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Dark House on the Moss
Periwinkle and Louis Courtenay, orphans, are invited to live in a lonely mansion with their silent young uncle who, for unknown reasons, is bitterly hated by his tenants. A new and finer village which has been built for the tenants stands desolate and uninhabited. There are strange midnight happenings in the treacherous regions of the surrounding marsh, and then a near catastrophe one terrible night, as the marsh breaks its boundaries to engulf the tiny village.
216 pages
First published January 1, 1948
61 people want to read
About the author
Constance Savery
66 books28 followersBorn in 1897, in All Saints' Vicarage in Froxfield, Wiltshire, Constance Winifred Savery was the daughter of the Rev. John Manly Savery, and his wife, Constance Eleanor Harbord Savery. The family moved to Birmingham when she was nine years old, and Savery was educated there, at King Edward VI High School for Girls. She went on to Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied English, and was in the first cohort of woman students to be granted degrees, in 1920. She earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education from Birmingham University, and M.A. from Oxford in 1927, and taught briefly (and unhappily), before her mother's death necessitated a return to her father's household in Middleton-cum-Fordley, Suffolk, where she helped him with the parish work.
Savery never returned to teaching, earning her living from then on by writing. She published close to fifty books, and numerous short stories and articles, all informed by her deep Christian (Anglican) faith. She died in 1999.
Savery never returned to teaching, earning her living from then on by writing. She published close to fifty books, and numerous short stories and articles, all informed by her deep Christian (Anglican) faith. She died in 1999.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 25, 2024
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Many know that I critique books vigorously, that I guard my 5 star ratings zealously, and that gives them value. I don’t give them out easily, a book earns it, and if they earn it, they earned it indeed.
If I had a hundred stars for this book, I would gladly given them all. This book wrapped me in a long hug and I don’t want it to let go. It was an beautiful, perfect, thoughtful, exciting, hilarious, heartwarming and delectable read. I can only say so much about it because words simply fail.
CHARACTERS
The characters are utterly amazing. MORVILLE IS STUPENDOUS. What a beautiful, amazing mind he has – what incredible dreams of the future, what wise foresight – and yet, poor Morville – he is such a socially awkward darling! And he is so misunderstood – to the point where the entire district is against him. And while it hurts him, while pride keeps his chin up, Morville is completely immovable and moves forward inexorably those that despise him. He reminds me of a plodding icebreaker, slow but steady. I loved his grim, awkward tenacity and his never-wavering sense of duty. Morville is proud, but he is also an incredibly merciful character without being weak - something we rarely see.
He can be vague with his two wards, often silent – but he never neglects them, is always kind and loving in his way. I absolutely adored how his special name for Periwinkle. Morville is such a kind guardian and does his best . . . but poor Morville, he's not a very strict disciplinarian and it's fortunate for him that he had two such placid children, otherwise, he would be in trouble. Despite that, his gentle surprise and exasperation as he confronts the wild and woolly things that children sometimes do (and has to keep Periwinkle tidy!) are hilarious and make me want to hug him.
Periwinkle’s wise, girlish but matter-of-fact attitude make her the most adorable and straightforward narrator. Louis is a sarcastic, no-nonsense, heroic brother who bravely stands guard against vandals and defends his cousin’s house with a pistol, although he bluffs his own sister into thinking it’s loaded when it isn’t! I love what a little man he is.
And then there's Louis' and Periwinkle's grimly determined loyalty to the man they DON'T understand. They go down with Morville to the end, believe in him in the end, and are so proud when they're guardian is finally understood - they're loyalty is so beautiful and so sweet!
Constance Savery also tackles two other tricky characters – one is man who is utterly charming, but has a far shallower character than Morville and who uses his wit and humor to turn a blind eye. The other is his son, a little boy who behaves badly and like a brat—and yet we find ourselves extending mercy to him, as our heroes do. Constance Savery had a true talent for writing morally, wonderfully GOOD people who you did not dislike, but whom you wanted to emulate. They aren’t perfect, but they are good! She wrote REAL people and REAL role models. Instead of characters becoming annoying Mary Sues, we didn't despise their goodness we ASPIRE to become as strong and upright as they are.
