Which Elizabeth Goudge Book Should I Read First?

It’s a good question, because she wrote more than 40 books in her career. But there is not one right answer to this question! Often in the past the answer was to start with the Goudge book that you had available to you. Fortunately, now all of her adult and children’s novels are back in print so your options have expanded! We are still waiting to see her books make it onto audiobook, and to see the reprinting of her narrative biography of Jesus and her short story collections.

I have heard in the past six years from readers all over the world who treasure Goudge’s books, often in an intensely personal way. Their first Goudge book occupies a special place in their heart, but they usually come to love many of her books nearly as well.

After hearing from many hundreds of people about Goudge’s books, there are a few titles that do tend to stand out:

The Dean’s Watch

Many people feel that The Dean’s Watch is her most mature novel. It is a redemptive story based around Ely cathedral, where the Dean of the city goes on a spiritual awakening as he befriends those around him in new ways. Clockmaking features significantly in the story, and helps to deliver the gospel message.

The Little White Horse

For children’s literature, The Little White Horse is a wonderful fairy tale of a girl with an unforgettable bedroom in a turret, who helps to save her valley with her bravery. Goudge won a Carnegie Medal for this book in 1946.

The Scent of Water

The Scent of Water is a deep story of redemption that takes place in an Oxfordshire country village post WWII. Mary retires there to learn about her odd elderly cousin, and finds a whole village of people that help her to find herself.

Gentian Hill

Historical fiction, Gentian Hill, is set in Torquay (Devon) and tells about a traditional farm and its mysterious orphan. It is set during the Napoleonic wars in the early 1800’s and is rich in the holiday traditions of the time, warmth and coziness.

A City of Bells

A City of Bells is a supremely cozy read and favorite that has real substance as well. Set in early 1900’s Wells, the same time and places as Goudge’s own childhood, she writes to capture the slow magic of this small cathedral city. It includes some of Goudge’s most quotable comments on books, which readers will definitely want to save for later!

The White Witch

The White Witch is a very compelling story about the English Civil War, which was fought between the Puritans and the Loyalists in the 1600’s.

The Bird in the Tree

The Bird in the Tree is the first of the Eliot trilogy - the only true trilogy of adult novels that Goudge authored. This first book is a story of redemption and sets up the rest of the series…

Pilgrim’s Inn (also titled The Herb of Grace)

Pilgrim’s Inn is the second to the Eliot books and probably the most beloved! A family that was nearly broken in two finds refuge in an old home that has a mysterious story of its own.

The Valley of Song

Those readers who grew up with The Valley of Song tell me that it shaped their faith and imagination, and that they have been trying to find the book again ever since. Fortunately, it is currently back in print!

Her works have such variety as far as settings and time periods, that I suggest people read a few different synopses online to see which one sounds the most interesting to them at the moment. Or they could choose a book by location.

Guernsey: Island Magic, Make Believe (a short story collection), and Green Dolphin Street (also titled Green Dolphin Country)

Devon: The Rosemary Tree, Gentian Hill, Linnets and Valerians, The Little White Horse, Smoky House, I Saw Three Ships

Wells: A City of Bells, Sister of the Angels, Henrietta’s House (aka The Blue Hills)

Keyhaven: The Eliot Chronicles, which include: The Bird in the Tree, Pilgrims Inn (aka The Herb of Grace), and The Heart of the Family

Buckler’s Hard: The Valley of Song

Oxford: Towers in the Mist, The Scent of Water and The White Witch

Ely: The Dean’s Watch

London: The Castle on the Hill

Scotland: The Middle Window

Wales: The Child from the Sea

Lynna Burgamy

Update: 2024-12-02

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