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The Magic Books #2
Octagon Magic
Book 2 of 6: The Magic Sequence
The secret of Octagon House
When her grandmother gets sick, eleven-year-old Lorrie Mallard is sent to live with her aunt in the U.S. Things were different back home in Canada, and Lorrie is homesick-especially when boys like Jimmy Purvis and Stan Wormiski tease her. One day, Lorrie finds herself at the door of Octagon House, where she is welcomed by the elderly Miss Ashemeade and her servant, Hallie. Could the kindly Miss Ashemeade truly be a witch, like everyone says? Lorrie doesn't know, but with the help an old rocking horse and a dollhouse she finds in a mysterious eight-sided room, she begins to unlock the secrets of Octagon House.
The secret of Octagon House
When her grandmother gets sick, eleven-year-old Lorrie Mallard is sent to live with her aunt in the U.S. Things were different back home in Canada, and Lorrie is homesick-especially when boys like Jimmy Purvis and Stan Wormiski tease her. One day, Lorrie finds herself at the door of Octagon House, where she is welcomed by the elderly Miss Ashemeade and her servant, Hallie. Could the kindly Miss Ashemeade truly be a witch, like everyone says? Lorrie doesn't know, but with the help an old rocking horse and a dollhouse she finds in a mysterious eight-sided room, she begins to unlock the secrets of Octagon House.
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
22 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
696 books1,383 followersAndre Norton, born Alice Mary Norton, was a pioneering American author of science fiction and fantasy, widely regarded as the Grande Dame of those genres. She also wrote historical and contemporary fiction, publishing under the pen names Andre Alice Norton, Andrew North, and Allen Weston. She launched her career in 1934 with The Prince Commands, adopting the name “Andre” to appeal to a male readership. After working for the Cleveland Library System and the Library of Congress, she began publishing science fiction under “Andrew North” and fantasy under her own name. She became a full-time writer in 1958 and was known for her prolific output, including Star Man’s Son, 2250 A.D. and Witch World, the latter spawning a long-running series and shared universe. Norton was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America and authored Quag Keep, the first novel based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. She influenced generations of writers, including Lois McMaster Bujold and Mercedes Lackey. Among her many honors were being the first woman named Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and SFWA Grand Master. In her later years, she established the High Hallack Library to support research in genre fiction. Her legacy continues with the Andre Norton Award for young adult science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 29, 2017
Lorrie is an orphan sent to live with an aunt. She feels she doesn't fit in and finds safety in Octagon House, a beautiful old house with kind, wise, elderly occupants and a magical playroom complete with rocking horse and large scale dolls house ready to take you on adventures - what could be better ?
There were a couple of parts where the general well meant message of the book, which was resolving your differences with those who are not kind to you, erred on the side of suggesting some blame lay with the victim, which we didn't like.
The ending was happy and sad, not what we would have chosen but fitting for the book. I struggled to read aloud the last few pages as I found it sad and moving but my daughter didn't find it sad. There's a nice part of the story that happens near the beginning that at the end of the book you realise how that ties in with the conclusion.
There were a couple of parts where the general well meant message of the book, which was resolving your differences with those who are not kind to you, erred on the side of suggesting some blame lay with the victim, which we didn't like.
The ending was happy and sad, not what we would have chosen but fitting for the book. I struggled to read aloud the last few pages as I found it sad and moving but my daughter didn't find it sad. There's a nice part of the story that happens near the beginning that at the end of the book you realise how that ties in with the conclusion.
July 28, 2020
How I read this: borrowed through Bookmate subscription
Omg this book was so AMAZING!!! I was in a book slump, but I gobbled this story up. It was heartwarming and just what I needed during a truly shitty time. It's just one of those books that's definitely going into my all-time favorites shelf. I can't wait to read some other books by this author.
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Omg this book was so AMAZING!!! I was in a book slump, but I gobbled this story up. It was heartwarming and just what I needed during a truly shitty time. It's just one of those books that's definitely going into my all-time favorites shelf. I can't wait to read some other books by this author.
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February 3, 2022
Would have probably loved it if I had read it at age 12. I have Denis to thank, from the "Suggest books for me > What's the Name of that Book?!" group, for mentioning this book and author to me. Octagon Magic was originally published in 1967 (USA).
Denis had posted it in response to a query from me (link here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ), and I would just like to say that this description of "keeping Christmas in an American Victorian house" was EPIC. So much so, that my secondhand paperback came with an additional, non-canonical index scrawled onto the flyleaf in pencil, directing the scribe back to several pages for "Ornaments", a page for "Memories", and another for "Gifts". Which is great, because I'll be using either 'Loraine Burkisk's' or 'Nancy's' notes (both dated from 1981) to guide me back. The golden walnut shells with miniature dioramas inside were especially inspiring.
There were a few points that I felt let it down. There was insufficient history on Charlotta Ashmeade and her "people", which I suppose was meant to be part of the mystery, but which I felt needed just a bit more fleshing out to keep me satisfied while still mostly in the dark as to the true nature of things (I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers).
The other is that a non-American reading this may struggle with some minor aspects or inferences of the historical problems and racial issues raised. I had to stop and reflect (and occasionally re-read sentences) to understand the overtones that were occasionally assumed but not spelled out. Like Lorrie, I too am Canadian, and I'm sure she would also be a little confused. And, indeed, we see that she is not racist whereas Kathy and Bess certainly are. So there was definitely a cultural mien there that would perhaps not even be perceptible to an American reader. It wasn't a stumbling block for me, but more of a sideshow with nuances that I had to actively parse out. (I was also, then, a little confused about Hallie - it seemed somehow incongruous to have a black lady as a servant in the 1960s. There are reasons, I know (no spoilers), but then it would have been nice to have heard more backstory on Hallie herself). All in all, "more background required" would sum up my misgivings. Also, Nackie! More about Nackie, please! Tugging terribly at the heartstrings, and leaving them quivering without any further detail. There was so much more there that might have been relayed to an anxious reader!
Regardless, I found this to be an engaging and entertaining read, following Lorrie from late autumn through Christmas to St Valentine's Day, touching memorably and descriptively on both holidays.
If you need a good Christmas and Wintertime themed fantasy read for a middle grader, there are now 2 books I can strongly recommend. This one, especially for a female; and The Dark Is Rising especially for a male (but obviously neither is restricted by gender. But you know how some recipients are - I once got derided for including a Heidi picture book in a gift package for nephews. Their loss - Peter the Goatherd has a pretty idyllic life! Sigh. Non-readers.).
This book, if given as a gift, could be enhanced with stork-shaped embroidery scissors and floss. A golden cross-stitch needle if you can find one, too. For more info (and a photo of the type of scissors I mean), check out the "A Book and a Related Gift - GIFT GUIDE" group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Denis had posted it in response to a query from me (link here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ), and I would just like to say that this description of "keeping Christmas in an American Victorian house" was EPIC. So much so, that my secondhand paperback came with an additional, non-canonical index scrawled onto the flyleaf in pencil, directing the scribe back to several pages for "Ornaments", a page for "Memories", and another for "Gifts". Which is great, because I'll be using either 'Loraine Burkisk's' or 'Nancy's' notes (both dated from 1981) to guide me back. The golden walnut shells with miniature dioramas inside were especially inspiring.
There were a few points that I felt let it down. There was insufficient history on Charlotta Ashmeade and her "people", which I suppose was meant to be part of the mystery, but which I felt needed just a bit more fleshing out to keep me satisfied while still mostly in the dark as to the true nature of things (I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers).
The other is that a non-American reading this may struggle with some minor aspects or inferences of the historical problems and racial issues raised. I had to stop and reflect (and occasionally re-read sentences) to understand the overtones that were occasionally assumed but not spelled out. Like Lorrie, I too am Canadian, and I'm sure she would also be a little confused. And, indeed, we see that she is not racist whereas Kathy and Bess certainly are. So there was definitely a cultural mien there that would perhaps not even be perceptible to an American reader. It wasn't a stumbling block for me, but more of a sideshow with nuances that I had to actively parse out. (I was also, then, a little confused about Hallie - it seemed somehow incongruous to have a black lady as a servant in the 1960s. There are reasons, I know (no spoilers), but then it would have been nice to have heard more backstory on Hallie herself). All in all, "more background required" would sum up my misgivings. Also, Nackie! More about Nackie, please! Tugging terribly at the heartstrings, and leaving them quivering without any further detail. There was so much more there that might have been relayed to an anxious reader!
Regardless, I found this to be an engaging and entertaining read, following Lorrie from late autumn through Christmas to St Valentine's Day, touching memorably and descriptively on both holidays.
If you need a good Christmas and Wintertime themed fantasy read for a middle grader, there are now 2 books I can strongly recommend. This one, especially for a female; and The Dark Is Rising especially for a male (but obviously neither is restricted by gender. But you know how some recipients are - I once got derided for including a Heidi picture book in a gift package for nephews. Their loss - Peter the Goatherd has a pretty idyllic life! Sigh. Non-readers.).
This book, if given as a gift, could be enhanced with stork-shaped embroidery scissors and floss. A golden cross-stitch needle if you can find one, too. For more info (and a photo of the type of scissors I mean), check out the "A Book and a Related Gift - GIFT GUIDE" group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 21, 2010
I loved this book as a child, and I find it's held up pretty well. I especially liked that the ending left a lot of wiggle room for the imagination--in some senses, it ended in the middle of the story, or at least at the end of episode one. Although there was never an episode two or three, the reader can decide in his or her own mind what will happen, and I really like that freedom.
What I realized that I didn't love about this book is that like several other books I loved--Tom's Midnight Garden, Magic Elizabeth, etc.--at its center is a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past that can be visited only briefly, and then lost forever. The 'modern' setting of the book is a time diminished, unwelcoming, unhappy compared to the lost past. I think it's significant that while I loved these books, they are not in my personal library. What is in my library are the two Gone-Away Lake books. They also have a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past, but the 'modern' present is no less wonderful or joyful--there is nothing diminished in living in that time as well. I really liked that balance--it takes out most of the melancholy.
What I realized that I didn't love about this book is that like several other books I loved--Tom's Midnight Garden, Magic Elizabeth, etc.--at its center is a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past that can be visited only briefly, and then lost forever. The 'modern' setting of the book is a time diminished, unwelcoming, unhappy compared to the lost past. I think it's significant that while I loved these books, they are not in my personal library. What is in my library are the two Gone-Away Lake books. They also have a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past, but the 'modern' present is no less wonderful or joyful--there is nothing diminished in living in that time as well. I really liked that balance--it takes out most of the melancholy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2017
I just read this today... I hadn't read it since Fifth grade... strange how memory rewrites things... I always remembered it as more about time travel and less of a social commentary... There is more to this book for adults then I recalled. Excellent book!
August 10, 2019
Early Bird Book Deal | Better than the first in the series, but the protagonist remains inactive. | The story here is more involved and less straightforward than in book one, but Lorrie doesn't do anything. She goes to the Octagon House and follows instructions which lead to her witnessing the past. At no point does she affect anything or make any decisions or choices, she simply moves as the wind blows.
August 8, 2025
This was a book club pick. It was cute; however, the copy I read was a reprint and had spelling errors and grammatical errors throughout the entire book. It was very distracting and took away from the joy of reading. I think every page had an error. Just horrible!
The story itself was an interesting idea. I loved the doll house and the adventures that took place. The fact that Octagon House was a safe haven was a nice concept. There were some things that didn’t make sense, but it was a nice read. 3.5 stars rounded up.
The story itself was an interesting idea. I loved the doll house and the adventures that took place. The fact that Octagon House was a safe haven was a nice concept. There were some things that didn’t make sense, but it was a nice read. 3.5 stars rounded up.
June 28, 2025
Lorrie (8 years old) is having hard time finding her place, missing her parents and is unsteady with the cards life has dealt.
I probably would have enjoyed this book if I read it as a child or maybe should have read book 1 first but this was a mailing book club read.
I probably would have enjoyed this book if I read it as a child or maybe should have read book 1 first but this was a mailing book club read.
February 15, 2018
Hmmm... another one featuring unusual magical talismans/instruments.
I'm liking the fact that in all of the Andre Norton children's books I've read so far (5), that she has a great way of pragmatically dealing with problems. These children are struggling: parents gone, away from home, uncertain futures, fear and/or loss, struggling to make friends or adapt to new challenging circumstances. She doesn't sugar coat it. But the way the children learn and adapt and grow, I think is very well done. Yeah, she uses magic as part of that growing up experience, but even if you took all that out, there's a lot of wisdom in there.
These books are real vintage goodness. I'm so glad they're available on Kindle Unlimited for me to read (those I missed as a child, re-read (those I loved as a child). I'm really impressed that they've stood the test of time as well as they have.
I'm liking the fact that in all of the Andre Norton children's books I've read so far (5), that she has a great way of pragmatically dealing with problems. These children are struggling: parents gone, away from home, uncertain futures, fear and/or loss, struggling to make friends or adapt to new challenging circumstances. She doesn't sugar coat it. But the way the children learn and adapt and grow, I think is very well done. Yeah, she uses magic as part of that growing up experience, but even if you took all that out, there's a lot of wisdom in there.
These books are real vintage goodness. I'm so glad they're available on Kindle Unlimited for me to read (those I missed as a child, re-read (those I loved as a child). I'm really impressed that they've stood the test of time as well as they have.
December 13, 2008
This was a favorite book from childhood I decided to read again and I am glad I did. It is a wonderful story of a lonely girl who discovers a secret world at her neighbor's home.
August 16, 2016
Octagon Magic
Wonderful magical book the one that started me reading the magic series. Happy, sad ending which I didn't like as a young reader but now understand better.
Wonderful magical book the one that started me reading the magic series. Happy, sad ending which I didn't like as a young reader but now understand better.
August 27, 2017
I read and loved this as a kid; when I found it again as an adult, I wondered if I'd identify as much with the main character, Lorrie, as I did back then, or if, as when I reread "Harriet the Spy" as an adult, I'd end up seeing the main character's flaws and being less sympathetic towards her.
But, nope. I identify as strongly as ever with Lorrie. I, too, was (and am!) an introvert who would rather stay home with a good book than be forced to go out. Being forced to spend time with kids like the Lockner kids would have been one of my worst nightmares at that age. And as an only child, I preferred the company of adults to that of other kids -- adults were usually nice to me, and kids often weren't. And I also had a mother who was out more than she was home, and who put me into situations I hated so she wouldn't feel guilty about leaving me alone so much. I just didn't have a magic house to go to in order to escape.
So I still count this as one of the books that I read as a child but still love as an adult. I'd personally have preferred a slightly different ending; instead of , I'd have preferred that . But in general, it's still a book that any introverted, neglected, book-loving kid should identify with.
But, nope. I identify as strongly as ever with Lorrie. I, too, was (and am!) an introvert who would rather stay home with a good book than be forced to go out. Being forced to spend time with kids like the Lockner kids would have been one of my worst nightmares at that age. And as an only child, I preferred the company of adults to that of other kids -- adults were usually nice to me, and kids often weren't. And I also had a mother who was out more than she was home, and who put me into situations I hated so she wouldn't feel guilty about leaving me alone so much. I just didn't have a magic house to go to in order to escape.
So I still count this as one of the books that I read as a child but still love as an adult. I'd personally have preferred a slightly different ending; instead of , I'd have preferred that . But in general, it's still a book that any introverted, neglected, book-loving kid should identify with.
March 25, 2025
This seems to be the most-loved volume in the magic series and it's easy to see why even though I haven't yet read on. This was an opportunity for Andre to centre her narrative on a young girl and she somehow manages to weave a very personal tale whilst also pushing in big themes around race and how we perceive one another, which are quite complex ideas for 60s even though it comes across that some characters are mouthing basic things like "be nice to one another".
It's a frustrating little book because it's a children's book and it ends quickly. I think Norton made the right editorial decisions for her market, of course - if this were for adults it wouldn't feel complex enough, but if she went in deeper it wouldn't work for children. It's tough not being the target audience for this kind of thing though. I'll live. It was good but dammit I wanted to know more about these past lives that Lorrie was thrown into observing and what exactly happened - it could and should have been very on the nose. As ever, reading Norton makes me excited for more Norton, at this stage in her career she's still full of ideas.
It's a frustrating little book because it's a children's book and it ends quickly. I think Norton made the right editorial decisions for her market, of course - if this were for adults it wouldn't feel complex enough, but if she went in deeper it wouldn't work for children. It's tough not being the target audience for this kind of thing though. I'll live. It was good but dammit I wanted to know more about these past lives that Lorrie was thrown into observing and what exactly happened - it could and should have been very on the nose. As ever, reading Norton makes me excited for more Norton, at this stage in her career she's still full of ideas.
January 16, 2022
This is a book of my childhood and Norton was one of my fantasy idols. This young adult book does such a lovely job of capturing the feeling of trying to fit in while desperately feeling left out and of the magic that I wish I had access to in my girlhood. Norton does not shy away from difficult topics, but they are presented in a matter-of-fact way that makes them approachable. The conclusion of the book still feels puzzling and mysterious to me and I wish Norton had created an adult sequel to the story with her young heroine brought full circle to being now the mistress of the magic. My adult mind likes to imagine her in that role somewhere out in the world now.
July 21, 2020
When a lonely orphan girl is sent by her Canadian grandmother to live with a busy aunt in Ohio, she finds it difficult to settle in or make new friends. Then, rescuing a kitten from some rough boys, she stumbles into the grounds of the Octagon House, and finds a refuge with the elderly women who live there. Lorrie discovers a rocking horse on which she can travel back in time to the Victorian era, and a dollhouse replica of the Octagon House which reveals its many secrets. An engrossing children's fantasy.
February 8, 2018
Magical tale
It was 40+ years ago that I first read this book. I had borrowed It from the elementary school library as often as I could. I found It again on kindle unlimited, it was one I always remembered and wanted to read again to see if that magic was still there and it is. Octagon House will always live on it you remember.
It was 40+ years ago that I first read this book. I had borrowed It from the elementary school library as often as I could. I found It again on kindle unlimited, it was one I always remembered and wanted to read again to see if that magic was still there and it is. Octagon House will always live on it you remember.
January 1, 2020
A book from my childhood that did not quite stand up to a re-reading as an adult. It's not terrible, but the pacing is a little odd, and there are a lot of unanswered questions at the end. A 10-year-old would probably love it. Still, I look forward to re-reading Norton's other magic books to see if any of them fare better for adult readers.
September 18, 2023
This book is a lovely dose of nostalgia for me. I didn't remember many details so it was like reading it for the first time all over again. I even felt the shock and disappointment and wonder that the ending didn't turn out the way I thought it would. The non-happy happy ending, or non traditional happy ending, was refreshing. I am so glad I was able to find this book again.
March 10, 2024
Eight-year-old Lorrie is struggling with homesickness until she finds a welcome from a woman who lives in a strange, magical house.
I would have liked this more if I had read it when I was young, I think. It was still a pretty good read though I liked the parts set in the present more than those in the past. I wish there had been a sequel with grown-up Lorrie.
I would have liked this more if I had read it when I was young, I think. It was still a pretty good read though I liked the parts set in the present more than those in the past. I wish there had been a sequel with grown-up Lorrie.
July 2, 2020
Charming story about facing a new place and teasing.
April 12, 2021
A classic! Love Andre Norton's work!
June 7, 2021
Octagon House offers refuge and magic to those who seek it but on the dictates of magic, not the person- or the reader.
January 9, 2022
Borrowed from library:
Recently re discovered Ms Norton and found I hadn't read many of her books. Making up for that now♡
Recently re discovered Ms Norton and found I hadn't read many of her books. Making up for that now♡
August 17, 2022
Reread one of my childhood favorites.
February 13, 2024
Очень уютная книжка про девочку и старую добрую магию труда, мудрости и сострадания. Атмосфера хорошая. Может быть, немного не хватает выпуклости, но в общем для долгих зимних вечеров отлично сойдет.
January 15, 2017
I feel like I am dumping on my childhood by finding this book utterly boring. The first three "Magic" books were gifted to me as a child in a boxed set, and even though I didn't love them back when I was 8 or 9 either, they are responsible for a) me becoming a fantasy reader and public library user and b) getting my kind librarians to issue me an adult lending card so I could continue glomming Andre Norton books (and thus become introduced to science fiction as well.) But even under the spell of nostalgia, I am ready to give up a third of the way into the book.
EDITED TO ADD: I decided to read the entire book and it did get more interesting. It was slow and sad, though, despite trying to be an uplifting sort of sad (the "all things change and that's OK" type of sad/hopeful.)
Also, I remembered not being into these Magic books when I first tried to read them. But then I encountered the Chronicles of Prydain and a fire was lit. So it took two tries to read Norton's books back then, too.
EDITED TO ADD: I decided to read the entire book and it did get more interesting. It was slow and sad, though, despite trying to be an uplifting sort of sad (the "all things change and that's OK" type of sad/hopeful.)
Also, I remembered not being into these Magic books when I first tried to read them. But then I encountered the Chronicles of Prydain and a fire was lit. So it took two tries to read Norton's books back then, too.
August 2, 2010
This book was a little less... boring, than the first book in the series. I'm not sure why it's a series, but I noticed that Norton has a few series like that, where the stories are grouped based more on common themes than on any continuous story-line.
I think what intrigued me about this book was that it was less of an in-your-face 'children have a magical adventure and learn stuff' story, and more of a subtle piece about the changes that maturing over time can bring, instead of the changes that "adventures" cause. I could actually identify with the protagonist, and I liked the way she grew throughout the story, though that might have been that the story took place over months as opposed to the day that it took for 'Steel Magic'.
The magic was more subtle too - I liked that there's not really an explanation given for it, and in the end you realize, there really doesn't need to be. That's always best when it comes to magic.
I think what intrigued me about this book was that it was less of an in-your-face 'children have a magical adventure and learn stuff' story, and more of a subtle piece about the changes that maturing over time can bring, instead of the changes that "adventures" cause. I could actually identify with the protagonist, and I liked the way she grew throughout the story, though that might have been that the story took place over months as opposed to the day that it took for 'Steel Magic'.
The magic was more subtle too - I liked that there's not really an explanation given for it, and in the end you realize, there really doesn't need to be. That's always best when it comes to magic.
December 18, 2022
It is a third of the book sets to scene for our heroine before we even glimpse what the magic is. I found myself empathizing quite often with her struggles to be herself. The lesson of patience and understanding of others
Is clear; exemplified in what Miss Ashmeade says to Lorrie Mallard, our 11 1/2 year old narrator,
"Beginning is something very dull, and takes learning and practice"
p 66.
A constant theme of being safe, and finding that safe place to be.
"Blindness and unbelief, those are the two foes of magic. To see and to believe-- those who do have many gates to enter, if they choose."
p 98.
To tale is one that is how small moments can be so powerful as who go about our lives, learning to be better people through our struggles, and challenges.
The dialect is difficult for me to understand, and I am conflicted about the advice for handling bullies.
Is clear; exemplified in what Miss Ashmeade says to Lorrie Mallard, our 11 1/2 year old narrator,
"Beginning is something very dull, and takes learning and practice"
p 66.
A constant theme of being safe, and finding that safe place to be.
"Blindness and unbelief, those are the two foes of magic. To see and to believe-- those who do have many gates to enter, if they choose."
p 98.
To tale is one that is how small moments can be so powerful as who go about our lives, learning to be better people through our struggles, and challenges.
The dialect is difficult for me to understand, and I am conflicted about the advice for handling bullies.
Read
May 6, 2010Many people seem to think that Norton created a 'series' of 'Magic' books. There's little evidence of it--little or no continuity, for one thing.
This book could be considered an expansion of the short story of 'Miss Ruthven' (sp?). Similar themes and ideas, anyway, though with more (and more varied) stories.
Norton's stories are often stories of loners, but, oddly, her stories clad in 'modern' dress seem to be remarkably pushy about insisting that people socialize and conform. Why SHOULDN'T the protagonist withdraw into the life of a bookish hermit? What harm is she doing to anybody thereby, especially herself?
This book could be considered an expansion of the short story of 'Miss Ruthven' (sp?). Similar themes and ideas, anyway, though with more (and more varied) stories.
Norton's stories are often stories of loners, but, oddly, her stories clad in 'modern' dress seem to be remarkably pushy about insisting that people socialize and conform. Why SHOULDN'T the protagonist withdraw into the life of a bookish hermit? What harm is she doing to anybody thereby, especially herself?
February 25, 2014
This is a book about a 12 year old girl that has moved from Canada to live with her aunt. She is having problems because of the different customs, life style, and educational system. While having this difficulty, she discovers the Octagon house, and the magic it has within. It makes lasting changes in her life, as well as helping her to adapt to her new home and living conditions. It is a good read, and a little sorrowful. Made me teary eyed several times at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews