This is a children's story, but like Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, it is enjoyable for adults as well. The story follows a young princess named Irene and a young miner named Curdie, and tells of their assorted adventures, culminating in a plot by goblins against the princess, her father the king, and all the humans associated with them. In some respects, the story is reminiscent of Lewis' The Silver Chair (or, more accurately, the other way around.) There is humour, and there is adventure, but it's not too scary, and you know things must turn out right in the end, because there's a sequel. But the plot doesn't really explain the story, because MacDonald has the most amazing imagination.

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