From the grumpy but loyal servant Thady, the bombastic and irascible Mr. Ridwell, the competent and hysterical Betty and Martha – every single character is spot on and wins an immovable place in my heart.
STYLE
For the first sentence, I am instantly swept-away. Constance Savery’s vocabulary, softly rhythmic style, gentle humor and steady pace compare to none! She did such a good job transporting me to an entirely different time and place and immersing me in the hearts of these characters.
THE PLOT:
I want this review to remain as spoiler-free as possible, but suffice it to say that the plot is fantastic. Constance Savery perfectly captures the mystique and menace of the Moss and carefully foreshadows the climax with the perfect pay-offs. This book also features my favorite kind of romance – so subtle you might miss it but very sweet and gentle.
There are some wonderful twists as we discover more and more of the secrets of the Moss and Morville that are spun like delicate and beautiful webs that perfectly connect events and weaving the characters deeply into our hearts.
This book elicited bursts of laughter, groans of horror and thoughtful contemplations – a rare thing indeed in a book.
Constance Savery takes on a leisurely, but perfectly placed exploration of this beautiful and threatening world before bringing us to the perfect ending – my only complaint, my only critique – it was too short, I wanted it to go on forever.
MORALS.
This is a novel about blind prejudice, about misjudging someone, about honor, duty and raw courage in the face of adversity.
There is also the absolutely novel and marvelous ending where two men take responsibility and public remonstrate themselves – they take responsibility not only for themselves but for the children they know they ought to be an example to. You don’t see that much in fiction!
There's also the theme of loyalty. Even though they don't entirely understand Morville, Periwinkle and Louis are fiercely loyal - THEY EVEN HAVE A CONCEPT OF SELF SACRIFICE (Georgian children would stun modern ones) and they chose to stay faithful to Morville, rather then be friends with the children that despise and malign him.
CONCLUSION.
The ending – OH my heart, that ending – it’s all that you could desire.
Dark House On The Moss is a book for the heart and the mind – it’s a story to cherish forever.
Many know that I critique books vigorously, that I guard my 5 star ratings zealously, and that gives them value. I don’t give them out easily, a book earns it, and if they earn it, they earned it indeed.
If I had a hundred stars for this book, I would gladly given them all. This book wrapped me in a long hug and I don’t want it to let go. It was an beautiful, perfect, thoughtful, exciting, hilarious, heartwarming and delectable read. I can only say so much about it because words simply fail.
CHARACTERS
The characters are utterly amazing. MORVILLE IS STUPENDOUS. What a beautiful, amazing mind he has – what incredible dreams of the future, what wise foresight – and yet, poor Morville – he is such a socially awkward darling! And he is so misunderstood – to the point where the entire district is against him. And while it hurts him, while pride keeps his chin up, Morville is completely immovable and moves forward inexorably those that despise him. He reminds me of a plodding icebreaker, slow but steady. I loved his grim, awkward tenacity and his never-wavering sense of duty. Morville is proud, but he is also an incredibly merciful character without being weak - something we rarely see.
He can be vague with his two wards, often silent – but he never neglects them, is always kind and loving in his way. I absolutely adored how his special name for Periwinkle. Morville is such a kind guardian and does his best . . . but poor Morville, he's not a very strict disciplinarian and it's fortunate for him that he had two such placid children, otherwise, he would be in trouble. Despite that, his gentle surprise and exasperation as he confronts the wild and woolly things that children sometimes do (and has to keep Periwinkle tidy!) are hilarious and make me want to hug him.
Periwinkle’s wise, girlish but matter-of-fact attitude make her the most adorable and straightforward narrator. Louis is a sarcastic, no-nonsense, heroic brother who bravely stands guard against vandals and defends his cousin’s house with a pistol, although he bluffs his own sister into thinking it’s loaded when it isn’t! I love what a little man he is.
And then there's Louis' and Periwinkle's grimly determined loyalty to the man they DON'T understand. They go down with Morville to the end, believe in him in the end, and are so proud when they're guardian is finally understood - they're loyalty is so beautiful and so sweet!
Constance Savery also tackles two other tricky characters – one is man who is utterly charming, but has a far shallower character than Morville and who uses his wit and humor to turn a blind eye. The other is his son, a little boy who behaves badly and like a brat—and yet we find ourselves extending mercy to him, as our heroes do. Constance Savery had a true talent for writing morally, wonderfully GOOD people who you did not dislike, but whom you wanted to emulate. They aren’t perfect, but they are good! She wrote REAL people and REAL role models. Instead of characters becoming annoying Mary Sues, we didn't despise their goodness we ASPIRE to become as strong and upright as they are.
From the grumpy but loyal servant Thady, the bombastic and irascible Mr. Ridwell, the competent and hysterical Betty and Martha – every single character is spot on and wins an immovable place in my heart.
STYLE
For the first sentence, I am instantly swept-away. Constance Savery’s vocabulary, softly rhythmic style, gentle humor and steady pace compare to none! She did such a good job transporting me to an entirely different time and place and immersing me in the hearts of these characters.
THE PLOT:
I want this review to remain as spoiler-free as possible, but suffice it to say that the plot is fantastic. Constance Savery perfectly captures the mystique and menace of the Moss and carefully foreshadows the climax with the perfect pay-offs. This book also features my favorite kind of romance – so subtle you might miss it but very sweet and gentle.
There are some wonderful twists as we discover more and more of the secrets of the Moss and Morville that are spun like delicate and beautiful webs that perfectly connect events and weaving the characters deeply into our hearts.
This book elicited bursts of laughter, groans of horror and thoughtful contemplations – a rare thing indeed in a book.
Constance Savery takes on a leisurely, but perfectly placed exploration of this beautiful and threatening world before bringing us to the perfect ending – my only complaint, my only critique – it was too short, I wanted it to go on forever.
MORALS.
This is a novel about blind prejudice, about misjudging someone, about honor, duty and raw courage in the face of adversity.
There is also the absolutely novel and marvelous ending where two men take responsibility and public remonstrate themselves – they take responsibility not only for themselves but for the children they know they ought to be an example to. You don’t see that much in fiction!
There's also the theme of loyalty. Even though they don't entirely understand Morville, Periwinkle and Louis are fiercely loyal - THEY EVEN HAVE A CONCEPT OF SELF SACRIFICE (Georgian children would stun modern ones) and they chose to stay faithful to Morville, rather then be friends with the children that despise and malign him.
CONCLUSION.
The ending – OH my heart, that ending – it’s all that you could desire.
Dark House On The Moss is a book for the heart and the mind – it’s a story to cherish forever.
June 19, 2018
Dark House on the Moss by Constance Savery is incredibly and infinitely wonderful, magical, mysterious, and sweet. Few other books have equaled the enjoyment and pure joy that it gave me to read this book. I adored Dark House on the Moss so much, and my review can by no means capture the amazing-ness or treat it as it deserves.
I've been wanting to read this book for a couple of years now. It has been the one book in all the world I most wanted to read, and I knew it would be amazing - and was it ever. It far surpassed my lofty expectations and more than lived up to all the anticipation and hype.
My favorite aspect of the book was the characters, of course. I love them so much, and they are absolutely delightful! Young Periwinkle is so, so sweet and loving and bright and lively. I love the sweetness, wonder, and joy she brings, and I identified with her quite a bit since I'm like her. Louis is clever, intelligent, kind, fun, determined, and much more. I love the way he protects and cares for his sister, Peri - and the way she relies on him and looks to him for protection and comfort. And I love how Louis is always putting together clues to figure things out and notices things about events and people. I love how both siblings are fiercely staunch and loyal in their love for and defense of their guardian. Which brings me to the children's cousin Morville - he's wonderful. Immensely kind and clever; courageous, capable, and calm; unfazed by any event; forgiving, honorable, humble, servant-hearted, strong, wise, and noble. He's flawed and has regrets, but he owns up to past mistakes and rises above them as a good man and a good leader, and he throws himself tirelessly into helping people who haven't been kind to him. And I love the way he protects, cares for, and enjoys the children - and the way they help him. I love his nickname for Periwinkle, his kindness toward the two children, the way they make him smile and laugh when he hasn't often done that in recent years, and so much more. I love the supporting characters as well - graceful and teasing Primrose, comforting Cousin Annabella, loyal Thady, hilarious Betty, and nearly all the rest. As for Mr. Ridwell, I love to hate him! *grins* And with regard to my opinion of Jack and Will Lanthorn . . . it's very complicated.
In addition to the individual characters, there are so, so many fascinating relationships in this book. I already covered some aspects of the wonderful relationships between Louis and Peri and between them and Morville - all of which I enjoyed so incredibly much. Those three characters and their relationships were definitely the best part of the book for me. Im addition to siblings, there were so many wonderful or formerly wonderful cousin relationships in the story, and I enjoyed them so much - I love reading about close cousins and don't often find books including them. Cousin Annabella's relationship with the three main characters was also super sweet. And I loved the loyalty and devotion of Morville's servants. But there were also so many strained or damaged or painful relationships in this book. They represent real life, and the author did such a wonderful job of handling them with gentleness and wisdom, as she is always so skilled in doing. There was such toxicity and hatred directed at one beloved character in particular from people who had used to be close to that person, and it was heartbreaking to see. In real life, I've seen relatives and friends have falling-outs, and once trust is broken and betrayal has happened, relationships can't be restored to be like they once were even once they are repaired. I'm very glad the characters of this book received a satisfactory yet realistic ending even if the pain and betrayal of the past can't be truly erased.
The setting of Dark House on the Moss is so powerful that it feels like a character in itself. The Moss has a dark, gloomy, mysterious, and magical beauty and power. It feels alive. And there's a sense of underlying danger and malevolence in its murky depths - although it shelters its friends, it poses a threat to friend and foe alike. But although it is constantly strange and mysterious, the Moss is often bright and sunny - and it's just as gorgeous in storms and in sun. The descriptions of the Moss are beautiful and full of life - the golden reeds swaying in the breeze; the delicate, bright marsh flowers; the tiny, colorful fish in the shining Perilous Pool; the black, dangerous water and mud; the blue glow of strange will-o'-the-wisps at night; the dark woods, open moors, and dark hills beyond. And the dark house itself is just as much a character as the Moss itself - it is at first forbidding, but it becomes a familiar, comforting home.
The themes of this book are beautiful and powerful. They include forgiveness, loyalty, leadership, family, friendship, anger, and much more. The author handled them wisely and thoughtfully, and they often made me think deeply about life and people.
And the writing style! My goodness, was it ever amazing! Sophisticated, natural, magical, and stunningly beautiful. I'm amazed at the author's wordcraft and her ability to bring characters, settings, and events to life with each vivid sentence. I soaked up every concise, gorgeous description with sheer delight.
I adore the great air of mystery that pulses throughout this book. From the very first, it kept me wondering about secrets big and small, asking endless questions, keenly watching for clues, and deciphering signs of what was going on beneath the surface of the story and characters - like the hidden depths of the Moss. The entire atmosphere of the story is mysterious and secretive, and it's incredibly enjoyable. The dark house, its dark master, the disgruntled tenants, the Moss itself, and so much more . . . all of it carried a tense feel deep down and raised question after question, each of which was answered gradually, bit by bit, at the perfect time. I was kept on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading to find out the mysteries of the past - and needing to find out what would happen in the future. The story surprised me at every turn, with the end of the book most of all.
And boy, did the climax and ending ever deliver on the suspense the book laid in store!!
All in all, Dark House on the Moss is a wonderful and quality historical fiction book that will be enjoyed by all ages. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I recommend this book highly along with Constance Savery's other best books, Enemy Brothers and The Reb and the Redcoats. While I grew up loving those two and only had the chance to read Dark House on the Moss as an adult, the latter is equal to them in quality and greatness, and I'm so glad I was able to read it at last. It's immediately become a new all-time favorite of mine, and I know my already-great love for the book and its main characters will only grow with time and re-reads.
I've been wanting to read this book for a couple of years now. It has been the one book in all the world I most wanted to read, and I knew it would be amazing - and was it ever. It far surpassed my lofty expectations and more than lived up to all the anticipation and hype.
My favorite aspect of the book was the characters, of course. I love them so much, and they are absolutely delightful! Young Periwinkle is so, so sweet and loving and bright and lively. I love the sweetness, wonder, and joy she brings, and I identified with her quite a bit since I'm like her. Louis is clever, intelligent, kind, fun, determined, and much more. I love the way he protects and cares for his sister, Peri - and the way she relies on him and looks to him for protection and comfort. And I love how Louis is always putting together clues to figure things out and notices things about events and people. I love how both siblings are fiercely staunch and loyal in their love for and defense of their guardian. Which brings me to the children's cousin Morville - he's wonderful. Immensely kind and clever; courageous, capable, and calm; unfazed by any event; forgiving, honorable, humble, servant-hearted, strong, wise, and noble. He's flawed and has regrets, but he owns up to past mistakes and rises above them as a good man and a good leader, and he throws himself tirelessly into helping people who haven't been kind to him. And I love the way he protects, cares for, and enjoys the children - and the way they help him. I love his nickname for Periwinkle, his kindness toward the two children, the way they make him smile and laugh when he hasn't often done that in recent years, and so much more. I love the supporting characters as well - graceful and teasing Primrose, comforting Cousin Annabella, loyal Thady, hilarious Betty, and nearly all the rest. As for Mr. Ridwell, I love to hate him! *grins* And with regard to my opinion of Jack and Will Lanthorn . . . it's very complicated.
In addition to the individual characters, there are so, so many fascinating relationships in this book. I already covered some aspects of the wonderful relationships between Louis and Peri and between them and Morville - all of which I enjoyed so incredibly much. Those three characters and their relationships were definitely the best part of the book for me. Im addition to siblings, there were so many wonderful or formerly wonderful cousin relationships in the story, and I enjoyed them so much - I love reading about close cousins and don't often find books including them. Cousin Annabella's relationship with the three main characters was also super sweet. And I loved the loyalty and devotion of Morville's servants. But there were also so many strained or damaged or painful relationships in this book. They represent real life, and the author did such a wonderful job of handling them with gentleness and wisdom, as she is always so skilled in doing. There was such toxicity and hatred directed at one beloved character in particular from people who had used to be close to that person, and it was heartbreaking to see. In real life, I've seen relatives and friends have falling-outs, and once trust is broken and betrayal has happened, relationships can't be restored to be like they once were even once they are repaired. I'm very glad the characters of this book received a satisfactory yet realistic ending even if the pain and betrayal of the past can't be truly erased.
The setting of Dark House on the Moss is so powerful that it feels like a character in itself. The Moss has a dark, gloomy, mysterious, and magical beauty and power. It feels alive. And there's a sense of underlying danger and malevolence in its murky depths - although it shelters its friends, it poses a threat to friend and foe alike. But although it is constantly strange and mysterious, the Moss is often bright and sunny - and it's just as gorgeous in storms and in sun. The descriptions of the Moss are beautiful and full of life - the golden reeds swaying in the breeze; the delicate, bright marsh flowers; the tiny, colorful fish in the shining Perilous Pool; the black, dangerous water and mud; the blue glow of strange will-o'-the-wisps at night; the dark woods, open moors, and dark hills beyond. And the dark house itself is just as much a character as the Moss itself - it is at first forbidding, but it becomes a familiar, comforting home.
The themes of this book are beautiful and powerful. They include forgiveness, loyalty, leadership, family, friendship, anger, and much more. The author handled them wisely and thoughtfully, and they often made me think deeply about life and people.
And the writing style! My goodness, was it ever amazing! Sophisticated, natural, magical, and stunningly beautiful. I'm amazed at the author's wordcraft and her ability to bring characters, settings, and events to life with each vivid sentence. I soaked up every concise, gorgeous description with sheer delight.
I adore the great air of mystery that pulses throughout this book. From the very first, it kept me wondering about secrets big and small, asking endless questions, keenly watching for clues, and deciphering signs of what was going on beneath the surface of the story and characters - like the hidden depths of the Moss. The entire atmosphere of the story is mysterious and secretive, and it's incredibly enjoyable. The dark house, its dark master, the disgruntled tenants, the Moss itself, and so much more . . . all of it carried a tense feel deep down and raised question after question, each of which was answered gradually, bit by bit, at the perfect time. I was kept on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading to find out the mysteries of the past - and needing to find out what would happen in the future. The story surprised me at every turn, with the end of the book most of all.
And boy, did the climax and ending ever deliver on the suspense the book laid in store!!
All in all, Dark House on the Moss is a wonderful and quality historical fiction book that will be enjoyed by all ages. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I recommend this book highly along with Constance Savery's other best books, Enemy Brothers and The Reb and the Redcoats. While I grew up loving those two and only had the chance to read Dark House on the Moss as an adult, the latter is equal to them in quality and greatness, and I'm so glad I was able to read it at last. It's immediately become a new all-time favorite of mine, and I know my already-great love for the book and its main characters will only grow with time and re-reads.
June 7, 2018
Wow! This is SUCH a signature Constance Savery book; I had forgotten just how EPICLLY created they were. *flails* AHHHHHH!!!!! *Review to come*
April 6, 2024
A friend gave this to me years ago.
It turned out to be a historical story for kids, not very suspenseful or compelling. After 50 pages I sorted it out.
It turned out to be a historical story for kids, not very suspenseful or compelling. After 50 pages I sorted it out.
December 8, 2022
It’s one of Constance Savery’s best children’s books (though not quite my favorite, though I do love it). Read it aloud with some friends, one of whom remarked that Constance Savery is very good at writing satisfying endings, and this is true. There’s a certain amount of dread and nail-biting that comes before it, but everything ends quite happily. Very pleasing. Not sure how much needs to be said. This is my second or third read of it (though apparently only first recorded on Goodreads). The main reason I write reviews is so I can go back and remember the book, and this is one I’ll never forget, with the wild, mysterious moss, and the seemingly mild but equally mysterious Cousin Morville, and all the rest of the wild and mysterious people in this dark and cozy book.
Tea pairing: Something dark and earthy. Probably just a good British black tea, though that’s what I say for almost every British book. I’m not generally one for cinnamon in my tea, but this one might call for it.
Tea pairing: Something dark and earthy. Probably just a good British black tea, though that’s what I say for almost every British book. I’m not generally one for cinnamon in my tea, but this one might call for it.
September 15, 2023
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). Oh my heart. I loved this story so much. A mystery. A beautiful sibling relationship. A theme of reconciliation. An English captain for a supporting character. Humour. Beauty. A touch of melancholy. An amazing hero. Such a beautiful story. <33 I loved Morville & Jack-o’-Lantern so much. I even liked Will-o’-the-Wisp. I loved Louis & Periwinkle. It was such an amazing read and in no way a disappointment. <33
*review to be updated upon reread*
*review to be updated upon reread*
January 5, 2009
Constance Savery put more than just an entertaining story into this children's fiction book. She must have studied the character of real people minutely.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews