Customer Reviews
Hankies at the ready! - By: International Cowgirl, 10 May 2007 
Like previous reviewers, I too read this as a child, & the name Marchpane still sends shivers down my spine! I bought a copy recently for my 8 year old daughter, & now she's fallenin love with it too. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a tear jerker. As you get towards the final chapters, you might want to schedule a half hour or so to console your child afterwards!
First published shortly after the second World War, The Dolls' House is a beautifully-written tale about Tottie Plantaganet, a small Dutch doll 'made a long time ago', & the other members of the Plantaganet 'family': Mr Plantaganet, who was cruelly abused by his previous owners, his wife Birdie, who isn't quite 'rightin the head', & their mischievous son, Apple, with his darning-wool hair. Darner, the dog, has a darning needle backbone that makes him awkward to handle. More awkward for modern day parents is the fact that Darner says 'Prick' whenever danger is present... Old-fashioned terms such as 'rickrack braid', meanwhile, provide a more innocent reminder of just how ancient this book is. But, conversely, that's part of its charm. This particular edition is riddled with typos, but Godden's text shows enormous attention to detail. Words are lovingly chosen, & sentences beautifully crafted with an elegance that's rarein children's literature today. My daughter loved the slightly archaic nature of it, all the unfamiliar words like 'stay-bones' & 'quilling'. It's a joy to read aloud as well.
I think one element that children particularly relate to is the fact that the dolls can't 'do', they can only be 'done by'; equally they can't choose, but can only 'be chosen'. Children, who get to make so few decisions themselves, can't help but relate to them. And the portrait of a post-war childhood (or dollhood perhaps!) is strangely fascinating for today's kids, reared on a diet of TV & video games. Ideal for little girls... & grown-up ones as well!
My favourite childrens book - By: , 07 Jul 2000 I read this book when I was 7 & watched the accompanying TV series. What can I say, its enchanting & its unlike any book I had read. It's the book I want to read to my kids when I have them ! There are moralsin the book (vanity is bad, family love is good) but its not "in your face". Truly magical :)
This book was better than I remembered it being. - By: , 19 Nov 1997 Fortunate to have read this book at the age of ten, I never forgot it. Having recently read some of Rumer Godden's adult books, I decided to purchase a copy. The money I paid was well worth it. The book is still a wonderful read. If you are an adult who read it as a child, re-read it. If you've never read it, you will enjoy the drama about a family whose home & happiness are threatened & how they dealt with it. This is a must-read for all Godden fans. All her storytelling skills are used, deft foreshadowing, proper use of detail & strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.
