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.

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.

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

- At the Back of the North Wind was initially serialized in Good Words for the Young, a children’s magazine edited by MacDonald, in 1868 before it was published as a book in 1871.
- The book combines elements of fantasy and Christian allegory, a trademark style of George MacDonald, who significantly influenced later fantasy authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
- At the Back of the North Wind features illustrations by Arthur Hughes, a well-known artist of the Victorian era who frequently collaborated with MacDonald on his children's books.

**Diamond**  
A young boy with pale features and blue eyes, who embarks on surreal adventures with a mysterious, shape-shifting entity known as the North Wind. His amiable and compassionate nature is evident through his interactions with family and friends.  

**The North Wind**  
A supernatural being capable of taking many forms, most often appearing as a tall, beautiful woman. She guides Diamond through his experiences and plays a central role in his imaginative journeys.  

**Mother**  
The loving and diligent mother of Diamond, who manages the household with care and frugality. She is attentive to her children's needs and exemplifies kindness in her relationships.  

**Father**  
Known as Joseph, he is a hardworking man striving to support his family while imparting practical skills to Diamond. His dedication to his family is mirrored in his loyalty as an employee and affection for his son.  

**The Narrator**  
An unnamed figure who occasionally inserts himself into the narrative and later appears as a character. He provides a compassionate perspective and validates Diamond's experiences throughout the story.

George MacDonald

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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At the Back of the North Wind Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6 

At the Back of the North Wind Chapters 1-6  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13

At the Back of the North Wind Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-23 

At the Back of the North Wind Chapters 14-23  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-30

At the Back of the North Wind Chapters 24-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-38

At the Back of the North Wind Chapters 31-38 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

At the Back of the North Wind Character Analysis

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Themes

At the Back of the North Wind Themes

Symbols & Motifs

At the Back of the North Wind Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

At the Back of the North Wind Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

At the Back of the North Wind Essay Topics

At the Back of the North Wind

Before You Read

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