Weighed and Wanting

by George MacDonald

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.

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

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1882

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

[Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of George MacDonald's novels and unlike his fairy-tales, this book is not a light read. It is wordy, appears to be full of digressions and overblown character analysis, and is increasingly given to sermonizing as it progresses. However, it is worth persevering for every inch of the way for the sheer value of George MacDonald's thought and wisdom. The prose is so dense at times as to distract the reader from the symbolism that the author weaves into seeming side-details - but I still find him a great deal easier to read than Dickens. Unlike Dickens, MacDonald's characters are not caricatures, although very much the bearers of tendencies we can identify in ourselves and the people we know.

When stripped of everything else,the plot of this novel is almost Dickensian. I think it would make a beautiful period drama. The protagonist, Hester, is caught between her duties to "decent" society and her conscience towards the poor while her older brother goes the way of a prodigal son. MacDonald uses the unfolding tale of her growth into adulthood and the tragedies that befall her family and friends as a vehicle to expound his theology of suffering, vocation, feminism, redemption and human nature. Such as it is, the author's theology does not submit to distillation because it works at a deeper level than doctrine and is dyed into the fibre of his work. I think, however, that these aspects will be better appreciated by a reader who is already accustomed to George MacDonald's thought.

Overall, it is a profound book that left me subtly adjusted and duly instructed by the gentlest of teacher-storytellers.

[Elisha Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging book to follow the Lord in the way He has called you specifically. I really enjoyed my read, very wholesome and clean book. So thankful for all George MacDonald's books! His writing is truly a blessing! Praise God there are some authors who are not afraid to be different.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of his best.

I felt it too preachy and skimmed quite a bit.

As usual, the author spends 3/4 of the book showing what is NOT love using the "romance" between Hester and Mr. Gartley.

Near the end, Hester and Christopher (who should have been a couple) are not even spoken of much and we don't find out if they marry.

So as a story, it was meh, but to read for spiritual insight it was very good. It's just that it's the same ole same old that I have already read about 100 times in his novels.

I would skip this one.

No content concerns expect some mild violence.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am amazed to find I have read another George MacDonald book! They are a challenge on more than one level. But since I admire C. S. Lewis, and evidently he admired MacDonald, I am determined to forge ahead. It takes longer to get into MacDonald's books than we modern readers are used to, so requires more patience and/or pure perseverence. He describes the character development of several individuals, exposing the reader to real life dilemmas and opening a candid view into life in England a few generations ago. The theme of this book was "godly service to the poor" which I think is a relevant one for any time period.
I don't think of his books primarily as romantic fiction, but more philosophical/religious introspection and comment on the lives of inter-connected individuals. I confess I was expecting a different ending to this story, but it was left ambiguous enough that I could imagine the one I expected.
Because there are so many observations that I agree with, and so many others that push my thinking a little further, I will continue to read this Scottish author, grateful for Michael R. Phillips, Editor, who makes it possible to do so.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeff just finished reading this one to me. Wordy, difficult to follow at times. But, full of George MacDonald wisdom.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

possibly my favorite book ever!

[Kristin Dobrowolski]

I am only 30 some books in to reading GM’s works, take that into consideration as you read this review. I have devoured and delighted in GM’s stories and although there were many moments I connected to in this particular story, it was the first one that I scratched my head at some climax points. Some character decisions were exceedingly beyond realistic and I felt confused as to how they got there. GM seemed to take huge dramatic leaps to get to his point.

I appreciated the call to live with and among the poor regularly. This is the gem of this book and many others.

Like Dickens he pokes at the ridiculous in the rich so poignantly.

My favorite character arc to watch in this book was the scornful son. As a mom of older children, I resonated with the struggles and thoughts that I worked through when I was younger and arrogant, and that I am working through as a mom with my children.

The art that was highlighted and honored in this book was singing. It was portrayed as a gift meant to be given.

I didn’t dislike it but did not enjoy it as much as others.

[Maria Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from my grandmother. Similar to Middlemarch in its portrayal of a woman seeking to be effectively compassionate, though with fewer characters; comparable in its level of in-text preaching, although MacDonald's is generally more to my taste than Eliot's.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've not read George MacDonald before, it may take you some time to get into the story. Even with the editing, it's not an easy read. The protagonist Hester Raymount is a likable character while her brother is a totally different character.

[Bethany Oetken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming soon

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hester Raymount and her pathway to discipleship. As always, George MacDonald's work is excellent food for thought.

[Charlotte Gunther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption!

[Celeste Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, that speaks to the heart of Christ. It is a difficult read but worth it!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. More formulaic than some of his, but I still enjoyed my slow read of it during this Lenten and Easter season.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first George MacDonald book I've read and I'm sure that I needed Michael Phillip's editing to understand it. I greatly enjoy what many would call MacDonald's sermonizing as I value the teaching and growing it provokes. But it is not an easy read and I find I prefer Michael Phillip's novels, which echo MacDonald's style with more storyline included. However, I would still enjoy reading more of Phillip's editions of MacDonald's works, as well as more of Phillip's own works of fiction. If more current authors adopted this style of writing I suspect our society would be a better place. Sadly, you cannot give what you do not have.

[Claire Reynolds (DeHaan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. I think I liked it because it acknowledges that obedience to God can sometimes get in the way of personal relationships...Maybe you'd have to read it to get what I'm talking about. But it was a good story.

[Jaclynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great classic from George MacDonald, this one was not as good as others but I still enjoyed it.

[Sharon]

Donated to Stewartsville Baptist Church Library

[Ronit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story. There was a lot of depth to many of the characters. The book could have used some editing as the amount of expository prose by the author was distracting at times.