logo

49 pages 1 hour read

At the Back of the North Wind

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1871

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
George MacDonald

At the Back of the North Wind

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1871
Book Details
Pages

317

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 19th century

Publication Year

1871

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald tells the story of a young boy named Diamond who embarks on nighttime adventures with the mystical North Wind. Through these journeys, which take him to places like London and the back of the North Wind, Diamond encounters various characters, faces life’s hardships, and ultimately brings kindness and hope to those around him.

Fantastical

Contemplative

Serene

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

8,422 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald captivates with its enchanting blend of fairy tale and philosophy. Readers appreciate the lyrical prose and profound themes of love and loss, but some find the narrative's pacing uneven. The novel's rich allegory and memorable characters make it a lasting treasure for both children and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read At the Back of the North Wind?

A modern reader who delights in richly imaginative tales and profound moral lessons akin to C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia or J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan would cherish George MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind. This whimsical story intertwines fantasy with deep philosophical themes, engaging both young readers and adults alike.

4.2

8,422 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

317

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 19th century

Publication Year

1871

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.