In the English countryside, siblings Gerald, Jimmy, and Kathleen discover a sprawling estate they mistake for a fairy palace. There they meet Madelaine, the housekeeper’s niece, who pretends to be an enchanted princess. The children find a ring that actually confers invisibility, leading to a series of escalating complications. Their wishes frequently backfire, manifesting as animated scarecrows called Ugly-Wuglis that come to life and a transformation that turns one sibling into a giant. The characters must navigate these supernatural rules while hiding the consequences from the adult world.
This novel serves readers interested in the transition from Victorian fairy tales to modern urban fantasy. It appeals to those who enjoy logic-based magic systems where every wish carries a specific, often literal, penalty. Readers gain a perspective on Edwardian social structures through the eyes of children managing independent adventures. The book provides a template for stories where magic is a chaotic force handled through trial, error, and practical problem-solving rather than moral lessons or destiny.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1907
- Language
- EN
