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The Magic Books #2
Octagon Magic
The secret of Octagon Housenbsp;When her grandmother gets sick, eleven-year-old Lorrie Mallard is sent to live with her aunt in the U.S. Things were different back home in Canada, and Lorrie is homesick-especially when boys like Jimmy Purvis and Stan Wormiski tease her. One day, Lorrie finds herself at the door of Octagon House, where she is welcomed by the elderly Miss Ashemeade and her servant, Hallie. Could the kindly Miss Ashemeade truly be a witch, like everyone says? Lorrie doesn't know, but with the help an old rocking horse and a dollhouse she finds in a mysterious eight-sided room, she begins to unlock the secrets of Octagon House.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1967
About the author
Andre Norton
697 books1,323 followersAKA: Alice Mary Norton; Andre Alice Norton; Andrew North; Allen Weston.
Norton always had an affinity to the humanities. She started writing in her teens, inspired by a charismatic high school teacher. First contacts with the publishing world led her, as many other contemporary female writers targeting a male-dominated market, to choose a literary pseudonym. In 1934 she legally changed her name to Andre Alice. She also used the names Andrew North and Allen Weston as pseudonyms.
Norton published her first novel in 1934, and was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World Science Fiction Society in 1977, and won the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) association in 1983.
Norton was twice nominated for the Hugo Award, in 1964 for the novel Witch World and in 1967 for the novelette "Wizard's World." She was nominated three times for the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement, winning the award in 1998. Norton won a number of other genre awards, and regularly had works appear in the Locus annual "best of year" polls.
On February 20, 2005, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, which had earlier honored her with its Grand Master Award in 1983, announced the creation of the Andre Norton Award, to be given each year for an outstanding work of fantasy or science fiction for the young adult literature market, beginning in 2006.
Often called the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy by biographers such as J. M. Cornwell and organizations such as Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Publishers Weekly, and Time, Andre Norton wrote novels for over 70 years. She had a profound influence on the entire genre, having over 300 published titles read by at least four generations of science fiction and fantasy readers and writers.
Notable authors who cite her influence include Greg Bear, Lois McMaster Bujold, C. J. Cherryh, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Tanya Huff, Mercedes Lackey, Charles de Lint, Joan D. Vinge, David Weber, K. D. Wentworth, and Catherine Asaro.
Norton always had an affinity to the humanities. She started writing in her teens, inspired by a charismatic high school teacher. First contacts with the publishing world led her, as many other contemporary female writers targeting a male-dominated market, to choose a literary pseudonym. In 1934 she legally changed her name to Andre Alice. She also used the names Andrew North and Allen Weston as pseudonyms.
Norton published her first novel in 1934, and was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World Science Fiction Society in 1977, and won the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) association in 1983.
Norton was twice nominated for the Hugo Award, in 1964 for the novel Witch World and in 1967 for the novelette "Wizard's World." She was nominated three times for the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement, winning the award in 1998. Norton won a number of other genre awards, and regularly had works appear in the Locus annual "best of year" polls.
On February 20, 2005, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, which had earlier honored her with its Grand Master Award in 1983, announced the creation of the Andre Norton Award, to be given each year for an outstanding work of fantasy or science fiction for the young adult literature market, beginning in 2006.
Often called the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy by biographers such as J. M. Cornwell and organizations such as Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Publishers Weekly, and Time, Andre Norton wrote novels for over 70 years. She had a profound influence on the entire genre, having over 300 published titles read by at least four generations of science fiction and fantasy readers and writers.
Notable authors who cite her influence include Greg Bear, Lois McMaster Bujold, C. J. Cherryh, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Tanya Huff, Mercedes Lackey, Charles de Lint, Joan D. Vinge, David Weber, K. D. Wentworth, and Catherine Asaro.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 29, 2017
Lorrie is an orphan sent to live with an aunt. She feels she doesn't fit in and finds safety in Octagon House, a beautiful old house with kind, wise, elderly occupants and a magical playroom complete with rocking horse and large scale dolls house ready to take you on adventures - what could be better ?
There were a couple of parts where the general well meant message of the book, which was resolving your differences with those who are not kind to you, erred on the side of suggesting some blame lay with the victim, which we didn't like.
The ending was happy and sad, not what we would have chosen but fitting for the book. I struggled to read aloud the last few pages as I found it sad and moving but my daughter didn't find it sad. There's a nice part of the story that happens near the beginning that at the end of the book you realise how that ties in with the conclusion.
There were a couple of parts where the general well meant message of the book, which was resolving your differences with those who are not kind to you, erred on the side of suggesting some blame lay with the victim, which we didn't like.
The ending was happy and sad, not what we would have chosen but fitting for the book. I struggled to read aloud the last few pages as I found it sad and moving but my daughter didn't find it sad. There's a nice part of the story that happens near the beginning that at the end of the book you realise how that ties in with the conclusion.
July 28, 2020
How I read this: borrowed through Bookmate subscription
Omg this book was so AMAZING!!! I was in a book slump, but I gobbled this story up. It was heartwarming and just what I needed during a truly shitty time. It's just one of those books that's definitely going into my all-time favorites shelf. I can't wait to read some other books by this author.
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Omg this book was so AMAZING!!! I was in a book slump, but I gobbled this story up. It was heartwarming and just what I needed during a truly shitty time. It's just one of those books that's definitely going into my all-time favorites shelf. I can't wait to read some other books by this author.
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February 3, 2022
Would have probably loved it if I had read it at age 12. I have Denis to thank, from the "Suggest books for me > What's the Name of that Book?!" group, for mentioning this book and author to me. Octagon Magic was originally published in 1967 (USA).
Denis had posted it in response to a query from me (link here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ), and I would just like to say that this description of "keeping Christmas in an American Victorian house" was EPIC. So much so, that my secondhand paperback came with an additional, non-canonical index scrawled onto the flyleaf in pencil, directing the scribe back to several pages for "Ornaments", a page for "Memories", and another for "Gifts". Which is great, because I'll be using either 'Loraine Burkisk's' or 'Nancy's' notes (both dated from 1981) to guide me back. The golden walnut shells with miniature dioramas inside were especially inspiring.
There were a few points that I felt let it down. There was insufficient history on Charlotta Ashmeade and her "people", which I suppose was meant to be part of the mystery, but which I felt needed just a bit more fleshing out to keep me satisfied while still mostly in the dark as to the true nature of things (I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers).
The other is that a non-American reading this may struggle with some minor aspects or inferences of the historical problems and racial issues raised. I had to stop and reflect (and occasionally re-read sentences) to understand the overtones that were occasionally assumed but not spelled out. Like Lorrie, I too am Canadian, and I'm sure she would also be a little confused. And, indeed, we see that she is not racist whereas Kathy and Bess certainly are. So there was definitely a cultural mien there that would perhaps not even be perceptible to an American reader. It wasn't a stumbling block for me, but more of a sideshow with nuances that I had to actively parse out. (I was also, then, a little confused about Hallie - it seemed somehow incongruous to have a black lady as a servant in the 1960s. There are reasons, I know (no spoilers), but then it would have been nice to have heard more backstory on Hallie herself). All in all, "more background required" would sum up my misgivings. Also, Nackie! More about Nackie, please! Tugging terribly at the heartstrings, and leaving them quivering without any further detail. There was so much more there that might have been relayed to an anxious reader!
Regardless, I found this to be an engaging and entertaining read, following Lorrie from late autumn through Christmas to St Valentine's Day, touching memorably and descriptively on both holidays.
If you need a good Christmas and Wintertime themed fantasy read for a middle grader, there are now 2 books I can strongly recommend. This one, especially for a female; and The Dark Is Rising especially for a male (but obviously neither is restricted by gender. But you know how some recipients are - I once got derided for including a Heidi picture book in a gift package for nephews. Their loss - Peter the Goatherd has a pretty idyllic life! Sigh. Non-readers.).
This book, if given as a gift, could be enhanced with stork-shaped embroidery scissors and floss. A golden cross-stitch needle if you can find one, too. For more info (and a photo of the type of scissors I mean), check out the "A Book and a Related Gift - GIFT GUIDE" group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Denis had posted it in response to a query from me (link here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... ), and I would just like to say that this description of "keeping Christmas in an American Victorian house" was EPIC. So much so, that my secondhand paperback came with an additional, non-canonical index scrawled onto the flyleaf in pencil, directing the scribe back to several pages for "Ornaments", a page for "Memories", and another for "Gifts". Which is great, because I'll be using either 'Loraine Burkisk's' or 'Nancy's' notes (both dated from 1981) to guide me back. The golden walnut shells with miniature dioramas inside were especially inspiring.
There were a few points that I felt let it down. There was insufficient history on Charlotta Ashmeade and her "people", which I suppose was meant to be part of the mystery, but which I felt needed just a bit more fleshing out to keep me satisfied while still mostly in the dark as to the true nature of things (I'm being intentionally vague to avoid spoilers).
The other is that a non-American reading this may struggle with some minor aspects or inferences of the historical problems and racial issues raised. I had to stop and reflect (and occasionally re-read sentences) to understand the overtones that were occasionally assumed but not spelled out. Like Lorrie, I too am Canadian, and I'm sure she would also be a little confused. And, indeed, we see that she is not racist whereas Kathy and Bess certainly are. So there was definitely a cultural mien there that would perhaps not even be perceptible to an American reader. It wasn't a stumbling block for me, but more of a sideshow with nuances that I had to actively parse out. (I was also, then, a little confused about Hallie - it seemed somehow incongruous to have a black lady as a servant in the 1960s. There are reasons, I know (no spoilers), but then it would have been nice to have heard more backstory on Hallie herself). All in all, "more background required" would sum up my misgivings. Also, Nackie! More about Nackie, please! Tugging terribly at the heartstrings, and leaving them quivering without any further detail. There was so much more there that might have been relayed to an anxious reader!
Regardless, I found this to be an engaging and entertaining read, following Lorrie from late autumn through Christmas to St Valentine's Day, touching memorably and descriptively on both holidays.
If you need a good Christmas and Wintertime themed fantasy read for a middle grader, there are now 2 books I can strongly recommend. This one, especially for a female; and The Dark Is Rising especially for a male (but obviously neither is restricted by gender. But you know how some recipients are - I once got derided for including a Heidi picture book in a gift package for nephews. Their loss - Peter the Goatherd has a pretty idyllic life! Sigh. Non-readers.).
This book, if given as a gift, could be enhanced with stork-shaped embroidery scissors and floss. A golden cross-stitch needle if you can find one, too. For more info (and a photo of the type of scissors I mean), check out the "A Book and a Related Gift - GIFT GUIDE" group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 21, 2010
I loved this book as a child, and I find it's held up pretty well. I especially liked that the ending left a lot of wiggle room for the imagination--in some senses, it ended in the middle of the story, or at least at the end of episode one. Although there was never an episode two or three, the reader can decide in his or her own mind what will happen, and I really like that freedom.
What I realized that I didn't love about this book is that like several other books I loved--Tom's Midnight Garden, Magic Elizabeth, etc.--at its center is a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past that can be visited only briefly, and then lost forever. The 'modern' setting of the book is a time diminished, unwelcoming, unhappy compared to the lost past. I think it's significant that while I loved these books, they are not in my personal library. What is in my library are the two Gone-Away Lake books. They also have a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past, but the 'modern' present is no less wonderful or joyful--there is nothing diminished in living in that time as well. I really liked that balance--it takes out most of the melancholy.
What I realized that I didn't love about this book is that like several other books I loved--Tom's Midnight Garden, Magic Elizabeth, etc.--at its center is a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past that can be visited only briefly, and then lost forever. The 'modern' setting of the book is a time diminished, unwelcoming, unhappy compared to the lost past. I think it's significant that while I loved these books, they are not in my personal library. What is in my library are the two Gone-Away Lake books. They also have a nostalgic yearning for Victorian times past, but the 'modern' present is no less wonderful or joyful--there is nothing diminished in living in that time as well. I really liked that balance--it takes out most of the melancholy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
Early Bird Book Deal | Better than the first in the series, but the protagonist remains inactive. | The story here is more involved and less straightforward than in book one, but Lorrie doesn't do anything. She goes to the Octagon House and follows instructions which lead to her witnessing the past. At no point does she affect anything or make any decisions or choices, she simply moves as the wind blows.
February 15, 2018
Hmmm... another one featuring unusual magical talismans/instruments.
I'm liking the fact that in all of the Andre Norton children's books I've read so far (5), that she has a great way of pragmatically dealing with problems. These children are struggling: parents gone, away from home, uncertain futures, fear and/or loss, struggling to make friends or adapt to new challenging circumstances. She doesn't sugar coat it. But the way the children learn and adapt and grow, I think is very well done. Yeah, she uses magic as part of that growing up experience, but even if you took all that out, there's a lot of wisdom in there.
These books are real vintage goodness. I'm so glad they're available on Kindle Unlimited for me to read (those I missed as a child, re-read (those I loved as a child). I'm really impressed that they've stood the test of time as well as they have.
I'm liking the fact that in all of the Andre Norton children's books I've read so far (5), that she has a great way of pragmatically dealing with problems. These children are struggling: parents gone, away from home, uncertain futures, fear and/or loss, struggling to make friends or adapt to new challenging circumstances. She doesn't sugar coat it. But the way the children learn and adapt and grow, I think is very well done. Yeah, she uses magic as part of that growing up experience, but even if you took all that out, there's a lot of wisdom in there.
These books are real vintage goodness. I'm so glad they're available on Kindle Unlimited for me to read (those I missed as a child, re-read (those I loved as a child). I'm really impressed that they've stood the test of time as well as they have.
March 19, 2017
I just read this today... I hadn't read it since Fifth grade... strange how memory rewrites things... I always remembered it as more about time travel and less of a social commentary... There is more to this book for adults then I recalled. Excellent book!
December 13, 2008
This was a favorite book from childhood I decided to read again and I am glad I did. It is a wonderful story of a lonely girl who discovers a secret world at her neighbor's home.
August 16, 2016
Octagon Magic
Wonderful magical book the one that started me reading the magic series. Happy, sad ending which I didn't like as a young reader but now understand better.
Wonderful magical book the one that started me reading the magic series. Happy, sad ending which I didn't like as a young reader but now understand better.
August 27, 2017
I read and loved this as a kid; when I found it again as an adult, I wondered if I'd identify as much with the main character, Lorrie, as I did back then, or if, as when I reread "Harriet the Spy" as an adult, I'd end up seeing the main character's flaws and being less sympathetic towards her.
But, nope. I identify as strongly as ever with Lorrie. I, too, was (and am!) an introvert who would rather stay home with a good book than be forced to go out. Being forced to spend time with kids like the Lockner kids would have been one of my worst nightmares at that age. And as an only child, I preferred the company of adults to that of other kids -- adults were usually nice to me, and kids often weren't. And I also had a mother who was out more than she was home, and who put me into situations I hated so she wouldn't feel guilty about leaving me alone so much. I just didn't have a magic house to go to in order to escape.
So I still count this as one of the books that I read as a child but still love as an adult. I'd personally have preferred a slightly different ending; instead of , I'd have preferred that . But in general, it's still a book that any introverted, neglected, book-loving kid should identify with.
But, nope. I identify as strongly as ever with Lorrie. I, too, was (and am!) an introvert who would rather stay home with a good book than be forced to go out. Being forced to spend time with kids like the Lockner kids would have been one of my worst nightmares at that age. And as an only child, I preferred the company of adults to that of other kids -- adults were usually nice to me, and kids often weren't. And I also had a mother who was out more than she was home, and who put me into situations I hated so she wouldn't feel guilty about leaving me alone so much. I just didn't have a magic house to go to in order to escape.
So I still count this as one of the books that I read as a child but still love as an adult. I'd personally have preferred a slightly different ending; instead of , I'd have preferred that . But in general, it's still a book that any introverted, neglected, book-loving kid should identify with.
January 16, 2022
This is a book of my childhood and Norton was one of my fantasy idols. This young adult book does such a lovely job of capturing the feeling of trying to fit in while desperately feeling left out and of the magic that I wish I had access to in my girlhood. Norton does not shy away from difficult topics, but they are presented in a matter-of-fact way that makes them approachable. The conclusion of the book still feels puzzling and mysterious to me and I wish Norton had created an adult sequel to the story with her young heroine brought full circle to being now the mistress of the magic. My adult mind likes to imagine her in that role somewhere out in the world now.
July 21, 2020
When a lonely orphan girl is sent by her Canadian grandmother to live with a busy aunt in Ohio, she finds it difficult to settle in or make new friends. Then, rescuing a kitten from some rough boys, she stumbles into the grounds of the Octagon House, and finds a refuge with the elderly women who live there. Lorrie discovers a rocking horse on which she can travel back in time to the Victorian era, and a dollhouse replica of the Octagon House which reveals its many secrets. An engrossing children's fantasy.
February 8, 2018
Magical tale
It was 40+ years ago that I first read this book. I had borrowed It from the elementary school library as often as I could. I found It again on kindle unlimited, it was one I always remembered and wanted to read again to see if that magic was still there and it is. Octagon House will always live on it you remember.
It was 40+ years ago that I first read this book. I had borrowed It from the elementary school library as often as I could. I found It again on kindle unlimited, it was one I always remembered and wanted to read again to see if that magic was still there and it is. Octagon House will always live on it you remember.
January 1, 2020
A book from my childhood that did not quite stand up to a re-reading as an adult. It's not terrible, but the pacing is a little odd, and there are a lot of unanswered questions at the end. A 10-year-old would probably love it. Still, I look forward to re-reading Norton's other magic books to see if any of them fare better for adult readers.
September 18, 2023
This book is a lovely dose of nostalgia for me. I didn't remember many details so it was like reading it for the first time all over again. I even felt the shock and disappointment and wonder that the ending didn't turn out the way I thought it would. The non-happy happy ending, or non traditional happy ending, was refreshing. I am so glad I was able to find this book again.
March 10, 2024
Eight-year-old Lorrie is struggling with homesickness until she finds a welcome from a woman who lives in a strange, magical house.
I would have liked this more if I had read it when I was young, I think. It was still a pretty good read though I liked the parts set in the present more than those in the past. I wish there had been a sequel with grown-up Lorrie.
I would have liked this more if I had read it when I was young, I think. It was still a pretty good read though I liked the parts set in the present more than those in the past. I wish there had been a sequel with grown-up Lorrie.
July 2, 2020
Charming story about facing a new place and teasing.
April 12, 2021
A classic! Love Andre Norton's work!
June 7, 2021
Octagon House offers refuge and magic to those who seek it but on the dictates of magic, not the person- or the reader.
January 9, 2022
Borrowed from library:
Recently re discovered Ms Norton and found I hadn't read many of her books. Making up for that now♡
Recently re discovered Ms Norton and found I hadn't read many of her books. Making up for that now♡
August 17, 2022
Reread one of my childhood favorites.
February 13, 2024
Очень уютная книжка про девочку и старую добрую магию труда, мудрости и сострадания. Атмосфера хорошая. Может быть, немного не хватает выпуклости, но в общем для долгих зимних вечеров отлично сойдет.
January 15, 2017
I feel like I am dumping on my childhood by finding this book utterly boring. The first three "Magic" books were gifted to me as a child in a boxed set, and even though I didn't love them back when I was 8 or 9 either, they are responsible for a) me becoming a fantasy reader and public library user and b) getting my kind librarians to issue me an adult lending card so I could continue glomming Andre Norton books (and thus become introduced to science fiction as well.) But even under the spell of nostalgia, I am ready to give up a third of the way into the book.
EDITED TO ADD: I decided to read the entire book and it did get more interesting. It was slow and sad, though, despite trying to be an uplifting sort of sad (the "all things change and that's OK" type of sad/hopeful.)
Also, I remembered not being into these Magic books when I first tried to read them. But then I encountered the Chronicles of Prydain and a fire was lit. So it took two tries to read Norton's books back then, too.
EDITED TO ADD: I decided to read the entire book and it did get more interesting. It was slow and sad, though, despite trying to be an uplifting sort of sad (the "all things change and that's OK" type of sad/hopeful.)
Also, I remembered not being into these Magic books when I first tried to read them. But then I encountered the Chronicles of Prydain and a fire was lit. So it took two tries to read Norton's books back then, too.
August 2, 2010
This book was a little less... boring, than the first book in the series. I'm not sure why it's a series, but I noticed that Norton has a few series like that, where the stories are grouped based more on common themes than on any continuous story-line.
I think what intrigued me about this book was that it was less of an in-your-face 'children have a magical adventure and learn stuff' story, and more of a subtle piece about the changes that maturing over time can bring, instead of the changes that "adventures" cause. I could actually identify with the protagonist, and I liked the way she grew throughout the story, though that might have been that the story took place over months as opposed to the day that it took for 'Steel Magic'.
