Book Review of
The Scent of Water
A captivating story filled with English charm, luminous wisdom, and astounding spiritual insight”
Goudge’s singular gift is the depth and insight she brings to her characters. Mary Lindsay is a born and bred Londoner who has enjoyed her city life–a prestigious job, and friends with whom she takes in the city pleasures of theatre, art and music. But fleeting memories of a childhood visit to her father’s elderly cousin out in the country are revived with the news that the woman has willed her home, the Laurels, to Mary. She makes an uncharacteristically sudden and life-changing decision to leave London for the country. The gradual unfolding of her understanding of herself, of the now-deceased woman who has bequeathed her home to Mary, and of the people of Appleshaw, all weave together in a most memorable story of love’s redemptive power.
Customer Reviews:
“I am not a person who re-reads books, but this is one that I feel the need to read again on a regular basis. I wish this would be published again so I could share it with more people. Just reading the book felt like someone had given me a special gift.”
“It’s hard to describe this lovely, enchanting book. It’s one of my favorite books and I periodically reread it. It has lovely descriptions of Nature and is a story about the most sacred mystery there is: Love, all kinds of Love. This is probably one of the most life-affirming books I have ever read.”
Lynn's Review
The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge is the first book by Elizabeth Goudge that I have read and I can’t wait to read more by her. I have heard so many people say that they love her style of writing, so when I found The Scent of Water at a used book store on vacation I knew I had to buy it. It ended up being the perfect vacation read. I read it in one day. It loved it.
I don’t know how else to describe this besides to say that it is a charming story set in a rural English village. The author deals with difficult issues in an unexpected but well done way. Her writing and description of characters and place is great. It draws you into the characters lives and story. The book deals with sadness, illness, and everyday trials in a way few books do. This book is also a reminder that knowing your family and their history helps you know yourself better.
I was sad to see this book end. I wanted to know more and kind of wished their was a sequel. I can’t wait to read more by Elizabeth Goudge.