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The Rose Round
13-year old Matt is spending the holidays at the dilapidated Woodhall mansion where his spirited step-sister Caroline works as cook. In a faded rose garden Matt meets Alix, proud old Madame Ayre's granddaughter, and is introduced to the tension-filled relationship between the embittered mother and her crippled son Theo. Matt must learn to judge character rather than appearances as Theo strives to turn the house into a home for orphans. Alix, through her willful foolishness, puts Theo's life in danger and brings a dramatic confrontation: Christian hope versus fatal self-pride. A timeless book with a fast-paced plot and vivid characters.
211 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Meriol Trevor
60 books22 followersThe prolific Meriol Trevor, BA, FRSL was a writer of novels, biographies, and children's books. A convert to Roman Catholicism, Trevor wrote a two-volume biography of John Henry Newman (The Pillar of the Cloud and Light in Winter) which won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1962.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 10, 2022
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
When thirteen-year-old Matt's step-sister and guardian, Caro, takes a job as a cook for Madame Ayres, Matt begins spending his school holidays at Woodhall Mansion. There he meets Alix, Madame's great-granddaughter who is forbidden to spend time with Matt, and Theo, Madame's son whose deformed arm invites nothing but disdain and cruelty from his mother. Over many months, Matt witnesses the increase of tensions between Theo and his mother, as he begins to go against her wishes, planning to bring a group of homeless orphans to live at Woodhall. In the meantime, Caro finds herself torn between her wealthy fiance, who is embarrassed of her work and the affections of Theo, who is a more decent man. Infused throughout the story are Christian themes of selfless love, eternal hope, and the dangers of pride, as well as many references to Mass and Confession.
This is probably the closest thing I have ever read to a perfect book. The characters are distinct and well-developed, and even the villains have a shred of goodness in them. Events of the story are interesting on their own, but have layers of allegorical meaning as well, adding a depth to the book that is a mark of truly artful writing. The story emerges naturally and unapologetically from the Catholic point of view, and it leaves no question as to the truth of the faith. Moral relativism is not a part of this universe, where right and wrong are easy to distinguish, even when right may be difficult to put into action. There is not an extra word in sight, not a moment of self-indulgence on the part of the writer. Everything in the story has been placed there deliberately, and every detail works toward a revelation of truth that is simply stunning in both its gravity and its execution. The ending left me nodding my head at the perfection of it all - not because the resolution is too neat, but because the writing, until the very last word, is just right.
There are so few novels for young people which explore the Catholic faith, let alone doing so with such beautiful language and such wonderful characters. I will look forward to the day when my own children are old enough to read and discuss The Rose Round with me, as it teaches so many lessons I hope to impart, and it represents experiences that will affirm and strengthen them in their own Catholic faith. I can't say how the book would be received by a non-Catholic audience, but Catholic kids in grades 6 and above will certainly feel as though this is their book, written for their worldview and experiences. I am not generally someone who re-reads books, but I already know I will revisit this one several times in years to come.
When thirteen-year-old Matt's step-sister and guardian, Caro, takes a job as a cook for Madame Ayres, Matt begins spending his school holidays at Woodhall Mansion. There he meets Alix, Madame's great-granddaughter who is forbidden to spend time with Matt, and Theo, Madame's son whose deformed arm invites nothing but disdain and cruelty from his mother. Over many months, Matt witnesses the increase of tensions between Theo and his mother, as he begins to go against her wishes, planning to bring a group of homeless orphans to live at Woodhall. In the meantime, Caro finds herself torn between her wealthy fiance, who is embarrassed of her work and the affections of Theo, who is a more decent man. Infused throughout the story are Christian themes of selfless love, eternal hope, and the dangers of pride, as well as many references to Mass and Confession.
This is probably the closest thing I have ever read to a perfect book. The characters are distinct and well-developed, and even the villains have a shred of goodness in them. Events of the story are interesting on their own, but have layers of allegorical meaning as well, adding a depth to the book that is a mark of truly artful writing. The story emerges naturally and unapologetically from the Catholic point of view, and it leaves no question as to the truth of the faith. Moral relativism is not a part of this universe, where right and wrong are easy to distinguish, even when right may be difficult to put into action. There is not an extra word in sight, not a moment of self-indulgence on the part of the writer. Everything in the story has been placed there deliberately, and every detail works toward a revelation of truth that is simply stunning in both its gravity and its execution. The ending left me nodding my head at the perfection of it all - not because the resolution is too neat, but because the writing, until the very last word, is just right.
There are so few novels for young people which explore the Catholic faith, let alone doing so with such beautiful language and such wonderful characters. I will look forward to the day when my own children are old enough to read and discuss The Rose Round with me, as it teaches so many lessons I hope to impart, and it represents experiences that will affirm and strengthen them in their own Catholic faith. I can't say how the book would be received by a non-Catholic audience, but Catholic kids in grades 6 and above will certainly feel as though this is their book, written for their worldview and experiences. I am not generally someone who re-reads books, but I already know I will revisit this one several times in years to come.
February 16, 2025
(4.5)
I came across this book at a bookstore a few years ago and was intrigued because it was wrapped in cellophane and looked like a religious book (the publisher is Bethlehem Books) and for some reason, I thought it was a Christmas story - which I always love - and even though it looked like a middle grade book, I decided to get it. I finally made a point to read it this winter and it ended up being a gem.
Written in 1963, The Rose Round is about Matt, a 13 year old boy who during school holidays, comes to stay with his sister, Caro, at Woodall Mansion where she is a cook. As Matt spends time at Woodhall, he gets to know the Ayre’s family: Alix, the granddaughter of Madame Ayre, who can be quite haughty because of the way she was brought up. Theo, Madame Ayre’s son, who is set to be the future owner of Woodhall but because he has a disability that leaves him without the use of one arm and because he doesn’t live up to the memory his brother, Madame Ayre’s favorite son, he suffers his mother’s cruelty and spitefulness. And Madame Ayre, herself, who has suffered many losses and because of that has become hard-hearted and cruel. We follow these characters as they grow and change and Woodhall, as it comes back to life.
It turns out the Rose Round is not a Christmas book as I originally thought but takes place over a year or so and through all of the seasons. I think this would be a lovely Easter season read because of the themes of renewal and redemption. The Rose Round has some Catholic themes woven throughout the story of heartbreak and hope and although I’m not Catholic myself, I found it to be really sweet and uplifting and it was just what I needed at the time.
I came across this book at a bookstore a few years ago and was intrigued because it was wrapped in cellophane and looked like a religious book (the publisher is Bethlehem Books) and for some reason, I thought it was a Christmas story - which I always love - and even though it looked like a middle grade book, I decided to get it. I finally made a point to read it this winter and it ended up being a gem.
Written in 1963, The Rose Round is about Matt, a 13 year old boy who during school holidays, comes to stay with his sister, Caro, at Woodall Mansion where she is a cook. As Matt spends time at Woodhall, he gets to know the Ayre’s family: Alix, the granddaughter of Madame Ayre, who can be quite haughty because of the way she was brought up. Theo, Madame Ayre’s son, who is set to be the future owner of Woodhall but because he has a disability that leaves him without the use of one arm and because he doesn’t live up to the memory his brother, Madame Ayre’s favorite son, he suffers his mother’s cruelty and spitefulness. And Madame Ayre, herself, who has suffered many losses and because of that has become hard-hearted and cruel. We follow these characters as they grow and change and Woodhall, as it comes back to life.
It turns out the Rose Round is not a Christmas book as I originally thought but takes place over a year or so and through all of the seasons. I think this would be a lovely Easter season read because of the themes of renewal and redemption. The Rose Round has some Catholic themes woven throughout the story of heartbreak and hope and although I’m not Catholic myself, I found it to be really sweet and uplifting and it was just what I needed at the time.
August 24, 2017
This has made the top five on our favorite book list - it usually places second, right after Enemy Brothers - and that's really big!
Synopsis:
Matt is an orphan. Matt's half-sister, Caroline, has accepted a position as cook in a rich household. On holidays, Matt joins her and finds the house awash in mystery and sorrow. The past steps hard on the heels of the future as the owner of the house, Theodore Ayre, and his mother and niece come face to face with their conflicts. Something must change, but who will pay the cost to bring love and forgiveness to Woodhall?
What we loved:
Matt and his sister (who he calls 'Caro') have a lovely relationship. Caro is such a wonderful sister to him, supporting him even though he is only a half-sibling. Also, his friendship with Theo is very heart-warming. We loved the message of forgiveness and learning to move on.
What we hated:
We weren't thrilled about some of the content including the stars and the signs; however, it was used to bring the conversation back around to Christ. It would've still been a great story without it.
What made us laugh:
What made us cry:
Theo's backstory of neglect on the part of his mother and abuse on the part of his proud brother broke our hearts! It is just beautiful that he allowed the Lord to make something beautiful out of the ugly parts of his childhood.
Warnings and Caveats:
Mentions of drinking wine (the 'good' characters do not); adoration of Mary and other essential Catholic doctrines; use of the star signs as illustrations for teachings about God and man; undetailed kisses between an engaged couple.
Despite these, the rest is still so good that it kept our rating at five stars!
Synopsis:
Matt is an orphan. Matt's half-sister, Caroline, has accepted a position as cook in a rich household. On holidays, Matt joins her and finds the house awash in mystery and sorrow. The past steps hard on the heels of the future as the owner of the house, Theodore Ayre, and his mother and niece come face to face with their conflicts. Something must change, but who will pay the cost to bring love and forgiveness to Woodhall?
What we loved:
Matt and his sister (who he calls 'Caro') have a lovely relationship. Caro is such a wonderful sister to him, supporting him even though he is only a half-sibling. Also, his friendship with Theo is very heart-warming. We loved the message of forgiveness and learning to move on.
What we hated:
We weren't thrilled about some of the content including the stars and the signs; however, it was used to bring the conversation back around to Christ. It would've still been a great story without it.
What made us laugh:
What made us cry:
Theo's backstory of neglect on the part of his mother and abuse on the part of his proud brother broke our hearts! It is just beautiful that he allowed the Lord to make something beautiful out of the ugly parts of his childhood.
Warnings and Caveats:
Mentions of drinking wine (the 'good' characters do not); adoration of Mary and other essential Catholic doctrines; use of the star signs as illustrations for teachings about God and man; undetailed kisses between an engaged couple.
Despite these, the rest is still so good that it kept our rating at five stars!
February 17, 2024
This is one of my all time favorite books, ever!
If you like:
quiet books
What is good, beautiful, and True
Healing
Redemption
Beautiful descriptions of the scenery
Vintage things
Then this book is for you!
If you like:
quiet books
What is good, beautiful, and True
Healing
Redemption
Beautiful descriptions of the scenery
Vintage things
Then this book is for you!
January 16, 2012
A little confusing and slow at the beginning but picks up speed and interest to become an enjoyable read.
August 18, 2012
I liked it, just not as much as the Letzenstein Chronicles. I didn't like the characters as much as in the LC either. Still enjoyable to read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews