Highly Entertaining

The House In Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively is an entertaining novel for children aged ten years and over. It was penned in 1974 but is still reaching audiences today.

The action is set in Oxford as we follow a young girl, living with her aunts. She has the most amazing experiences as she sleeps – could this be real? Or imagined?

Having found artefacts from New Guinea, the young girl has vivid dreams about the tribes. Penelope Lively brings the exotic landscapes to life, with her magnificent descriptions. The book springs to life in glorious technicolour.

The leading lady is very kind, having empathy for those around her. Her elderly aunts are taken care of as the teen anticipates their needs.

There are old and new friendships, all are welcomed at the house in Norham Gardens.

This is a very vibrant novel. The reader appreciates the full descriptions of the landscapes.

All the characters were well drawn and easy to empathise with.

I thoroughly enjoyed The House In Norham Gardens. It was a highly entertaining read.

JULIA WILSON