Children's Classic Books discussion

Greenwitch by Susan Cooper

Published: 1974 (Book 3 in the Dark Is Rising series)

Over Sea, Under Stone discussion
The Dark is Rising discussion

Here is the discussion for book 3 of the Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper.

Please add your comments whenever you read it; discussion is not limited by the month in which the book was read.

I finished this one last night. This may be my favorite of the series - although I haven't read it in years, so will have to wait until I've finished them all to say for sure! I feel like this was the book I remeber best from my previous reading of the series, though.

I liked that this one focused a bit more on Jane. I felt like she was almost relegated to a secondary character in the first book - Simon and Barney seemed to drive the story much more there. I also liked that this one brought the Drew children and Will Stanton together, and that even though they didn't really trust him at first, by the end they realized (although to varying degrees, I think!) that he was involved in the whole Light vs. Dark battle as well.

Oh I’m so glad that you’re reading along with me, Marianne! I left the second book at a friend’s house so I’m about halfway through the audiobook of that one but I’ll try to catch up!

I'll be reading this book soon.

As I am such a fan of the first book, it was great to have the Drews back in this one. I agree with Marianne that Jane's importance is elevated in this story. Moreover, I think there is a benefit in having FOUR characters carrying the action (even if they sometimes act together, like Simon and Barney). Although Will has a large family, in the second book they were basically oblivious and it was all him. In this book, every one of the four gets some development.

I think Cooper was astute to create that mistrust of Will. It felt more realistic, rather than just having everyone all together from the start. The Drews had already had their established adventure and, of course, were a team. An outsider wouldn't be immediately accepted. It also made things interesting as they slowly glimpsed things about Will that made him different.

I've started my reread and am enjoying it very much. The pacing and action in this book are excellent-and the characters are getting more and more individual characteristics too.

I've just begun this one and I must say, I'm breathing a sigh of relief after reading/listening to The Dark Is Rising. I'm looking forward to getting further into it!

I still am at the beginning of this one and I can't find my book. Argh! Oh well, I am determined to finish this series even if it takes me longer. I will keep plugging along!