art by Jef Murray www.jefmurray.com
I find that some of my favorite children’s novels I discovered in adulthood. I came across a copy of George MacDonald’s The Princess and the Goblin when I was in college, and I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much. However, the back cover of the book contained words like “adventure” and “expedition,” “underground lairs” and “kidnapping plot”, and for me, they suggest the makings of an enjoyable story. That night, I sat down and read the first page of my recently purchased copy and finished the final page in that very same night.
The beginning of the story introduces the princess Irene, who usually remembers to behave like a princess and acts just as precociously as an eight year old should. Along the way, she meets Curdie, a miner boy who is brave and wise beyond, or perhaps because of, his twelve years. And there is Irene’s namesake, her great-great-grandmother, who, through her wisdom and gifts, subtly helps our heroes on their adventures. A theme emphasized in this tale is that innocence fosters wisdom just as much as experience and that wisdom can be one’s greatest strength.
Irene and Curdie’s exploits are told in a conversational narrative style, which lends a lot of humor to the story. The story moves quickly and is entertaining to the end. This should come as no surprise to fans who know that MacDonald was a direct predecessor of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis said of him, “I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.”
Since Middle-earth Network promotes the work of Tolkien as well as other great myths, stories, and art, My Little-earth is another step in the right direction. According to Mark Ostley, director of Operations for Middle-earth Network, it “seemed a natural progression to bring to life the great literature of the past that was intended for children of all ages.” And I have to agree with Mark with why this book is a fantastic inaugural choice. “What I truly love about The Princess and the Goblin is that MacDonald takes the whole genre of Fairytale and Romantic literature and stands it on its head,” says Mark. “I mean, in this story the Princess saves the male hero, not the other way around, and the mysterious Gandalf or Aslan character is a Grandmother.”
The stars of this broadcast are Tyler Michael Jonsson, Middle-earth Network Creative Director, and his wife Amanda. According to Tyler, “I was just blown away by what an amazingly fun opportunity it was. After a bit of initial work, we quickly realized that we needed to bring in a female voice,” he says, “so my wife Amanda, who is an incredibly talented actor herself, joined the project.” Added to their performances is music by composer Arjan Kiel that perfectly complements the narration, adding spooky tones or light-hearted comic relief without distracting from the story.
The Princess and the Goblin Trailer from MENetwork on Vimeo.
Listening to the sneak peeks I’ve had of the recording, I have giggled and involuntarily clapped my hand together in delight. At the same time, I like to do things the old fashioned way; my husband says I would churn our own butter if he let me. I relish the idea of waiting, like in the good old days, for my program to air. So, as a person who simultaneously has an eight year old and an eighty-five year old living inside of her, I confess that I will be running to my (internet) radio every Sunday to hear each installment of My Little-earth’s The Princess and the Goblin.
The Princess and the Goblin will premiere Episode 1 on November 20 at 1:00PM and 7:00PM EST on Middle-earth Network Radio, with a new episode airing every Sunday.
What a lovely post, Lily! I know exactly what you mean about that feeling of waiting for things to air, knowing that you’re sitting down with people everywhere to tune in – it’s magic. Now I have incentive to read this…the book’s only been on my shelf for about three years now. ✩