Charmed Reading

It was a compact city, and on a night such as this one it climbed towards the stars like one of those turreted cities seen in the margins of medieval manuscripts.
- Elizabeth Goudge

I am an admirer of Elizabeth Goudge. I may have only read a small handful of her novels, but the more I read, the more I am reminded of what good storytelling is like. These are gentle stories not created to invoke shock and drama, but to tell stories of normal people who have histories and tragedies that shape them, and then wise lessons learned along the way. Each character has a different personality with challenges they must face with various relationships. Through many errors of the characters, the story weaves into a lovely tapestry of changed hearts, healed relationships, joy discovered, or goodness finally coming to those who waited. 

Her stories remind me that to be good is to do the tougher thing, all the time. And when we don't do the tougher thing out of love, take a step back and correct it. It's okay that we aren't perfect. It is a beautiful thing when we are all imperfect together, appreciating one another, and gently encouraging one another where we need it.

Goudge lived from 1900 - 1984, and wrote this particular book in 1960. It takes place in the 18th century, in a tiny cathedral town. She melds history into her stories, along with many relational studies through the characters. Her writing gives me hope that good fiction doesn't have to be filled with foul language, drama just to do drama, action just to keep you turning pages, and shocking passages. That is a main reason why I tend to steer away from modern fiction. If you feel similarly, try reading something of hers. You'll be charmed. And you might learn something about loving people along the way.