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The Lost Angel
This collection contains seven of Goudge's loveliest stories, The Two Caves; The Silver Horse; Three Men; Lost - One Angel; Saint Nicholas; John; and Giovanni. All the stories contain her special blend of fairytale grace, warmth and spiritual feeling.
126 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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160 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Goudge
64 books892 followersElizabeth Goudge was an English author of novels, short stories and children's books.
Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge was born on 24 April 1900 in Wells, Somerset, in Tower House close by the cathedral in an area known as The Liberty, Her father, the Reverend Henry Leighton Goudge, taught in the cathedral school. Her mother was Miss Ida Collenette from the Channel Isles. Elizabeth was an only child. The family moved to Ely for a Canonry as Principal of the theological college. Later, when her father was made Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, they moved to Christ Church, Oxford.
She went to boarding school during WWI and later to Arts College, presumably at Reading College. She made a small living as teacher, and continued to live with her parents. During this time, she wrote a few plays, and was encouraged to write novels by a publisher. As her writing career took off, she began to travel to other nations. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression for much of her life. She had great empathy for people and a talent for finding the comic side of things, displayed to great effect in her writing.
Goudge's first book, The Fairies' Baby and Other Stories (1919), was a failure and it was several years before she authored Island Magic (1934), which is based on Channel Island stories, many of which she had learned from her mother, who was from Guernsey. After the death of her father, Goudge and her mother went to Devon, and eventually wound up living there in a small cottage. There, she wrote prolifically and was happy.
After the death of her mother, and at the wishes of Goudge's family who wished her to live closer to them, she found a companion who moved with her to Rose Cottage in Reading. She lived out her life there, and had many dogs in her life. Goudge loved dogs, and much preferred their company to that of humans. She continued to write until shortly before her death, when ill health, successive falls, and cataracts hindered her ability to write. She was much loved.
Goudge was awarded the Carnegie Medal for The Little White Horse (1946), the book which J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter stories, has said was her favorite as a child. The television mini-series Moonacre was based on The Little White Horse. Her Green Dolphin Country (1944) was made into a film (under its American title, Green Dolphin Street) which won the Academy Award for Special Effects in 1948.
A Diary of Prayer (1966) was one of Goudge's last works. She spent her last years in her cottage on Peppard Common, just outside Henley-on-Thames, where a blue plaque was unveiled in 2008.
Elizabeth de Beauchamp Goudge was born on 24 April 1900 in Wells, Somerset, in Tower House close by the cathedral in an area known as The Liberty, Her father, the Reverend Henry Leighton Goudge, taught in the cathedral school. Her mother was Miss Ida Collenette from the Channel Isles. Elizabeth was an only child. The family moved to Ely for a Canonry as Principal of the theological college. Later, when her father was made Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, they moved to Christ Church, Oxford.
She went to boarding school during WWI and later to Arts College, presumably at Reading College. She made a small living as teacher, and continued to live with her parents. During this time, she wrote a few plays, and was encouraged to write novels by a publisher. As her writing career took off, she began to travel to other nations. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression for much of her life. She had great empathy for people and a talent for finding the comic side of things, displayed to great effect in her writing.
Goudge's first book, The Fairies' Baby and Other Stories (1919), was a failure and it was several years before she authored Island Magic (1934), which is based on Channel Island stories, many of which she had learned from her mother, who was from Guernsey. After the death of her father, Goudge and her mother went to Devon, and eventually wound up living there in a small cottage. There, she wrote prolifically and was happy.
After the death of her mother, and at the wishes of Goudge's family who wished her to live closer to them, she found a companion who moved with her to Rose Cottage in Reading. She lived out her life there, and had many dogs in her life. Goudge loved dogs, and much preferred their company to that of humans. She continued to write until shortly before her death, when ill health, successive falls, and cataracts hindered her ability to write. She was much loved.
Goudge was awarded the Carnegie Medal for The Little White Horse (1946), the book which J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter stories, has said was her favorite as a child. The television mini-series Moonacre was based on The Little White Horse. Her Green Dolphin Country (1944) was made into a film (under its American title, Green Dolphin Street) which won the Academy Award for Special Effects in 1948.
A Diary of Prayer (1966) was one of Goudge's last works. She spent her last years in her cottage on Peppard Common, just outside Henley-on-Thames, where a blue plaque was unveiled in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 10, 2025
Lovely stories, mostly set in Advent and Christmas (the final two occur on Easter and Whitsunday). I really loved the titular story, and "The Silver Horse," and "Three Men." Beautiful religious stories about (mostly) Christmas.
December 30, 2022
I honestly expected to be bored by these stories. I’m not sure why I felt that way. I had the exact opposite experience when I actually opened the book each day. I felt enchanted by each story, filled with wonder. My favorites were Three Men and St. Nicholas, but they’re all lovely. These would be wonderful Christmastide read alouds.
January 8, 2020
Some stories were 3 stars, some were 4. A few of them were memorable Christmas read alouds for ages 12-adult.
December 29, 2018
These were lovely stories to read at Christmastime. My favorites were The Two Caves, The Silver Horse and John. Elizabeth Goudge has a way with words that speaks to my heart and it's emotions so beautifully.
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December 4, 2022My ratings of each story.
The Two Caves: Five Stars
The Silver Horse: Five Stars
Three Men: Two stars:
Lost - One Angel: Five stars
Saint Nicholas: Three stars
John: Two Stars
Giovanni. Two stars
The Two Caves: Five Stars
The Silver Horse: Five Stars
Three Men: Two stars:
Lost - One Angel: Five stars
Saint Nicholas: Three stars
John: Two Stars
Giovanni. Two stars
October 23, 2020
I've only read one other book by Elizabeth Goudge(gained by ILL) but I was impressed with her quiet insight. So when I discovered that my local library had this book I checked it out. The insights I loved from The Dean's Watch, which she gradually introduced like a sunrise, are hampered by the length of these stories(there is a lot more tell instead of showing) but they are still quiet, unassuming, and thoughtful in an abbreviated way. A lovely, slightly Christmas-themed book.
December 22, 2019
My favourite story in this collection was The Silver Horse - so enchanting, warm and beautiful, like being in a fairytale - and this was closely followed by Lost -One Angel. I would award both of these stories 5 stars, and whilst I would only give 3 to a few of the others the book as a whole is well worth the read. It has in miniature all the aspects that readers of Elizabeth Goudge have come to know and love. She portrays her characters in such a convincing manner, particularly children, that you can imagine bumping into them in your everyday life. She does not shy away from human foibles but faces them head on, helping us to understand their weaknesses, as well as our own, along the way. Elizabeth Goudge’s stories are always full of hope, and redemption is possible, mirroring her belief in the grace and forgiveness that flows from Jesus Christ.
A delightful snapshot from a wonderful author.
A delightful snapshot from a wonderful author.
December 29, 2024
This collection of short stories by one of my very favorite authors was a mixed bag...
I really loved The Silver Horse and Lost - One Angel, and would rate them each five stars!
But I would rate the others only three - or less.
Also, I have a couple of theological "bones to pick"...
In "John", Goudge mentions that "[Mary] had the strength of her sinlessness." Contrary to what the Catholic church teaches, Mary was NOT sinless! (see Romans 3:23, Ps. 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:6) Mary herself rejoiced in God her SAVIOR (Luke 1:46). Had she been perfect, she wouldn't have needed saving!
Later, in "St. Nicholas" a character says, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner", and there is mention of his devotion to Christ - even lived out in his selfless actions...yet Goudge writes, "he was...as far as he could see...for all of his striving, no nearer to heaven than when he started out."
I believe this leaves the reader in a mood of despair for this character, yet his faith in Christ and contrite heart would certainly have positioned him closer to heaven - as a child of God, in fact (Acts 3:19, John 3:16)! Perhaps Goudge only meant to show that her character lacked confidence or assurance in what he couldn't "see."
Even though I feel Goudge shines more in her lengthy novels than in her short stories, I'm still glad to have read these.
I really loved The Silver Horse and Lost - One Angel, and would rate them each five stars!
But I would rate the others only three - or less.
Also, I have a couple of theological "bones to pick"...
In "John", Goudge mentions that "[Mary] had the strength of her sinlessness." Contrary to what the Catholic church teaches, Mary was NOT sinless! (see Romans 3:23, Ps. 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:6) Mary herself rejoiced in God her SAVIOR (Luke 1:46). Had she been perfect, she wouldn't have needed saving!
Later, in "St. Nicholas" a character says, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner", and there is mention of his devotion to Christ - even lived out in his selfless actions...yet Goudge writes, "he was...as far as he could see...for all of his striving, no nearer to heaven than when he started out."
I believe this leaves the reader in a mood of despair for this character, yet his faith in Christ and contrite heart would certainly have positioned him closer to heaven - as a child of God, in fact (Acts 3:19, John 3:16)! Perhaps Goudge only meant to show that her character lacked confidence or assurance in what he couldn't "see."
Even though I feel Goudge shines more in her lengthy novels than in her short stories, I'm still glad to have read these.
June 8, 2019
A collection of seven short stories which, according to the book jacket, have a Christmas theme to them. Two of them I didn't find the theme at all and one is specifically Easter, not Christmas. As for the stories: Two Caves - a cave involved in both Christ's birth and death; Silver Horse - 4 orphan siblings leave home in country for city to stay with Aunt & Uncle but the horse leads them in another direction; Three Men - Father Ambrose continues a tradition of Christmas Mass; Lost-One Angel - Christmas play angel wanders off during rehearsal; Saint Nicholas - traveling band of men perform a Nativity play; John - Apostle John grapples with Christ's death and resurrection; Giovanni - boy presents light of nature to Brother Francis.
