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Wilfrid Cumbermede
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1872
About the author
George MacDonald
1,906 books2,594 followersGeorge 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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 10, 2025
The parts are more than the whole on this one. Macdonald's plotting is better than usual, and his views are more transparent leading to some interesting theological and epistemological conversations in the novel.
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June 27, 2026“Can it be that he would ever have chosen a world without shadows? Was not the trouble of the shadowless noon the dreariest of all? Did he not then long for the curtained queen—the all-shadowy night?”
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“…the gulfs of green ice and flowing water, the savage solitudes of snow, the mysterious miles of draperied mist…”
“…the door opened, but I could see nothing for some time for the mighty inburst of a lovely light. A fair river, brimming full, its little waves flashing in the sun and wind, washed the threshold of the door, and over its surface, hither and thither, sped the white sails of shining boats, while from somewhere, clear now, but still afar, came the sound of a great organ psalm. Beyond the river the sun was rising—over blue Summer hills that melted into blue Summer sky. On the threshold stood my guide, bending towards me, as if waiting for me to pass out also. I lifted my eyes: the veil had fallen—it was my lost Athanasia!”
🌊
“…the gulfs of green ice and flowing water, the savage solitudes of snow, the mysterious miles of draperied mist…”
“…the door opened, but I could see nothing for some time for the mighty inburst of a lovely light. A fair river, brimming full, its little waves flashing in the sun and wind, washed the threshold of the door, and over its surface, hither and thither, sped the white sails of shining boats, while from somewhere, clear now, but still afar, came the sound of a great organ psalm. Beyond the river the sun was rising—over blue Summer hills that melted into blue Summer sky. On the threshold stood my guide, bending towards me, as if waiting for me to pass out also. I lifted my eyes: the veil had fallen—it was my lost Athanasia!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
3.5 stars
Beautifully written with intricate details and world building.
A bit too long for my liking. could have been much shorter. Very slow build up and a bit rushed during the last 1/4 of the book.
Major conflict doesn't get really going until this point as well.
Sad and tragic.
I still liked it, glad I read it, but not on my "will read again" list.
Content concerns:
Beautifully written with intricate details and world building.
A bit too long for my liking. could have been much shorter. Very slow build up and a bit rushed during the last 1/4 of the book.
Major conflict doesn't get really going until this point as well.
Sad and tragic.
I still liked it, glad I read it, but not on my "will read again" list.
Content concerns:
October 2, 2023
Really interesting. Reminds me of Austen. Overall the point of life is to love God, not chase after wealth even when their is disappointment.
November 29, 2019
Kind of a departure for MacDonald. An “autobiography” (of the title character), it is definitely not as preachy as a typical MacDonald novel. It tracks the life of Wilfred from his childhood to echoes of the end, with a recurring location of the nearby hall. The tale returns readers here on multiple occasions for a variety of reasons—all for a good reason. Wilfred must learn the role of property for his life, learning either from worldly wisdom or the insights and counsel of his uncle.
Wilfred’s love life also takes a prominent role, leaving the reader slightly dissatisfied in the end, though the resolution of the property is satisfying.
Behind all of this is his spiritual journey, which begins with looking at the character of God as Wilfred understands Him, in comparison to the way He was preached in local churches. He eventually comes to recognize His presence in his life, but is far less sentimental than many other Macdonald conversions.
Wilfred’s love life also takes a prominent role, leaving the reader slightly dissatisfied in the end, though the resolution of the property is satisfying.
Behind all of this is his spiritual journey, which begins with looking at the character of God as Wilfred understands Him, in comparison to the way He was preached in local churches. He eventually comes to recognize His presence in his life, but is far less sentimental than many other Macdonald conversions.
May 2, 2009
An interesting insight into someone moving toward a Christian worldview. I can understand as I read why CS Lewis valued MacDonald as an author. I have all his writings (Johannesen ed) and I've read about half of them.
August 28, 2020
This book has everything; intrigue, mystery, love, tragedy and God.
March 18, 2016
Beautiful story of redemption and Grace by a master storyteller.
I have been reading through as many George MacDonald works as possible to get an idea of what many see in his writing. I loved the way he describes how he came to Faith at last, and that he never portrays himself as being perfect. He treats his subject matter with tenderness. I really enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading many more of his books.
I have been reading through as many George MacDonald works as possible to get an idea of what many see in his writing. I loved the way he describes how he came to Faith at last, and that he never portrays himself as being perfect. He treats his subject matter with tenderness. I really enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading many more of his books.
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June 8, 2012I definitely liked this book. It is written as an autobiography; we follow Wilfrid's experiences as he himself views them after so many years. This sometimes reminded me of 'David Copperfield'.
Wilfrid's friendship with Charley was a highlight; their discussions were very interesting (if somewhat difficult at times).
Wilfrid's friendship with Charley was a highlight; their discussions were very interesting (if somewhat difficult at times).
June 16, 2022
1872 Week 5
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews