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The Poet's Homecoming
Scotland's master storyteller unfolds a classic novel noted for its profound truth wrapped in disarming simplicity The Poet's Homecoming was written at a time when five of George MacDonald's six sons were in their early to mid-twenties, and he was no doubt observing and pondering their struggles of growth toward adulthood. In this story, Walter Colman leaves the country farming life to pursue fame and fortune in a literary career. But he is actually leaving much more. With the love of his father behind him, the road before him is one filled with rough places that will take their toll. Enchantment and ideals must face the rest of emerging manhood. Sometimes the profoundest truths come wrapped in the humblest garb. The tale of the Good Samaritan was not noteworthy for its complexity, but it remains one of the most striking teachings in the Gospels. MacDonald, too, when conveying the magnificence of God's Fatherhood, does so with an amazing acuity of vision and simplicity of word. "The radiance of the message shines through with unclouded clarity the message that, as MacDonald himself says, obedience is the opener of eyes." Michael R. Phillips (from the Introduction)
187 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1990
About the author
George MacDonald
2,101 books2,662 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 21, 2025
4⭐️
This is a unique book and I don’t even know how to really describe it…
It felt like the author had some philosophical and theological things he wanted to talk through, so he made up a few fictitious characters and had them have some big conversations. George MacDonald also includes some seriously golden one-liners on pretty much every page!
It’s a very calm, slow pace.
I wish I’d had my highlighter…maybe next time…
This is a unique book and I don’t even know how to really describe it…
It felt like the author had some philosophical and theological things he wanted to talk through, so he made up a few fictitious characters and had them have some big conversations. George MacDonald also includes some seriously golden one-liners on pretty much every page!
It’s a very calm, slow pace.
I wish I’d had my highlighter…maybe next time…
May 28, 2022
Shorter than his usual works.
Again, we have a romance that shows how love is blind.
It also speaks of how truth even though hurtful can be helpful to another's growth.
There is a painful humility found when realizing or awakening up to the person we once were, but in forgiveness of ourselves and others (for we know not what we do) can be a large step to healing.
This is how I saw it anyway.
Good, but not one of his best. felt like it ended too abruptly. I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters.
No content concerns.
Again, we have a romance that shows how love is blind.
It also speaks of how truth even though hurtful can be helpful to another's growth.
There is a painful humility found when realizing or awakening up to the person we once were, but in forgiveness of ourselves and others (for we know not what we do) can be a large step to healing.
This is how I saw it anyway.
Good, but not one of his best. felt like it ended too abruptly. I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters.
No content concerns.
February 24, 2018
Short and sweet and very George MacDonald. Not my all-time favorite of his, and not his deepest or most profound thoughts and spiritual journey for the main character, but still nice. I wish he had gone more into detail about the character Molly, because she was lovely and practical.
October 14, 2018
It took me two tries to read this book. I couldn't get into it the first time. Perhaps because I had too many other books reading at the same time. I did try again because I've enjoyed his children's stories and wanted to read his adult selection. It was similar to the prodigal son parable. It wasn't a favorite, but I will read more of his works.
March 2, 2025
"But many men and women have the impulse to write, who never write anything of much worth."
Molly thought a while. "What if they yielded to the impulse before their time had come?" she ventured at length. "What if their eagerness to write when they ought to have been doing something else destroyed the call in them? That is perhaps the reason why there are so many dull preachers—that they begin to speak before they have anything to say!”
George MacDonald is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. His books can be challenging to get into, but once you do, they reveal so much hidden treasure. I would recommend this book to anyone who has aspirations to write.
Molly thought a while. "What if they yielded to the impulse before their time had come?" she ventured at length. "What if their eagerness to write when they ought to have been doing something else destroyed the call in them? That is perhaps the reason why there are so many dull preachers—that they begin to speak before they have anything to say!”
George MacDonald is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. His books can be challenging to get into, but once you do, they reveal so much hidden treasure. I would recommend this book to anyone who has aspirations to write.
June 10, 2025
Delightful didactic commentary on vocation, calling, and becoming a true, soul-filled man or woman. Unfortunately, I resonated far too strongly with Walter, the protagonist who must learn to plunge into the depths of life, rather than pursue ideals and forms over things--and especially spiritual formation. I'll get there eventually, as he did. A short gem for any lover of Victorian literature, George MacDonald, or the psychology of infatuation.
Walter feels called to leave the family farm and pursue writing in London. His father supports the plan, recognizing the folly of forcing an adult child into a mold and the value of learning life lessons even the hard way--and learn the hard way Walter does. Professionally, Walter comes to realize that his talent, though real, cannot compete with that in the the big city. Desperate for work, though, he employs his skills writing reviews for newly-released books of all qualities. Walter relishes the idea to criticize and gains quick skill at it. He rises in influence and comes into contact with the sphere of Society he has dreamed of--including a charming young poetess named Lufa. He loses his heart--and his conscience--to her. Fortunately, circumstance intervenes to reveal her true nature to him, and he must cut his losses and choose his next path. As they so often do, his leads home, to father and sister who love him with Kingdom love. A sweet story of rebuilding a straw house into one on a solid foundation.
On his way home, Walter writes Lufa a long letter outlining her faults, in the hopes that she will see the hollow shell that is her existence and come to be the true woman God made her to be. While genuinely approached in true Victorian style, I wonder at the benefit of such an action in reality. Walter did, too, but we were persuaded to believe that writing and sending the letter were the things to do for her good. Her character, though purposefully not admirable, definitely caught my attention by its very coldness. She didn't pull any punches about what she wanted in life or how she viewed her social circle. Honesty that was refreshing enough to make the reader wonder if there might be hope for her after all.
Walter feels called to leave the family farm and pursue writing in London. His father supports the plan, recognizing the folly of forcing an adult child into a mold and the value of learning life lessons even the hard way--and learn the hard way Walter does. Professionally, Walter comes to realize that his talent, though real, cannot compete with that in the the big city. Desperate for work, though, he employs his skills writing reviews for newly-released books of all qualities. Walter relishes the idea to criticize and gains quick skill at it. He rises in influence and comes into contact with the sphere of Society he has dreamed of--including a charming young poetess named Lufa. He loses his heart--and his conscience--to her. Fortunately, circumstance intervenes to reveal her true nature to him, and he must cut his losses and choose his next path. As they so often do, his leads home, to father and sister who love him with Kingdom love. A sweet story of rebuilding a straw house into one on a solid foundation.
On his way home, Walter writes Lufa a long letter outlining her faults, in the hopes that she will see the hollow shell that is her existence and come to be the true woman God made her to be. While genuinely approached in true Victorian style, I wonder at the benefit of such an action in reality. Walter did, too, but we were persuaded to believe that writing and sending the letter were the things to do for her good. Her character, though purposefully not admirable, definitely caught my attention by its very coldness. She didn't pull any punches about what she wanted in life or how she viewed her social circle. Honesty that was refreshing enough to make the reader wonder if there might be hope for her after all.
March 6, 2026
4.25 stars. There’s so much wisdom tucked away in George MacDonald’s stories. It’s almost as if a preacher is the narrator of his novels… wait a minute… on second thought, that is exactly what is happening.
My bookmarks:
My bookmarks:
“The world might be divided into those who let things go, and those who do not; into the forces and facts, the slaves and fancies; those who are always doing something on God’s creative lines, and those that are always grumbling and striving against them.”
“Man is made, not to contemplate himself, but to behold in others the beauty of the Father. A man who lives to meditate upon and worship himself, is in the slime of hell.”
“It may seem strange that the reflection had not come to him before; but in nothing are we slower than in discovering our own blame – and the slower that we are so quick to perceive the blame of others. For, the very fact that we see and heartily condemn the faults of others, we use, unconsciously perhaps, as an argument that we must be right ourselves.”
“Let us be true, whatever come of it, and look the facts of things in the face! If I am a poor creature, let me be content to know it! For have I not the joy that God can make me great? And is not the first step toward greatness to refuse to call that great which is not great, or to think myself great when I am small? Let us confess ourselves that which we cannot consent to remain! The confession of not being, is the sole foundation for becoming. Self is a quicksand; God is the only rock. I have been learning a little.”
November 3, 2018
This novel helps the reader examine which things are truly important in life , where true happiness resides, and what true love might look like. Walter grows in his understanding and integrity as the plot progresses.
August 25, 2026
To me, it was a predictable, almost preachy story. But there were some wonderful thoughts and beautiful writing throughout that made it worthwhile to read.
December 3, 2014
I read this book at the recommendation of my mother after I had returned home from a long trip. During my time away, my mother had been reading this book, and the funny thing was that parallels of the events that happened to the protagonist throughout the story seemed to be happening to me as my mother was reading it! I would call her towards the end of each day I that I was away, and some times when I'd tell her of the events of that day, she would remark something like, "You have to read this book when you get back!" without actually telling me just how similar my real life was becoming to the book (I believe she was afraid of accidentally influencing me by telling me too much). When I came home, I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed the thought provoking story, and the moral lessons I got out of it, and had a bit of a chuckle when I realized that despite the fact it had been written perhaps a hundred years before I was born, the story was very much about me!
October 25, 2011
As a 22-year-old, I understand Walter's naive idealism and vanity. When you are young, you feel as if the world is as attainable as anything. MacDonald uses the Prodigal Son story as an influence in this coming of age tale which explores the themes of truth, love, and God's purpose in people's loves. Tolkien, however, is right on target; MacDonald comes across as very didactic and preachy in his narrative and more often than not can be annoying to today's modern reader. Nevertheless, this story captures the beauty of MacDonald's writing and his ability to present a moral thought in a most imaginative and responsive way.
December 11, 2011
This book was not what I would consider a page-turner by any means, but I did enjoy the simple truths that filled each page. MacDonald presented several biblically founded principles in a very easy to digest but still touching way. I gave it one more star than I otherwise might have just based on that. Books in my opinion should both enlighten and entertain. This book did both. I may add another star after I have had time to let the story simmer for awhile. It seems that the best plots or messages found in books do not immediately make sense, but continue to grow on you long after you turn the last page.
April 22, 2016
I'm a big fan of GeorgeMacDonald's books but almost put this one down early on. Seemed to have a slow start and I was having trouble getting into it. Glad I persevered, though, as the story took hold of me. MacDonald never fails to weave spiritual truths throughout that always point to our eternal and gracious God and His love for us.
Michael Phillips has done a marvelous job editing the language so we modern day readers can enjoy the feast of George Macdonald's wonderful writings.
Michael Phillips has done a marvelous job editing the language so we modern day readers can enjoy the feast of George Macdonald's wonderful writings.
April 12, 2008
Another warm and deep story from George MacDonald. It is a modern retelling of the Prodigal Son (modern for MacDonald's time - mid 1800's).
July 26, 2012
A man rejects his selfish dreams of grandeur and learns to embrace hard work.
Read
February 24, 2020"The Poet’s Homecoming" is, as George MacDonald tends to be, pretty didactic in nature, which doesn’t bother me in the least. I know others feel belittled by fiction that obviously is trying to teach a moral lesson … but I need all the moral lessons I can get. And he is very gentle.
This morning I was surprised to realize how well these book fits into my quest for a “Rule of Life.” So, for my own benefit, I’m explaining the main lessons that I found here. So there is no need to read what is below! I don’t want to ruin the book for you! WARNING!
The importance of obedience: We learn to think God’s thoughts (be more like him, grow in our capacity to love) first by interacting with the things that God has created. Nature? Families? Random person at the grocery store? My sad garden? I think MacDonald is saying that through the world around us we have opportunities to see what God thinks and conform to his desires for us. And then eventually we become mature enough that our thoughts themselves conform to his thoughts – consequently, we are mature, we love.
The importance of work: In one way, most of us tend to overemphasize work, but still. What MacDonald writes is helpful. On one level, when Walter returns home and becomes a farmer like his dad, MacDonald is plainly telling us that it is good to do plain old work. I was pretty deep into the book when I realized that this was a prodigal son story, because I am slower than your average bear. HE BECOMES A FARMER LIKE HIS DAD. I only recently discovered that in The Parable of the Sower, God is responsible for cultivating the soil – I am not. Although I have begun praying that God will, in fact, cultivate my soil. So MacDonald makes me wonder if, as I grow, will I eventually be a helper in sowing and cultivating the soil? Is MacDonald saying that this is something that we do with God, although it seems that it is His responsibility?
Also, MacDonald takes this opportunity to write a few words about book reviews, maybe also literary criticism. “A good book is well-worth writing about to anyone who understands it. This is different from sitting in judgment on the works of other.” Ha! I’ve heard writers say that they often will read book reviews and wonder if the person doing the book review has even read their book. Don’t miss the point of the book, but seek to understand it, MacDonald says.
One more thing. When he returns home, Walter discovers that he does have a bit of the farmer in him, just like his dad. He also discovers that his father and Molly both have a spark of the artist in THEM. Sometimes I forget that God is much about the music or art etc. But then I see that I can meet him though a painting or some beautiful architecture, or a book.
And that is all. Just me, enjoying George MacDonald gently trying to push me along.
This morning I was surprised to realize how well these book fits into my quest for a “Rule of Life.” So, for my own benefit, I’m explaining the main lessons that I found here. So there is no need to read what is below! I don’t want to ruin the book for you! WARNING!
The importance of obedience: We learn to think God’s thoughts (be more like him, grow in our capacity to love) first by interacting with the things that God has created. Nature? Families? Random person at the grocery store? My sad garden? I think MacDonald is saying that through the world around us we have opportunities to see what God thinks and conform to his desires for us. And then eventually we become mature enough that our thoughts themselves conform to his thoughts – consequently, we are mature, we love.
The importance of work: In one way, most of us tend to overemphasize work, but still. What MacDonald writes is helpful. On one level, when Walter returns home and becomes a farmer like his dad, MacDonald is plainly telling us that it is good to do plain old work. I was pretty deep into the book when I realized that this was a prodigal son story, because I am slower than your average bear. HE BECOMES A FARMER LIKE HIS DAD. I only recently discovered that in The Parable of the Sower, God is responsible for cultivating the soil – I am not. Although I have begun praying that God will, in fact, cultivate my soil. So MacDonald makes me wonder if, as I grow, will I eventually be a helper in sowing and cultivating the soil? Is MacDonald saying that this is something that we do with God, although it seems that it is His responsibility?
Also, MacDonald takes this opportunity to write a few words about book reviews, maybe also literary criticism. “A good book is well-worth writing about to anyone who understands it. This is different from sitting in judgment on the works of other.” Ha! I’ve heard writers say that they often will read book reviews and wonder if the person doing the book review has even read their book. Don’t miss the point of the book, but seek to understand it, MacDonald says.
One more thing. When he returns home, Walter discovers that he does have a bit of the farmer in him, just like his dad. He also discovers that his father and Molly both have a spark of the artist in THEM. Sometimes I forget that God is much about the music or art etc. But then I see that I can meet him though a painting or some beautiful architecture, or a book.
And that is all. Just me, enjoying George MacDonald gently trying to push me along.
June 27, 2026
🌹
Yet be thou still, and wait, wait long;
There comes a sea to drown the wrong,
His glory shall o’erwhelm the earth,
And thou, no more a scathed rock,
Shall start alive with gladsome shock,
Shalt a hand-clapping billow be,
And shout with the eternal sea!
To righteousness and love belong
The dance, the jubilance, the song!
For, lo, the right hath quelled the wrong,
And truth hath stilled the lying tongue!
For, lo, the glad God fills the earth.
And Love sits down by every hearth!
Now must thou sing because of song,
Now laugh because of mirth!
~*~
See the countless angels hover!
See the mother bending over!
See the shepherds, kings and cow!
What is baby thinking now?
Oh, to think what baby thinks
Would be worth all holy inks!
But he smiles such lovingness,
That I will not fear to guess!—
‘Father called; you would not come!
Here I am to take you home!
‘For the father feels the dearth
Of his children round his hearth—
‘Wants them round and on his knee—
That’s his throne for you and me!’
Something lovely like to this
Surely lights that look of bliss!
Or if something else be there,
Then ‘tis something yet more fair;
For within the father’s breast
Lies the whole world in its nest.
Yet be thou still, and wait, wait long;
There comes a sea to drown the wrong,
His glory shall o’erwhelm the earth,
And thou, no more a scathed rock,
Shall start alive with gladsome shock,
Shalt a hand-clapping billow be,
And shout with the eternal sea!
To righteousness and love belong
The dance, the jubilance, the song!
For, lo, the right hath quelled the wrong,
And truth hath stilled the lying tongue!
For, lo, the glad God fills the earth.
And Love sits down by every hearth!
Now must thou sing because of song,
Now laugh because of mirth!
~*~
See the countless angels hover!
See the mother bending over!
See the shepherds, kings and cow!
What is baby thinking now?
Oh, to think what baby thinks
Would be worth all holy inks!
But he smiles such lovingness,
That I will not fear to guess!—
‘Father called; you would not come!
Here I am to take you home!
‘For the father feels the dearth
Of his children round his hearth—
‘Wants them round and on his knee—
That’s his throne for you and me!’
Something lovely like to this
Surely lights that look of bliss!
Or if something else be there,
Then ‘tis something yet more fair;
For within the father’s breast
Lies the whole world in its nest.
January 30, 2019
At times it was a little slow.
I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about his emphasis on morality in his writing. Maybe I’m just peevish. And though I enjoy English sentimentality of a certain Dickensian flavor, yet, sometimes George was a little too much for me or perhaps just in the wrong way, idk.
But I did shed a tear at the very end.
I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about his emphasis on morality in his writing. Maybe I’m just peevish. And though I enjoy English sentimentality of a certain Dickensian flavor, yet, sometimes George was a little too much for me or perhaps just in the wrong way, idk.
But I did shed a tear at the very end.
June 1, 2021
George MacDonald's writings inspire a lot of reflection and thinking!
February 14, 2021
He does not write for mere entertainment. This story doesn’t just flow in and out of your head without stirring your gray matter. There’s meat between the bones and it’s not always easy to get and once you do it may not sit well. It is not easy reading but it is good reading.Thanks for the pick Davie.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews