David Elginbrod

by George MacDonald

George MacDonald was a 19th century Scottish writer, poet and minister. He is best known for his fairy tales and fantasies. His most popular works are Phantastes, The Princess and the Goblin, At the Back of the North Wind, and Lilith. David Elginbrod was MacDonald's first realistic novel published in 1863. This novel of Scottish country life is a story centering on two saintly personalities, a dignified and pious Scottish peasant, and his daughter. Mysticism, mesmerism, and electro-biology are introduced throughout the story. The language is in the dialect of Aberdeen.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Christian, Literature, Romance

480 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1862

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Glen Grunau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read George MacDonald, the more I find in his writing the soul of a contemplative. Here a few of my favourite quotes from this book.

This quote challenged my view of God, which is still in need of further refining: "My father used to say that God was always finding every excuse for us that could be found; every true one, you know; not one false one."

One of the reasons I have found much of conservative evangelicalism so unsatisfying is because of the proud certainty with which so many cling to their personal theological preferences. I have been taken recently by the concept of "learned ignorance" and see this idea reflected by MacDonald in the following quote: "She was not by any means remarkably quick, but she knew when she did not understand; and that is a sure and indispensable step towards understanding. It is indeed a rarer gift than the power of understanding itself".

And on the value we attach in our society to achievement and productivity, to the detriment of the development of our true selves: "It is true, we are rich or poor according to what we are, not what we have. But what a man has produced, is not what he is. He may even impoverish his true self by production.

[Charis · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacDonald was a spiritual genius. He was not a psychological genius; some of his characters are ridiculously saintly. The story itself could have been excellent if the characters were a little more believable, but I wasn't reading it for the story; I was reading for the spiritual insights, which, as I mentioned, were genius.

[Cindy Marsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, George MacDonald is inspiring. The two characters, David Elginbrod and his daughter Margaret, are such powerful examples of Christianity in everyday life.

I liked how MacDonald was able to capture some of the weaknesses in his other characters as well. Euphra is proud and easily manipulated. Mr. Arnold embodies "manliness." The Appleditches are outward Christians, but look down on the poor and care more about their bank account balances than anything else. Very good character sketches all around.

Something unique too is the twist of spiritualism. We in the 21st century can be unfamiliar with the preoccupation with ghosts and spirits that went on back then-- funny, I just finished reading "Wayward Saints" that dealt with this very phenomena in Utah at about the same time period.

A few favorite quotes:

"Does God draw no lines, then?" "When he does, they are pure lines, without breadth, and consequently invisible to moretal eyes; not Chinese walls of separation, such as these definers would construct."

"I say, Euphra! Wasn't that a shame? They would have Jesus as bad as themselves. We shall have somebody writing a book next to prove that after all Jesus was a Pharisee."

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been all but absorbed in George MacDonald's non-fanciful novels for the past several months. This is the first of the Michael Phillips edited versions that I've read. I was wary of them to begin with, but I found this volume at a thrift store and decided to give it a go. Mr. Phillips' edition obviously made for a quicker, lighter read, but there was little of the luster and richness to which I've grown accustomed in George MacDonald's other wonderful works. Alas! Lesson learned. I will stick with the untouched originals from here on.

[Jordan Carlson]

I enjoyed this a lot and also had some issues with it…

Sometimes the theological talk was grating, and I simply disagree with MacDonald.

It deals some with the occult and so I don’t think it’s for my kids yet…however, a very Charlotte Mason style education is described…interesting story…

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

See Kilian's review for the plot.

A CHRISTIAN book -- not my favorite. Originally published in 1863, and retold by Michael Phillips, Old Scottish values, complete with some very readable / understandable dialect.

Yes, the ending was satisfying, and Mr. MacDonald is an excellent writer, but, I'm not so ready to take the Bible as the only collection of books to look to for inspiration, as the characters do, although I do consider myself Christian. What about the Koran? What about the teachings of the Dali Lama? What about Mother Teresa? The greatest propensity of the world population is NOT Christian for Heaven's(!) sake.

[Allyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great! I loved this!

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of my favorite novels by George MacDonald, but worth the time reading it. I was sorry the title character disappeared from the novel so early, but his influence is felt throughout the book. I was put off a bit by the belief in mesmerism and the influence the villain had over one of the characters, but if one overlooks that, the story is readable enough.

The main character, Hugh Sutherland, accepts a position as tutor to the heir of a Scottish estate. In his hikes on the land, he encounter the steward, David Elginbrod. Drawn to the goodness of the man, he spends much of his free time with the family. He tutors the man and his beautiful young daughter Margaret.

His pupil Harry is drawn to Hugh, as is a young woman of the house, Lady Euphra, cousin to Hugh's pupil. There is something not quite right about Euphra, though. Hugh comes to neglect his responsibilities to Harry to spend more time with Euphra. Eventually Hugh comes to learn that she is under the hypnotic control of the evil Herr von Funkelstein.

The book has a happy ending, though, with everything coming out right by the end. Good triumps over evil and all is well.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Caroline Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but it took me some time to get into reading it. Since it was written many years ago, there was much more prose, and much less dialogue then the current reader is used to. Once I got past this, I began appreciating the book more. I enjoyed it from the perspective that the author focused on the good in people, (much different from modern day authors), and pointed out these good, godly qualities.

[Molly Bayne cundall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would love to get hold of George MacDonald's original stories. I have to say this version edited by Michael Philips for "today's reader" had me feeling gipped the whole time. I didn't not enjoy the story and a few of the characters I really liked, but it felt contrived and definitely like something was missing. Some really good theological nuggets and descriptions held true, though, so that was good.

[Becky Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Karen L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic and inspiring, of course it's a George MacDonald!

[Cws]

YA Mac

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Rebecca Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had been a while since I had read a book by MacDonald and now I remember why I enjoy his stories so much.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacDonald is such an interesting author! This story had some strange twists, but was overall enjoyable.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Marty Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of my favorite books.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written. More of a story about grace than a love story.

[Lynda Newman · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to digest with the old language, much better if you hear it read. but a great story.

[Elisha Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another BEAUTIFUL work!
I shall spend my life growing towards seeing the world the way George MacDonald saw it.