Madam, want to talk about author Mary Stewart? discussion

I wasn't sure where to post this because I think technically it is considered one of her children's books and not a romantic suspense, but oh well.

I've always loved this one. It's so magical and fun. But what I've always really thought was cool was the short afterward by the author where she states that it is actually possible to buy a broomstick from Harrods in London. The cost, I think, was upwards of six hundred pounds and you had to special order it. I've visited Harrods and sometimes wondered what they thought of that statement (or if they even knew). And did they, when the original book came out, receive orders for broomsticks. It would have been funny if they did. When I was younger I always wanted to place an order. Usually I just skip the afterward in books but I've always been glad I discovered that little gem at the end of the book.

Oh, thanks for posting. I didn't know she wrote for children as well.

I believe she wrote three books that are generally accepted as children's books (although I still love reading them).
The Little Broomstick
Ludo and the Star Horse
A Walk in Wolf Wood

I read this just before Christmas and I was so enchanted by it. I thought it was a lovely, fun story. I think I identified with it particularly because this summer, I too met a bewitching black cat with amazing green eyes who led me to have unbelievable adventures and do thing that I never would have believed.

Sewingdervish wrote: "I read this just before Christmas and I was so enchanted by it. I thought it was a lovely, fun story. I think I identified with it particularly because this summer, I too met a bewitching black cat..."

I missed this chat, but would love to read The Little Broomstick. Was not familiar with it. I have Ludo and the Star Horse. Been meaning to get to it.

I would think a bewitching black cat with amazing green eyes would become quickly at favorite character of mine. ;-)

I got a copy of this book at our library sale last week! It’s a nice hardback published in 1972. I’ve never read the book so this is super exciting! I’m slowly reading it I think I’m on chapter 5. Very delightful story!

I have read A Walk in Wolf Wood but the others I have not been able to find at the library and haven't wanted to buy a copy until I had read them. Maybe I will invest in them and they would be good for one of my grandchildren. If I read these I will have read all of Mary Stewart's books.

Just after posting above I checked Thriftbooks and found a copy of The Little Broomstick for $3. + which changed to $6. + when I tried to order, but I got free shipping by buying another book (such a shame) so not so bad. Now I just have Ludo and the Star Horse to find.

Bobbie wrote: "Just after posting above I checked Thriftbooks and found a copy of The Little Broomstick for $3. + which changed to $6. + when I tried to order, but I got free shipping by buying another book (such..."

👍 Keep us posted!

Laura wrote: "...it is actually possible to buy a broomstick from Harrods in London. The cost, I think, was upwards of six hundred pounds and you had to special order it."

I've always loved this one. It's so magical and ..."

Yes but it might be worth it if it was the newest Nimbus 2020 even though that's months away. You have to have a Gringott's account to view the web pages. The Firebolt 3000 seems to be some sort of joint venture with a Muggle called Elon Musk that might reach the moon. and Rita Skeeter says she'll be the first to test fly it.

Seriously though I'd be up for reading Mary's childrens's stories.

I Found a hardback edition of the little broomstick at our friends of the library sale in early May. For one dollar I absolutely squealed when I saw it! I have never read the book or even seen a copy!

I just finished reading it and I have to say I really enjoyed it! I had no idea what the topic was when I started knowing nothing about the book. I really enjoyed the magic element. They had a little bit of E. Nesbit feel to it. The latter chapters were so adventurous and I was reading so fast that I am going to have to go back and go over those chapters more slowly.

Good to hear. I still have my copy nearby and will get to it soon.

I have ludo and the star horse to read and still need to track down the little broomstick. I agree about feeling you need to read them all - but I have never got on with the Round Table chronicles. Am I missing out?

Annabel wrote: "I have ludo and the star horse to read and still need to track down the little broomstick. I agree about feeling you need to read them all - but I have never got on with the Round Table chronicles...."

A couple of us went through them together, last year I think, and got a lot of enjoyment out of them. I think the group reading really enhanced the story.

I'm about halfway through and finding it much more suspenseful than Wolf Woods was! I didn't read this thread yet, but will when I finish.

I see Ludo and the Star Horse is on open library so I will read that one at some point.

Yes, I loved The Little Broomstick!

Abigail wrote: "Yes, I loved The Little Broomstick!"

I read The Little Broomstick, and I also enjoyed it.

I strongly suspect JK Rowling read it too, at some point - long, long ago - and well before writing her Harry Potter books...

That’s a shrewd observation, Galowa. The echoes are clear but may have been unconscious.

Teaqueen wrote:

The latter chapters were so adventurous and I was reading so fast that I am going to have to go back and go over those chapters more slowly.

yes, it really picks up about halfway through after a lovely, slow set up of why Mary is where she is. Such wonderful writing!

I think the last half could have been longer as it felt a bit rushed, but I don't mean to complain as it's really a wonderful book.

Galowa, it seems very likely Rowling was influenced by this book.