I particularly enjoyed Lost - One Angel followed by Silver Horse. The others were OK which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
I particularly enjoyed Lost - One Angel followed by Silver Horse. The others were OK which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
March 20, 2025
I spotted this in our small-town library and took it out as a comfort read. I am so glad I did. What an utterly lovely book! It consists of several short stories, all of which have a strong spiritual component and three of which could fairly be called Christmas stories. Ultimately, all the stories deal with human emotion--human kindness, human loss, and our struggle to keep the faith, in God, yes, but mostly in each other. One of the stories is deeply sad and disturbing; one is mystical; one is a little ambiguous--one wants to know what happens after it ends. But I was happy to have read every one of them. They gave me consolation in these dark times, and what more can one ask of a book like this? Lovely illustration by Shirley Hughes, too.
And I now want to know a bit more about Elizabeth Goudge as a person. Her writing reminds me a bit of Rumer Godden's.
And I now want to know a bit more about Elizabeth Goudge as a person. Her writing reminds me a bit of Rumer Godden's.
January 10, 2024
If you already like Elizabeth Goudge, you will LOVE this book! It is actually a book of short stories, one of which I seem to have read before someplace. Some of them are absolute perfection. I will find a copy of this book somewhere to add to my library, as the copy I read was from the public library.
May 10, 2019
Kind of meant for younger readers. Maybe? I could've read these out to the kids and they would've enjoyed having a discussion about each. At least, I think so. Maybe they'd just be worried about some of the characters. There is suffering.
December 24, 2018
Short stories by Elizabeth Goudge, many with Christmas as the theme. Although the stories do not of course have the range and depth of her novels, they have great charm in their own right.
January 7, 2019
As with all her short stories, some were better than others... but the good ones were really, really good.
December 25, 2019
What lovely short stories! Each has a moral or a twist, and each is heartwarming and a perfect holiday read.
January 14, 2021
A lovely collection of short stories.
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December 17, 2021She is a beautiful writer, and these stories are a delight to read aloud!
December 28, 2022
My first time reading Elizabeth Goudge and I really enjoyed it! My favorite stories were Lost- One Angel and John. Will definitely be reading more of her books.
December 18, 2023
5 star rating for two of the stories: The Silver Horse and Lost--One Angel :)
December 12, 2024
Wonderful Advent/Christmas time read!
August 25, 2025
The stories were sweet enough, but none of them really stood out in comparison with all the other Goudge works I've read
December 15, 2024
It is lovely to read a collection of stories that focus on Christ and not just "Christmas." Elizabeth Goudge gets at the heart of why we celebrate. Her characters are usually ordinary individuals who understand, or come to understand the place the Savior has is their life. They influence each other in positive ways, seeing the ways of the Master in each other, recognizing His presence. The title story, "The Lost Angel" is charming. A young boy/angel in the Christmas pageant gets tired of rehearsing and leaves the church, still in costume. The search for him brings unexpected people together and rekindles the Christmas Spirit in their hearts. "Saint Nicolas" tells the story of an actor who longs for one perfect performance of the Nativity. "John" describes the Apostles' grief at the death of the Master during the three days before His resurrection and their great joy on the third day. I loved this quote, "...the gentleness and the power were but different aspects of eternal mercy."
Reread December 11,2024 Just as gentle and uplifting as the first time.
Reread December 11,2024 Just as gentle and uplifting as the first time.
December 23, 2020
A very sweet collection of Christmas stories (and a few non-Christmas ones). In several she retells Biblical stories in absolutely dazzling language; others are completely original, but all deal with human relationships - siblings, parents, friends, lovers. I particularly fell in love with the title story, about a little blonde boy who decided he was done with the rehearsal for the Christmas play and walked away into the city, creating a beautiful sort of havoc with the hearts of the people who saw him.
I think it would take a special kind of child nowadays to appreciate these stories, but they're perfect for adults who enjoy gentle sorts of books.
Update, 12/23/20:
I think upon a second reading, I would be less gushing in my praise than I was a decade ago. But I agree with my younger self that this collection of Goudge's Christmas stories is a sweet one, filled with beautiful language and the hopes and joys and pains and fears of human relationships.
I think it would take a special kind of child nowadays to appreciate these stories, but they're perfect for adults who enjoy gentle sorts of books.
Update, 12/23/20:
I think upon a second reading, I would be less gushing in my praise than I was a decade ago. But I agree with my younger self that this collection of Goudge's Christmas stories is a sweet one, filled with beautiful language and the hopes and joys and pains and fears of human relationships.
January 1, 2015
It's not really fair for me to review this, seeing that I am not a short story fan to begin with. I will say that when E.G.'s on, she's on fire - and when she's not, its sequins on wet socks. Just my opinion. I liked "The Silver Horse", and I certainly like the themes she chooses, but she has written so much better. I say this with all respect - as the author of one of my favorite books, "The Dean's Watch". I would have given 2* to anyone else.
December 23, 2016
Seven wonderful Christmas stories that I will read annually now that I've found The Lost Angel. All her stories are so good and the art throughout an added treat. Saint Nicolas touched and stayed with me for days and even now. I want to keep The Lost Angel on my night stand and not give it up to the library.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews