The Doll's House

Rumer Godden, the author of those absorbing novels about nuns of yesteryear, "Black Narcissus" and "In This House of Brede," both successfully filmed with Deborah Kerr and Diana Rigg respectively, tries her hand here at a book for younger readers. This is the tale of a doll "family," not related by biology but the simple fate of being thrown together. Although there are nominal mother and father dolls, the real head of the household is Tottie, a wooden farthing doll, wise beyond her childish appearance. The dolls' relative happiness and the way it is threatened by the appearance of Marchpane, an expensive, arrogant and, as it turns out, really malevolent interloper, makes for surprisingly gripping drama. Indeed, the tale of Marchpane's machinations and the tragic climax of the story may be too intense for younger or more sensitive children, for whom this book needs to be introduced with care. For the rest of them, and for adults who simply like a good story, "The Dolls' House" still exerts its considerable spell. Tasha Tudor's illustrations are a notable contribution as well.

Have you ever gotten something as a present but then something/someone takes it? That's what happens in the fantasy where dolls talk, The Dolls' House, a book by Rumer Godden, who's also the author of Listen To The Nightingale. In The Dolls' House, a family of dolls owned by Charlotte and Emily Dane, two little girls who love to play with dolls, get a present. The present is a huge deluxe dollhouse that Tottie, a wooden farthing doll, used to live in. Tottie Plantaganet (the oldest child), Birdie Plantaganet (the mom of the family), Mr. Plantaganet (the dad), and Apple Plantaganet (Tottie's little brother), move into the dollhouse. Later, Marchpane, a nasty little stuck-up doll that thinks she is too delicate to be played with by those "silly little children that don't know how to be careful", moves into the Plantaganet's house and takes over. My favorite part of The Dolls' House is when Tottie goes to an exhibit for dolls only because it's funny-one of the many elements mixed together to form this wonderful book. There is also lots of anger, happiness, and action in this book. The ending is a little sad, but I love The Dolls' House anyway-I would rate it a 9.2 out of a full 10. The Dolls' House is perfect for 3rd graders, 4th graders, and 5th graders.

Quite affecting. A very rich story of the "family-dynamics" in an antique doll-house. Perhaps best read to the younger child (under 10). There are some very complex emotions at play. My 7 year old burst into tears at Birdie's "sacrifice". Still it's important for young readers to experience a full range of emotions when reading, espcecially as they move into chapter books

This book was wonderful when I read it as a child, and now when I read it. It's incredible, a very grown up tale , yet it can be read at any age. Rumer Godden is a wonderful author, and this book will capture your heart like nothing else - except maybe The Mouse and his Child. It is the story of a family living in The DollHouse, and learning to come to terms with themselves, it is both happy and sad........but ultimately rewarding.

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 and happiness are threatened and 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 and strong dramatic scenes. It was written for children but it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys fine writing.