The magic was more subtle too - I liked that there's not really an explanation given for it, and in the end you realize, there really doesn't need to be. That's always best when it comes to magic.
I think what intrigued me about this book was that it was less of an in-your-face 'children have a magical adventure and learn stuff' story, and more of a subtle piece about the changes that maturing over time can bring, instead of the changes that "adventures" cause. I could actually identify with the protagonist, and I liked the way she grew throughout the story, though that might have been that the story took place over months as opposed to the day that it took for 'Steel Magic'.
The magic was more subtle too - I liked that there's not really an explanation given for it, and in the end you realize, there really doesn't need to be. That's always best when it comes to magic.
December 18, 2022
It is a third of the book sets to scene for our heroine before we even glimpse what the magic is. I found myself empathizing quite often with her struggles to be herself. The lesson of patience and understanding of others
Is clear; exemplified in what Miss Ashmeade says to Lorrie Mallard, our 11 1/2 year old narrator,
"Beginning is something very dull, and takes learning and practice"
p 66.
A constant theme of being safe, and finding that safe place to be.
"Blindness and unbelief, those are the two foes of magic. To see and to believe-- those who do have many gates to enter, if they choose."
p 98.
To tale is one that is how small moments can be so powerful as who go about our lives, learning to be better people through our struggles, and challenges.
The dialect is difficult for me to understand, and I am conflicted about the advice for handling bullies.
Is clear; exemplified in what Miss Ashmeade says to Lorrie Mallard, our 11 1/2 year old narrator,
"Beginning is something very dull, and takes learning and practice"
p 66.
A constant theme of being safe, and finding that safe place to be.
"Blindness and unbelief, those are the two foes of magic. To see and to believe-- those who do have many gates to enter, if they choose."
p 98.
To tale is one that is how small moments can be so powerful as who go about our lives, learning to be better people through our struggles, and challenges.
The dialect is difficult for me to understand, and I am conflicted about the advice for handling bullies.
Read
May 6, 2010Many people seem to think that Norton created a 'series' of 'Magic' books. There's little evidence of it--little or no continuity, for one thing.
This book could be considered an expansion of the short story of 'Miss Ruthven' (sp?). Similar themes and ideas, anyway, though with more (and more varied) stories.
Norton's stories are often stories of loners, but, oddly, her stories clad in 'modern' dress seem to be remarkably pushy about insisting that people socialize and conform. Why SHOULDN'T the protagonist withdraw into the life of a bookish hermit? What harm is she doing to anybody thereby, especially herself?
This book could be considered an expansion of the short story of 'Miss Ruthven' (sp?). Similar themes and ideas, anyway, though with more (and more varied) stories.
Norton's stories are often stories of loners, but, oddly, her stories clad in 'modern' dress seem to be remarkably pushy about insisting that people socialize and conform. Why SHOULDN'T the protagonist withdraw into the life of a bookish hermit? What harm is she doing to anybody thereby, especially herself?
February 25, 2014
This is a book about a 12 year old girl that has moved from Canada to live with her aunt. She is having problems because of the different customs, life style, and educational system. While having this difficulty, she discovers the Octagon house, and the magic it has within. It makes lasting changes in her life, as well as helping her to adapt to her new home and living conditions. It is a good read, and a little sorrowful. Made me teary eyed several times at the end.
April 22, 2015
Lorrie, a Canadian, is finding it hard to settle in the US at her aunt's home. Meeting Hallie and Miss Charlotta at the Octagon House, the house the other kids call the Witch House, is wonderful. Things she learns about the past of the house help her in the present. In the end, the house also gives her a future to look forward to.
May 2, 2010
I owned this book in junior high. I liked it then and still like it.
Well written and intriguing. The story has some suspense, some mystery, some magic and some mystery. Plus a bit of history. It all comes together in this well crafted tale of a lonely girl named Lorrie.
Well written and intriguing. The story has some suspense, some mystery, some magic and some mystery. Plus a bit of history. It all comes together in this well crafted tale of a lonely girl named Lorrie.
March 5, 2012
I loved this book! I read it in high school when a friend lent it to me. Amazon says it's for ages 10 and up. The story was truly magical and just sucked me in. I'd love to get my hands on a copy and read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews