Children of the New Forest

by Frederick Marryat
Children of the New Forest cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 6920
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
grantstevens.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2018-03-04
entertaining 4.50

The reviewer initially hesitated to read 'The Children of the New Forest' due to preconceived notions about Victorian boys' novels, but found it to be a lively, entertaining, and informative tale. They recommend it to modern readers interested in British history, childhood studies, or a well-written story of honor, loyalty, and survival.

The reviewer initially put off reading 'The Children of the New Forest' because they thought it would be a significant investment in time and energy, expecting it to be wordy and pompous like many Victorian boys' novels. However, they were pleasantly surprised when they started reading it on a bus ride home and found themselves thoroughly engaged. The story, set during the English Civil War, follows the four children of a loyalist colonel who are taken to a woodsman's cottage in the New Forest to keep them safe. The reviewer found the prose fluid and the descriptions lush and poetic, and they appreciated the tale's themes of honor, loyalty, and survival. They strongly recommend the book to any modern reader interested in British history, childhood studies, or a well-written story.

Quick quotes

    I had long put off reading 'Children of the New Forest', thinking that it would be a significant investment in time and energy, Victorian boys’ novels being what they are: wordy and often unnecessarily pompous or overly didactic in tone.

    By the time I reached home an hour later, I was a quarter of the way through the book and thoroughly engaged.

    I found 'The Children of the New Forest' a lively, entertaining, yet informative tale that I strongly recommend to any modern reader — of any age — interested in British history, childhood studies, or just a well-written tale of honour, loyalty, and survival in hard times.

vincereview.blogspot.com · Unknown · 2018-02-07
engaging 4.00

The Children of the New Forest is a captivating survival story set during the English Civil War, following four children who learn to live in the wild. While the characters are somewhat one-dimensional, the rich language and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy classic literature and adventure tales.

The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat is a compelling survival story set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. The narrative follows four children whose lives are uprooted due to their father's loyalties, forcing them to learn survival skills in the New Forest. The book's rich language and smooth narrative make it an engaging read, despite the one-dimensional characters. It's a great choice for those who enjoy classic literature and adventure stories, but it may not appeal to readers sensitive to outdated cultural elements. The book's strengths lie in its interesting plot and the way it pulls readers through the story, making it a special read.

Quick quotes

    This would be a good time for me to go ahead and say that, if thou art the kind of person that can’t handle Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family Robinson, and various other stories written nearly two centuries ago (or well over two centuries ago) because they contain elements that may not comport with modern culture, then this book will probably drive thee crazy.

    However, for anyone who understands that old books might possibly contain old, unpopular cultural elements _and_ can look past said cultural elements to enjoy the story; and, for anyone who enjoys exciting, living-in-the-wild types of works, this certainly delivers.

    Of course, no book is flawless, and if I had to identify a negative it would be that the characters are fairly one-dimensional (they’re very archetypal).

old-fashionedcharm.blogspot.com · Unknown · 2013-03-14
great 4.00

The reviewer revisits a beloved childhood classic, 'Children of the New Forest,' and finds it holds up well. They appreciate the characters' growth and the book's historical perspective, though some aspects may not align with modern sensibilities. The story's adventure and themes of self-sufficiency are highlighted, with a particular fondness for the character Humphrey.

The reviewer revisits 'Children of the New Forest,' a book they adored in their youth, and is pleased to find it still captivating. The story follows the Beverley children, orphaned during the English Civil War, as they adapt to life in the New Forest. The reviewer notes the growth of the characters, particularly Humphrey, who was initially overshadowed by his brother Edward. The book's historical context and themes of self-sufficiency are praised, though some modern readers might find certain aspects problematic. The reviewer appreciates the book's language and the characters' development, making it a worthwhile read despite some personal reservations about the depiction of hunting.

Quick quotes

    You have been more bold than prudent, Edward.

    In attempting to free ourselves from what we considered despotism, we have created for ourselves a worse despotism, and one that is less endurable.

    Edward: You certainly were not born to be secluded in this forest. Humphrey: I rather think I have found that I was born for it.

karynskidlitreviews.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2012-10-24
exciting 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed revisiting this classic adventure story set during the English Civil War, praising its engaging characters and exciting plot. They appreciated the historical context and the moral lessons woven into the narrative, making it a great read for both adults and children.

The reviewer was delighted to revisit 'The Children of the New Forest,' a classic adventure story that they had fond memories of from their childhood. Set during the English Civil War, the story follows four children who escape their burning ancestral home and learn to survive in the New Forest. The reviewer found the characters endearing and the plot exciting, with a good blend of historical context and moral lessons. They particularly enjoyed the journey from the children's childhood to adulthood, and the way the story is told through different perspectives. The reviewer also appreciated the spiritual content, with characters acting honorably and helping others, guided by their deep faith in God. Overall, they highly recommend the book, especially for those who love historical fiction and adventure stories, and for families looking for a great read together.

Quick quotes

    I love this book and had forgotten how interesting it is! There's great excitement from beginning to end and interesting tidbits from history.

    The characters are very easy to like and cheer for.

    I highly recommend The Children of the New Forest especially if you love historical fiction and stories with a bit of adventure!

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