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Sir Gibbie #1
Sir Gibbie, A New Edition--The Cullen Collection Volume 22
Follow Sir Gibbie on his adventures through the moors of Scotland's Highlands more than a century ago. Having no mother and an alcoholic father, Gibbie must survive on the streets as a child unable to read or speak. See how this boy wins the hearts of his neighbors and offers what little he has to help others. Sir Gibbie teaches adults and children alike about the ability to sacrifice self, and to strive for a world more honest and pure than our own.
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1879
156 people are currently reading
1764 people want to read
About the author
George MacDonald
1,673 books2,481 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 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 10, 2011
MacDonald is my favorite author, and he rarely disappoints. I can be a very critical personality, but MacDonald is the one author I have grown to trust almost implicitly. I always learn from him, and he always refreshes my vision and power to see beauty in the world. He makes me feel like he can actually makes sense of the cosmos, and does a better job than I’ve EVER witnessed of integrating the sorrow and pain of life into a worldview in which life would be less without the presence of suffering and questions. His writings bring peace, while challenging me to accept new risks, and I always try to have books of his in my reading pile at least a few times a year.
Sir Gibbie was another exceptional read with poetic brilliance and ideological diamonds buried throughout. I generally feel that GM’s plot builds around and subordinately to his central proposition and philosophy (his ‘sermon’), but this storyline was almost as profound as the morals and one-liners.
Sir Gibbie is about a mute child that is orphaned and homeless, living off the charity of others initially, ultimately finding his fortunes change as he comes of age, and rising to a station of influence. His is a life you can see straight to the bottom of, teeming with the clear and life-giving waters of love and hope. But he is no pushover—his robust physical/spiritual stature comes to the aid of the weak and poor around him. Gibbie is pure in heart…almost too pure for a reader’s cynicism. MacDonald acknowledges this by offering a defense for the obvious, improbable nature of such a wholesome persona that exemplifies good and true humanity: “It is the noble, not the failure from the noble, that is the true human. I have attempted to portray] a man trying to be merely as noble as is absolutely essential to his being.” I loved following this protagonist as other characters ‘bumped’ into him, astonished to find in him a deeply beautiful nature without the trappings and dysfunctions of vapid socialites.
A few quotes from the book may be the best way to evidence what I believe to be the unrivaled genius of MacDonald’s works,
“Hardy through hardship, he knew nothing better than a constant good-humored sparring with nature and circumstance for the privilege of being.”
“Most children would rather be struck and kissed alternately than neither.”
“When life begins to speculate upon itself, I suspect it has begun to die.”
“Every honest cry, even if sent through the deaf ears of an idol, passes on to the ears of the unknown God, the heart of the unknown Father.”
“She had found that her brains were never worth much to her until her heart took up the education of them.”
“The one secret of life and development is not to devise and plan, but to fall in with the forces at work—to do every moment’s duty aright.”
“To try too hard to make people good is one way to make them worse; the only way to make them good is to be good…the time for speaking comes rarely, the time for being never departs.”
“For when a man spends his energy on appearing to have, he is all the time destroying what he has.”
Sir Gibbie was another exceptional read with poetic brilliance and ideological diamonds buried throughout. I generally feel that GM’s plot builds around and subordinately to his central proposition and philosophy (his ‘sermon’), but this storyline was almost as profound as the morals and one-liners.
Sir Gibbie is about a mute child that is orphaned and homeless, living off the charity of others initially, ultimately finding his fortunes change as he comes of age, and rising to a station of influence. His is a life you can see straight to the bottom of, teeming with the clear and life-giving waters of love and hope. But he is no pushover—his robust physical/spiritual stature comes to the aid of the weak and poor around him. Gibbie is pure in heart…almost too pure for a reader’s cynicism. MacDonald acknowledges this by offering a defense for the obvious, improbable nature of such a wholesome persona that exemplifies good and true humanity: “It is the noble, not the failure from the noble, that is the true human. I have attempted to portray] a man trying to be merely as noble as is absolutely essential to his being.” I loved following this protagonist as other characters ‘bumped’ into him, astonished to find in him a deeply beautiful nature without the trappings and dysfunctions of vapid socialites.
A few quotes from the book may be the best way to evidence what I believe to be the unrivaled genius of MacDonald’s works,
“Hardy through hardship, he knew nothing better than a constant good-humored sparring with nature and circumstance for the privilege of being.”
“Most children would rather be struck and kissed alternately than neither.”
“When life begins to speculate upon itself, I suspect it has begun to die.”
“Every honest cry, even if sent through the deaf ears of an idol, passes on to the ears of the unknown God, the heart of the unknown Father.”
“She had found that her brains were never worth much to her until her heart took up the education of them.”
“The one secret of life and development is not to devise and plan, but to fall in with the forces at work—to do every moment’s duty aright.”
“To try too hard to make people good is one way to make them worse; the only way to make them good is to be good…the time for speaking comes rarely, the time for being never departs.”
“For when a man spends his energy on appearing to have, he is all the time destroying what he has.”
March 9, 2012
What can I say? There are bestsellers, and there are good books. This is a good book. And that is one of the greatest understatements I shall ever be guilty of, but I am afraid to praise too much, lest my inadequate praise should bring the book down in anyone's eyes.
If you CAN read MacDonald--if you love truth and beauty enough to hold to them tightly however difficult the going seems at first--if you can can make time for life instead of just living--if you can, do.
And if you want a better review, there are some excellent ones above. By all means read Chris' review. He says what I could not.
If you CAN read MacDonald--if you love truth and beauty enough to hold to them tightly however difficult the going seems at first--if you can can make time for life instead of just living--if you can, do.
And if you want a better review, there are some excellent ones above. By all means read Chris' review. He says what I could not.
August 30, 2024
I originally read Sir Gibbie back in highschool (the original Scottish version with none of the Scotch English translated) so I really enjoyed reading this version where a lot of the Scottish has been simplified while still retaining the Scottish feel of the story.
Sir Gibbie is a touching and beautiful story of a mute orphan, Gibbie, whose father was a drunkard. Gibbie initially depends upon others for sustenance, but throughout the story, his circumstances change. Gibbie is truly noble and has a heart of servanthood. He sees nature and the world around him as the very speaking of the Creator to his soul, and he wants others to find that same Father who is so near to him.
“No man can order his life, for it comes flowing over him from behind. But if it lay before us, and we could watch its current approaching from a long distance, what could we do with it before it had reached the now? In like wise a man thinks foolishly who imagines he could have done this and that with his own character and development, if he had but known this and that in time…The one secret of life and development, is not to devise and plan, but to fall in with the forces at work—to do every moment's duty aright.”
“Of all teachings that which presents a far distant God is the nearest to absurdity. Either there is none, or he is nearer to every one of us than our nearest consciousness of self. An unapproachable divinity is the veriest of monsters, the most horrible of human imaginations.”
Sir Gibbie is a touching and beautiful story of a mute orphan, Gibbie, whose father was a drunkard. Gibbie initially depends upon others for sustenance, but throughout the story, his circumstances change. Gibbie is truly noble and has a heart of servanthood. He sees nature and the world around him as the very speaking of the Creator to his soul, and he wants others to find that same Father who is so near to him.
“No man can order his life, for it comes flowing over him from behind. But if it lay before us, and we could watch its current approaching from a long distance, what could we do with it before it had reached the now? In like wise a man thinks foolishly who imagines he could have done this and that with his own character and development, if he had but known this and that in time…The one secret of life and development, is not to devise and plan, but to fall in with the forces at work—to do every moment's duty aright.”
“Of all teachings that which presents a far distant God is the nearest to absurdity. Either there is none, or he is nearer to every one of us than our nearest consciousness of self. An unapproachable divinity is the veriest of monsters, the most horrible of human imaginations.”
March 3, 2012
This book is one of my absolute favorites. Although, I'm ashamed to admit that I found a free version of it online - I'm looking for an antique copy to put on my bookshelf.
The story, simply put, is beautiful. We follow the struggles and lessons of a joyously innocent mute boy through childhood into adulthood and meet the most colorful characters in between - some loathsome and some heartwarmingly precious. I read this over Christmas break during my freshman year in college, and the timing couldn't have been more appropriate; although the story doesn't take place during Christmas, it has the blissful magic of the Christmas season throughout.
Language geeks will get a kick out of figuring out the Scottish brogue, especially those interested in the history of the English language. I was pleasantly surprised to see the similarity between German and the Scottish brogue, like a middle child between modern English and German.
Altogether, this book is so worth the read; I'd encourage everyone to read it.
The story, simply put, is beautiful. We follow the struggles and lessons of a joyously innocent mute boy through childhood into adulthood and meet the most colorful characters in between - some loathsome and some heartwarmingly precious. I read this over Christmas break during my freshman year in college, and the timing couldn't have been more appropriate; although the story doesn't take place during Christmas, it has the blissful magic of the Christmas season throughout.
Language geeks will get a kick out of figuring out the Scottish brogue, especially those interested in the history of the English language. I was pleasantly surprised to see the similarity between German and the Scottish brogue, like a middle child between modern English and German.
Altogether, this book is so worth the read; I'd encourage everyone to read it.
July 21, 2020
When I learned of George MacDonald's influence on the father's of Christian fantasy--J R R Tolkien and C S Lewis, I had to read some of his work. Sir Gibbie came highly recommended.
Sir Gibbie comes to life in such a way that is rare for most characters in a book. I got to watch him grow up and experience what this pure soul experienced. And unlike most characters, though Gibbie certainly grows, he doesn't change much. But watching how his pure actions affect those around him is incredible and inspiring.
And how often did I wish he would speak to explain himself and free himself from awful situations! But he wouldn't...and I'm glad he didn't. His actions were more powerful without words--so much so that I have to wonder how often I speak when I should simply remain silent.
Sir Gibbie is more than a story. He is a person...alive in my imagination, inspiring me still to be loving, generous, and...sometimes...silent.
If you have never read Sir Gibbie and you want to dive deep into his world, make a new friend and be inspired--read Sir Gibbie. And I recommend this version due to the Scottish translations which aren't always self explanatory.
Sir Gibbie comes to life in such a way that is rare for most characters in a book. I got to watch him grow up and experience what this pure soul experienced. And unlike most characters, though Gibbie certainly grows, he doesn't change much. But watching how his pure actions affect those around him is incredible and inspiring.
And how often did I wish he would speak to explain himself and free himself from awful situations! But he wouldn't...and I'm glad he didn't. His actions were more powerful without words--so much so that I have to wonder how often I speak when I should simply remain silent.
Sir Gibbie is more than a story. He is a person...alive in my imagination, inspiring me still to be loving, generous, and...sometimes...silent.
If you have never read Sir Gibbie and you want to dive deep into his world, make a new friend and be inspired--read Sir Gibbie. And I recommend this version due to the Scottish translations which aren't always self explanatory.
October 7, 2007
I read this book over and over. George MacDonald is one of my favorite writers. The one thing that prevented his writing from being widely distributed is that he wrote in Scottish brogue, so it's incredibly difficult to get through. This edition (given a different title than his origninal title, Sir Gibbie, a 1927 edition on my bookshelf, has been marketed to the young adult audience, but my husband and I both agree it is the best story we have ever read. We read it aloud together four years ago. It is a spiritually-based story, which isn't surprising, given MacDonald was C.S. Lewis' favorite author. Mine, too.
December 31, 2018
I finished Sir Gibbie last night and want to thank you for hosting this discussion.
I had forgotten how much I loved the story of Gibbie. Oh my gosh ... that flood; Mrs Croale's change of character; Donal's poetry; Janet's simple faith; the love between Ginevra and Gibbie! What's not to love? (Well the dialect was most confusing at times--the only negative in my opinion.)
Though in reading reviews, I noticed some people complained Gibbie is unbelievable and unrealistic because no one is that good, but I loved the purity and innocence he demonstrates despite all that happens to him; that he could be wise as a serpent while remaining gentle as a dove.
This will continue to be one of my favorite books.
I had forgotten how much I loved the story of Gibbie. Oh my gosh ... that flood; Mrs Croale's change of character; Donal's poetry; Janet's simple faith; the love between Ginevra and Gibbie! What's not to love? (Well the dialect was most confusing at times--the only negative in my opinion.)
Though in reading reviews, I noticed some people complained Gibbie is unbelievable and unrealistic because no one is that good, but I loved the purity and innocence he demonstrates despite all that happens to him; that he could be wise as a serpent while remaining gentle as a dove.
This will continue to be one of my favorite books.
April 13, 2021
3.5 stars
Gibbie is perfect. Perfect in a Godly sense as he loves nature, all people, and creatures.
He is the son of a drunkard and wanders the streets in rags. One day, he is left orphaned and is subjected to witnessing a grisly murder which propels him to flee the city and taking refuge with an older couple on Gaurside.
They take him in as his own and discover he is not an "idiot" by far, just mute. They also see how Gibbie has angelic qualities and is the true light unto others.
Gibbie becomes friends with Donal, a poet and sheepherder who introduces Gibbie to poetry.
The laird of Gaurside is a greedy, selfish man who has a daughter, Jenny, who he treats poorly. She becomes acquainted with Gibbie and Donal but keeps her meetings with them secret from her father.
This can be a standalone, but the next book has Donal's story, which I will read next.
It is beautifully written having a very slow build up with a speedy tie- up in the end.
This may be a put off to those who are not spiritually driven as again, there are many references to the New Testament, and a heavy theme of the ills of alcohol.
Content concerns:
It took me longer to read this as I have been back to the office and haven't had as much time to read.
Gibbie is perfect. Perfect in a Godly sense as he loves nature, all people, and creatures.
He is the son of a drunkard and wanders the streets in rags. One day, he is left orphaned and is subjected to witnessing a grisly murder which propels him to flee the city and taking refuge with an older couple on Gaurside.
They take him in as his own and discover he is not an "idiot" by far, just mute. They also see how Gibbie has angelic qualities and is the true light unto others.
Gibbie becomes friends with Donal, a poet and sheepherder who introduces Gibbie to poetry.
The laird of Gaurside is a greedy, selfish man who has a daughter, Jenny, who he treats poorly. She becomes acquainted with Gibbie and Donal but keeps her meetings with them secret from her father.
This can be a standalone, but the next book has Donal's story, which I will read next.
It is beautifully written having a very slow build up with a speedy tie- up in the end.
This may be a put off to those who are not spiritually driven as again, there are many references to the New Testament, and a heavy theme of the ills of alcohol.
Content concerns:
It took me longer to read this as I have been back to the office and haven't had as much time to read.
January 19, 2020
This is one of those books I liked so much and felt so awed by that it's hard to write a review for it... so I'll keep it simple for now. I grew up thinking that MacDonald's Scottish novels in their original form were inaccessible ... but that is certainly not the case, especially now with David Jack's side-by-side translation of the Doric dialect into English. MacDonald's works are profound and beautiful, his language flowing and poetic, and I'm so glad they are being republished like this. I'm eager to read more of them, though it's hard to imagine that I'll like any of them better than Sir Gibbie.
All this novel's characters are memorable and meaningful, but none more so than Sir Gibbie himself, a mute boy with a heart full of love for mankind. He has such a beautiful and inspiring story!
All this novel's characters are memorable and meaningful, but none more so than Sir Gibbie himself, a mute boy with a heart full of love for mankind. He has such a beautiful and inspiring story!
March 1, 2016
George MacDonald did it again: he shows that the ways of God are not our ways, that our reasons are not necessarily God's reasons.
The book shows a complex cast of characters from all the social levels: from the laird to the homeless, going through a couple of priests, one of them prone to yield to worldly considerations, although he's good enough, or clever enough, not to fall into wickedness; the other merely pompous and self-righteous.
But the aim of the story (if such a concept has a meaning) is to show that our cherished idea, that bad people are the almost inevitable result of an unjust social treatment, is simply wrong.
Wee Sir Gibbie has all the numbers to become one of the dregs of society: a drunkard father; as a child he gets in a den of assassins; in rags and poverty, he flies away; then he is punished for having done good to others.
But he never falters, and as soon as he is taught about the Gospels, he receives them eagerly and becomes a Christ-figure, a knight-errant, a wrong-righter. The only question in my mind is whether it is possible for a mere human to be so Christ-like.
I don't like this book as much as "The princess & the goblin." Paradoxically enough there's something unreal in this realistic novel (Sir Gibbie) that is not in the fantasy book, but I'd put it almost at the level of "At the back of the North Wind," although the latter is a book for children and "Sir Gibbie" is a book for adults.
The book shows a complex cast of characters from all the social levels: from the laird to the homeless, going through a couple of priests, one of them prone to yield to worldly considerations, although he's good enough, or clever enough, not to fall into wickedness; the other merely pompous and self-righteous.
But the aim of the story (if such a concept has a meaning) is to show that our cherished idea, that bad people are the almost inevitable result of an unjust social treatment, is simply wrong.
Wee Sir Gibbie has all the numbers to become one of the dregs of society: a drunkard father; as a child he gets in a den of assassins; in rags and poverty, he flies away; then he is punished for having done good to others.
But he never falters, and as soon as he is taught about the Gospels, he receives them eagerly and becomes a Christ-figure, a knight-errant, a wrong-righter. The only question in my mind is whether it is possible for a mere human to be so Christ-like.
I don't like this book as much as "The princess & the goblin." Paradoxically enough there's something unreal in this realistic novel (Sir Gibbie) that is not in the fantasy book, but I'd put it almost at the level of "At the back of the North Wind," although the latter is a book for children and "Sir Gibbie" is a book for adults.
June 27, 2015
I don't consider sitting down and writing a review of a book that was finished less than half an hour ago the wisest of moves. Almost any work deserves more reflection than that teensy period of time allows, and "Sir Gibbie" certainly does. Here I am, though.
The works of George MacDonald (whether fiction or non) tend to inject life and light directly into my soul whenever I read them. They provide, in my eyes, the most glorious expositions of truth and beauty. In "Sir Gibbie" I found almost more of this than I could bear. It is a rich, rich novel and has stirred me more than any I have read for quite a long time. It isn't exactly easy to read, but I didn't have to persevere to finish it, as I thought I might in the beginning. The dialogue is challenging (I admit to skimming over parts of it) but worth the effort. It catches you up, eventually, and takes you with it.
Though I usually make a point not to recommend books to people, this much is safe to say: If you enjoy Mr. MacDonald's other works (or those of the many writers he inspired), it would be a grievous shame not to take up a copy of "Sir Gibbie".
The works of George MacDonald (whether fiction or non) tend to inject life and light directly into my soul whenever I read them. They provide, in my eyes, the most glorious expositions of truth and beauty. In "Sir Gibbie" I found almost more of this than I could bear. It is a rich, rich novel and has stirred me more than any I have read for quite a long time. It isn't exactly easy to read, but I didn't have to persevere to finish it, as I thought I might in the beginning. The dialogue is challenging (I admit to skimming over parts of it) but worth the effort. It catches you up, eventually, and takes you with it.
Though I usually make a point not to recommend books to people, this much is safe to say: If you enjoy Mr. MacDonald's other works (or those of the many writers he inspired), it would be a grievous shame not to take up a copy of "Sir Gibbie".
January 9, 2011
It’s for good reason that both C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien count George MacDonald as a mentor. Mr. MacDonald is a master storyteller and in this book has recounted the life of wee Sir Gibbie, an orphan who cannot speak and with no advantages (as the world counts them). Gibbie flees the city and is taken in by a simple country family where he finds love, friendship, and God.
Gibbie’s simple faith in God’s Word ignites his love for people and his sacrifice to help all those in need. It’s an inspiring book, a joy to read, and a wonderful story. Highly recommended, especially for the young adult.
Note: George MacDonald is an amazing author; however, many of his books are written in Scottish. Michael Philips does edits them so that they’re readable and accessible to today’s reader.
Gibbie’s simple faith in God’s Word ignites his love for people and his sacrifice to help all those in need. It’s an inspiring book, a joy to read, and a wonderful story. Highly recommended, especially for the young adult.
Note: George MacDonald is an amazing author; however, many of his books are written in Scottish. Michael Philips does edits them so that they’re readable and accessible to today’s reader.
February 25, 2017
Compelling. Convicting. Chock full of near-impenetrable Scots dialect! I would not want anyone to abridge this book - having read both the full and abridged version of "The Fisherman's Lady," far too much is lost no matter the good intentions of the abridger. However, if someone could just *translate* it... :}
Anyway, it took me a long time to read, as much because of its convicting qualities as the language: it is not difficult to follow the story or comprehend the characters, merely to Understand them at times.
Well, WELL worth the read.
Anyway, it took me a long time to read, as much because of its convicting qualities as the language: it is not difficult to follow the story or comprehend the characters, merely to Understand them at times.
Well, WELL worth the read.
September 10, 2018
This is a children's version of Sir Gibbie, edited and condensed by Michael Phillips. It's easy to read and understand... And a wonderful depiction of God's love to EVERYONE.
I found this book in an antique store in Chestertown 1 year ago and instantly became addicted to reading George MacDonald's books. They are a welcome change from the fluff found in most fiction and fantasy novels. I'm still addicted. :->
I found this book in an antique store in Chestertown 1 year ago and instantly became addicted to reading George MacDonald's books. They are a welcome change from the fluff found in most fiction and fantasy novels. I'm still addicted. :->
August 14, 2022
When I was 20, this was a slightly melodramatic story with a happy ending. In my 40’s, I was better prepared to see the strands of myth and deep undertones of a beautiful theology holding it all together, and now I could turn around and read it again, and that is what brings a book to 5 stars for me.
July 15, 2023
If you read anything this year, let it be this book. Macdonald was a master at portraying real love in his work, especially through the form of a boy named Gibbie. Caring and serving freely without the worry of self is when you are able to truly love someone. Love has little to do with what we get and everything to do with what we give. I don’t think I will read another book this year that is as beautiful as Sir Gibbie.
July 18, 2024
Wee Sir Gibbie of the Highlands was a beautifully written story by George Macdonald and edited by Michael Phillips. It was a lovely telling and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved the way George MacDonald crafts good and righteous characters and wee Sir Gibbie is truly a picture of virtue. I would love to eventually read Gibbie when I am ready to take on the full Scottish dialect, but in the meantime, this story was a delight.
July 15, 2023
this was such a beautiful book! i loved the character revealing so much and the description of love (not romantically) in this book is amazing. i learned a lot from it and i can’t wait to read more of his books. i love gibbie <3
September 9, 2024
I have read this book many times. It is an all time favorite. I love the Scots dialect, and I think David Jack’s English / Scots edition could help more readers learn to love it too. It just goes so well with the story. And a beautiful story it is ❤️
May 4, 2011
Brilliantly written novel. George MacDonald is such a deep thinker and this novel is a discussion basically of the human heart and it's reaction to Jesus' love. A typical Victorian protagonist, Gibbie, is almost Christ-like in his pure heart, but he provides the visualisation of a pure heart's reaction to Jesus as a comparison with other characters.
The story is very sweet, but satisfying.
The broad Scots language makes those parts of the dialogue quite heavy reading, until I got into the rhythmn and style of the language and then I read it to myself in the correct accent and I really enjoyed the feel and musicality of the speech.
There were some very deep thoughts on subjects like love in marriage, forgiveness and thinking of others as better than yourselves which were slipped into the narrative and really gave you something to think about. Each complex thought was written concisely and extremely articulately.
The story is very sweet, but satisfying.
The broad Scots language makes those parts of the dialogue quite heavy reading, until I got into the rhythmn and style of the language and then I read it to myself in the correct accent and I really enjoyed the feel and musicality of the speech.
There were some very deep thoughts on subjects like love in marriage, forgiveness and thinking of others as better than yourselves which were slipped into the narrative and really gave you something to think about. Each complex thought was written concisely and extremely articulately.
May 14, 2020
SIR GIBBIE "tells the enchanting story of....a seemingly destitute orphan, whose life - thought he is unable to speak - communicates truth, innocent love, and goodness."
I especially love this version of the book because it is not edited at all, so the full color and the rich colloquialisms of the Scottish Highlands come through. You may have trouble at first trying to decipher what words such as cantrip, gowan, tarn, and hirsute refer to, but before long, you'll find yourself understanding every word.
GEORGE MACDONALD (1824-1905) "Scottish born poet, preacher and novelist, was one of the original and most influential writers of Victorian Britain. He wrote over fifty books with millions of copies sold and was one of the most popular authors on both sides of the Atlantic. C.S. Lewis once said of George MacDonald, 'I regarded him as my master.'"
I especially love this version of the book because it is not edited at all, so the full color and the rich colloquialisms of the Scottish Highlands come through. You may have trouble at first trying to decipher what words such as cantrip, gowan, tarn, and hirsute refer to, but before long, you'll find yourself understanding every word.
GEORGE MACDONALD (1824-1905) "Scottish born poet, preacher and novelist, was one of the original and most influential writers of Victorian Britain. He wrote over fifty books with millions of copies sold and was one of the most popular authors on both sides of the Atlantic. C.S. Lewis once said of George MacDonald, 'I regarded him as my master.'"
April 14, 2015
Sir Gibbie or otherwise known as The Baronet’s Song is a book that I really enjoyed reading. I liked it much better than it’s sequel The Shepherd’s Castle (don’t ask me why I read the second book first… sometimes I just do weird things… xD)
From the start, I fell in love with the little half-naked urchin that roamed the streets, needing much, but wanting nothing. The hardships he endured as a child and young adult will melt your heart and yet he was satisfied to love, though he was not loved back and to help others in need, though almost no one helped him in return. Throughout the book Gibbie is simple, yet intelligent; he becomes rich, yet remains humble; he gives all he can! He learns of Christ and becomes His follower, walking in His footsteps, though others try to stop him.
From the start, I fell in love with the little half-naked urchin that roamed the streets, needing much, but wanting nothing. The hardships he endured as a child and young adult will melt your heart and yet he was satisfied to love, though he was not loved back and to help others in need, though almost no one helped him in return. Throughout the book Gibbie is simple, yet intelligent; he becomes rich, yet remains humble; he gives all he can! He learns of Christ and becomes His follower, walking in His footsteps, though others try to stop him.
November 27, 2017
1st Read 2*
2nd Read2*
My father read this book to us when we were kids, so when I saw it on Librivox I thought I would give it another go. I'm a fan of George MacDonald - his children's fantasy stories are great. "Sir Gibbie" isn't the same, it's more a rags-to-riches story in the tone of the time - where a paragon of virtue finally gets the good that he deserves. I don't mind this sort of thing, if done in moderation, it's a way of getting across a point - and MacDonald's theme of unselfishness is something I most definitely hold dear - but a character without flaw is not realistic, not believable, not convincing. Perhaps this would have read a lot different in MacDonald's day.
2nd Read2*
My father read this book to us when we were kids, so when I saw it on Librivox I thought I would give it another go. I'm a fan of George MacDonald - his children's fantasy stories are great. "Sir Gibbie" isn't the same, it's more a rags-to-riches story in the tone of the time - where a paragon of virtue finally gets the good that he deserves. I don't mind this sort of thing, if done in moderation, it's a way of getting across a point - and MacDonald's theme of unselfishness is something I most definitely hold dear - but a character without flaw is not realistic, not believable, not convincing. Perhaps this would have read a lot different in MacDonald's day.
April 2, 2018
The very first George MacDonald book I read, I found a beat up and much read copy in one of those roadside book libraries, where you grab a book and leave a book. I figured it must be good to have been read so much, and I wasn't disappointed. Gibbie is the brother we would all love to have, the best friend we hoped for. His journey is tough, unique, inspiring, beautiful. You won't want to put it down.
July 29, 2019
What a delightful read in this splendid translation by David Jack! MacDonald challenges us to know what goodness really is through the eyes of wee Gibbie. Could it be innate? We meet those who immediately love him and those who don't, but in their midst we do understand that love, real love, is the only thing that makes us good.
I enjoyed reading of Glashgar, its surrounds, and its people. So many relationships, sermonettes, and adventures (the flood!) fill these pages.
I enjoyed reading of Glashgar, its surrounds, and its people. So many relationships, sermonettes, and adventures (the flood!) fill these pages.
January 25, 2011
This is a really excellent book. I read this the week after I had a death in my family and it really gave me a great deal of comfort. I managed to purchase a collector's copy from Britain recently, and it is one of my treasured possessions. You will be truly blessed by this book; it is a classic that is worth its weight in gold!
December 30, 2010
Possibly one of my favorite books of all time. Thoughtful, old-fashioned, and at time difficult to read due to the heavy Scottish brogue in the dialogue. Is Gibbie as a character, too good to be true? Of course. But MacDonald uses him to advantage to teach his readers the Christian way of life.
August 20, 2011
One of the sweetest of George's stories. He has the most endearing street urchins, and Sir Gibbie is definately at the top of that list.
May 18, 2012
This is one of my favorites. I have read it twice now and hope to read it again soon.
January 31, 2019
So I'm gonna keep this short because I don't have that many thoughts on this, here's the things I do want to say:
-it is very well written, I feel like often classics seem very pretentious and wordy but I feel like this was the right balance of intelligent writing and easy to read and understand.
-it's short!! A short classic!!! If only the font weren't so tiny . . .
-I do wish the font was bigger because that +having less than a week to read this (well TECHNICALLY I had two months but I procrastinated, why am I like this????) I found myself skimming unintentionally way to much, I think that's why I don't have much to say because I don't feel like I entirely understood the story.
-I get what MacDonald was trying to do with Gibbie and trying to make him a Christ-like figure (this is technically Christian literature which despite me being Christian myself I don't often read because reasons I'm about to explain) but honestly is ANYONE inspired by characters who have no internal problems? Gibbie is good inside and out, which I have nothing against good characters, but he never has ANY temptation??? Really?? There is literally not one flaw about him. This is why I don't often read Christian fiction because it can be preachy in a way that doesn't help. Even Jesus was tempted, several times, by Satan himself. So this is telling me that Gibbie, a little kid in an extremely rough situation, never even considers sinning???? Honestly isn't it more inspiring if a character has flaws like a normal human being yet ends up victorious anyway? Did I miss his flaws somewhere?*
*
-it is very well written, I feel like often classics seem very pretentious and wordy but I feel like this was the right balance of intelligent writing and easy to read and understand.
-it's short!! A short classic!!! If only the font weren't so tiny . . .
-I do wish the font was bigger because that +having less than a week to read this (well TECHNICALLY I had two months but I procrastinated, why am I like this????) I found myself skimming unintentionally way to much, I think that's why I don't have much to say because I don't feel like I entirely understood the story.
-I get what MacDonald was trying to do with Gibbie and trying to make him a Christ-like figure (this is technically Christian literature which despite me being Christian myself I don't often read because reasons I'm about to explain) but honestly is ANYONE inspired by characters who have no internal problems? Gibbie is good inside and out, which I have nothing against good characters, but he never has ANY temptation??? Really?? There is literally not one flaw about him. This is why I don't often read Christian fiction because it can be preachy in a way that doesn't help. Even Jesus was tempted, several times, by Satan himself. So this is telling me that Gibbie, a little kid in an extremely rough situation, never even considers sinning???? Honestly isn't it more inspiring if a character has flaws like a normal human being yet ends up victorious anyway? Did I miss his flaws somewhere?*
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