Sladen. In 1911, the two moved abroad, eventually settling in Madeira. Evelyn Everett-Green died in 1932.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 6, 2013
Arnold is a lame, sickly boy of ten years old who doesn’t remember his father and who lives with his poor mother in a London, England, lodging house. When his mother dies, he goes to live with a childhood friend of hers, whom he calls Aunt Mary, at the Hazelmere Hall estate of Mary’s brother, Colonel Reginald Douglas. Mary also cares for her nephews, twelve-year-old Geoffrey and nine-year-old Ted, whose mother had also died, since her brother is in the service and must be gone a lot. Outgoing Geoffrey loves the outdoors while Tad is the quiet and studious one. Another young man, fourteen-year-old Arthur Heath, comes to stay with them too. He is the son of one of Col. Douglas’s friends who is going abroad and doesn’t want to take Arthur with him.
The four boys have a lot of adventures together, and Arnold gradually gains strength. However, Arthur begins to resent Geoffrey and to make fun of him because of his desire to be good, obey his father, keep the rules, and please God. In awe of the older boy, Arnold and Ted often join in Arthur’s mocking and jeering, although deep down they seem to know that it’s not right. Arthur even tries to get Geoffrey in trouble on occasion. But then Geoffrey is injured while helping to save animals from a fire in the barn, which it is later learned that Arthur and Ted accidentally had set, and starts to grow ill. How will Geoffrey handle his injuries? What will happen to him? And how will it affect the other boys? Evelyn Ward Everett-Green (1856-1932) was an English novelist who started her writing career with pious stories for children, then wrote historical fiction for older girls, and later produced adult romantic fiction.
As a result of his illness and losses, Arnold is very bitter, but Aunt Mary strives to teach him about the Father in heaven who sees and cares for all. Geoffrey encourages both Arnold and Ted to trust in God as well. Also, in all his excursions in the fields and forests around his home, Geoffrey sees the hand of God in everything. But most of all, if you are looking for a fictional story to illustrate for children the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of standing up for right even if one has to stand alone, this book will serve the purpose. And if you can get through the end of the book without shedding copious tears, you have better self-control over your emotions than I do. I was sent a copy of the PrairieView Press edition to review, but the book is also available as part of the Rare Collector Series by Lamplighter Publishing (2010). Other books by Everett-Green include Tom Tempest's Victory, her first published work (1880); A Gordon Highlander, one of her boys' adventure stories (1901); and Called of Her Country, a historical novel about Joan of Arc (1903), later republished as A Heroine of France.
The four boys have a lot of adventures together, and Arnold gradually gains strength. However, Arthur begins to resent Geoffrey and to make fun of him because of his desire to be good, obey his father, keep the rules, and please God. In awe of the older boy, Arnold and Ted often join in Arthur’s mocking and jeering, although deep down they seem to know that it’s not right. Arthur even tries to get Geoffrey in trouble on occasion. But then Geoffrey is injured while helping to save animals from a fire in the barn, which it is later learned that Arthur and Ted accidentally had set, and starts to grow ill. How will Geoffrey handle his injuries? What will happen to him? And how will it affect the other boys? Evelyn Ward Everett-Green (1856-1932) was an English novelist who started her writing career with pious stories for children, then wrote historical fiction for older girls, and later produced adult romantic fiction.
As a result of his illness and losses, Arnold is very bitter, but Aunt Mary strives to teach him about the Father in heaven who sees and cares for all. Geoffrey encourages both Arnold and Ted to trust in God as well. Also, in all his excursions in the fields and forests around his home, Geoffrey sees the hand of God in everything. But most of all, if you are looking for a fictional story to illustrate for children the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of standing up for right even if one has to stand alone, this book will serve the purpose. And if you can get through the end of the book without shedding copious tears, you have better self-control over your emotions than I do. I was sent a copy of the PrairieView Press edition to review, but the book is also available as part of the Rare Collector Series by Lamplighter Publishing (2010). Other books by Everett-Green include Tom Tempest's Victory, her first published work (1880); A Gordon Highlander, one of her boys' adventure stories (1901); and Called of Her Country, a historical novel about Joan of Arc (1903), later republished as A Heroine of France.
December 29, 2018
This was the most sad, amazing, thought provoking, and utterly profound book I have read all year. It is amazing. You need to read it. And for you people who like to skip to the end...DON'T! It will ruin the book for you. I thought something was being foreshadowed, and I jumped to the end. It was a very well written book, with all the characters being very real. Even Geoffrey in all his amazingness has his faults which makes him even more awesome. Some of the things he says...it's an awesome book. Now go read it.
July 6, 2010
My dear friend Deborah recommended this book for me to read. She said she aspired to be as gracious as Geoffrey. This is one of her favorite books. This book read like the exact book I'd picture her liking. I'm grafetul she shared it with me. That being said, it was entirely too preachy for me. It would be a great book to give to your junior high aged child to teach them the right thing to do, though only if you agree with the strong God message the book sends. I think it is a great way to teach children right from wrong, good behavior versus bad behavior, and the importance of honesty and trust. As an adult, it read like I was being lectured. And it is set in a period, Englad in the 1800's. Again, good for an appropriate age. I'm now rolling my eyes at the language a bit. Enough. It was a morally right book to read. Now I'm going to head to something a little more modern and unappropriate.
May 20, 2022
Very engaging once I got into it, but rather long-winded. The story is very frustrating at the same time, both in terms of the behaviour of the characters, and in the frequent repetition of some of the sentiments. There is a rather sad and pitying note throughout the book and it ends on that same note, making it a rather melancholy book overall. And at the end of the day I don't get the impression that the author was a Christian. Geoffrey is several times stated to have 'never told a lie in his life' which is clearly not a statement any true Christian could or would claim for themselves. The Christian gospel is pretty much absent, as is any theology at all. Inspiring yes, but does it encourage faith in God or just promote a self-righteous striving for perfect behaviour, thus pointing people more towards a form of salvation by works?
July 20, 2021
This is a very good book for children (and adults who enjoy old children's books!) ages 10 and up. It is about four boys and their struggle with being lead into wrong ways by one of the boys. One boy does not succumb to the temptation through his faith in Christ, and his testimony is able to influence the other boys. The boys have adventures and trials which should hold young ones' interest, and I especially like the love of nature the protagonist has, to encourage children to foster of love of God's creation and to see God's goodness to us through it.
March 5, 2026
I loved the story, hated some parts of it because I wanted resolution, but in the end loved it because of how it all came together. One of those books you have to keep reading to find out how things finally get resolved! Wonderful lesson about God's goodness and love even in difficulty and about good role models.
August 23, 2017
True to the Last was a touching book, simply written but with a powerful message. This is a book with applications for people of all ages who are trying to walk faithfully with the Lord.
February 29, 2020
More like Geoffrey!
February 22, 2024
parker introduced me to a classic hoffhouse bedtime story
Read
May 21, 2025Heartbreaking, but ruined by a bad ending. Rather than embracing itself as a tragedy, the narrator said, “This isn’t meant to be a sad story” and that ruined it.
September 23, 2018
A little story that, even in its simplicity, has profound truths that resonate for every generation. A sickly little boy, Arnold, loses his mother at a young age. He is taken in by Mary--who is known as Aunt Mary--an old friend of his mother who is also caring for her nephews, Geoffrey-12 and Ted-9, the sons of her widowed brother.
It's not long before Arnold is swept up by the mischief of cheeky little Ted, while Geoffrey is ever the watchful older brother who keeps on eye on both boys. Overtime, Arnold begins to notice that Geoff has a wonderful love of nature and a gift with animals. He loves horses and is even raising his own chickens and sometimes prefers the company of animals over people. Geoff also has a deep Christian devotion which intrigues Arnold and sparks several conversations between the two boys.
When the boys father, Colonel Douglas, returns home his obvious favoritism is seen when he dotes on Ted, but forever accuses Geoff of not being a better son and brother. No matter what Geoff does, how hard he tries, his father is never pleased. Situations worsen for Geoff when he becomes the target of new-comer, Arthur Heath, a bully who has no regard for rules. While Ted and Arnold worship Arthur, Geoff is wary of him and tries to protect the younger boys from Arthur's schemes. However, Arthur doesn't waste time in harassing Geoff and going as far as killing one of his animals with no remorse at all.
Over and over again, Geoff is disgraced by Arthur, while Arthur himself takes the glory for Geoff's quiet heroic actions. Yet, Geoff takes this all in stride, much to Arnold's amazement. After a family holiday, an alarming discovery is made concerning Geoff. Now both Arthur and Colonel Douglas as well as Arnold and Ted must face the consequences of their past actions toward Geoffrey when they risk losing him forever.
I was struck at how deeply emotional and moving this story was. I admire Geoffrey for his heroism and humility, while loathing Arthur Heath for his selfish and at times inhumane nature. Their is a reality to this story that I think young children today can relate to. Peer pressure, parental approve, bullying, questions of God and Christianity, just to name a few. True to The Last proves that there really is nothing new under the sun and that a loyal heart is infinitely more valuable than any earthly treasure we possess.
It's not long before Arnold is swept up by the mischief of cheeky little Ted, while Geoffrey is ever the watchful older brother who keeps on eye on both boys. Overtime, Arnold begins to notice that Geoff has a wonderful love of nature and a gift with animals. He loves horses and is even raising his own chickens and sometimes prefers the company of animals over people. Geoff also has a deep Christian devotion which intrigues Arnold and sparks several conversations between the two boys.
When the boys father, Colonel Douglas, returns home his obvious favoritism is seen when he dotes on Ted, but forever accuses Geoff of not being a better son and brother. No matter what Geoff does, how hard he tries, his father is never pleased. Situations worsen for Geoff when he becomes the target of new-comer, Arthur Heath, a bully who has no regard for rules. While Ted and Arnold worship Arthur, Geoff is wary of him and tries to protect the younger boys from Arthur's schemes. However, Arthur doesn't waste time in harassing Geoff and going as far as killing one of his animals with no remorse at all.
Over and over again, Geoff is disgraced by Arthur, while Arthur himself takes the glory for Geoff's quiet heroic actions. Yet, Geoff takes this all in stride, much to Arnold's amazement. After a family holiday, an alarming discovery is made concerning Geoff. Now both Arthur and Colonel Douglas as well as Arnold and Ted must face the consequences of their past actions toward Geoffrey when they risk losing him forever.
I was struck at how deeply emotional and moving this story was. I admire Geoffrey for his heroism and humility, while loathing Arthur Heath for his selfish and at times inhumane nature. Their is a reality to this story that I think young children today can relate to. Peer pressure, parental approve, bullying, questions of God and Christianity, just to name a few. True to The Last proves that there really is nothing new under the sun and that a loyal heart is infinitely more valuable than any earthly treasure we possess.
February 6, 2017
True to the Last was truly an amazing book. Evelyn Everett-Green carefully and seamlessly joined themes of Christianity and God with beautiful, classic writing in this novel. Although this book has been considered very “preachy”, there is value beyond measure in finding a rare work, showing such faith and reverence as this. Though the author may have written the book for a younger audience, readers of all ages can certainly benefit and enjoy the book. Overall, this book certainly deserves five stars, not only because of the excellent, easy-to-read writing, but also the morals and lessons such as those of Forgiveness and Humility that we can apply to our daily lives.
October 1, 2009
She aimed for a slightly younger audience this time, and the main character is a young boy. While enjoyable, I did not connect with the characters as well as with the last few. There are some truly delightful parts, but I cried way too much. Some sadness is fine, just not this much. I probably won't re-read this one.
June 24, 2015
Ahhh...such a good book. It made me cry, but I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews