The magic cottage is a popular theme in literature and folklore. It refers to a quaint and enchanting dwelling that is imbued with mystical powers or inhabited by magical creatures. The cottage itself often possesses a sense of charm, beauty, and wonder. In many stories, the magic cottage serves as a sanctuary or refuge for the protagonist. It offers a safe haven from the outside world and provides a respite from the challenges and hardships of everyday life. The cottage is usually hidden away in a secluded location, deep in the heart of a forest or atop a mystical mountain.
(WARNING: this review contains spoilers.)
It s the narration that keeps the novel going, even when the plot itself stumbles towards the end as it becomes wrapped in theories of what magic is probably realising this, Herbert has the narrator laugh uncontrollably at some of the mumbojumbo spouted by the head cultist. The cottage s empathy with nature later reveals rather less benevolent manifestations, and Mycroft s offer to help Midge contact her deceased parents has Mike worried about her susceptibility to the demands of the Synergists.
The cottage is usually hidden away in a secluded location, deep in the heart of a forest or atop a mystical mountain. The magic cottage is typically described as having a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Its walls may be adorned with intricate tapestries or painted with vibrant murals.
The Magic Cottage (1986) by James Herbert
The old, quaint cottage of the title is the opposite of the Money Pit in that it actually repairs itself and heals small animals to boot. Having come far from the quick-paced fireworks of The Rats or The Fog, The Magic Cottage finds Herbert in a more eloquent but no less effective mode.
A couple, guitarist Mike and illustrator Midge, purchase the old Gramarye house out in the country after its previous owner, old Flora, kicks the bucket. The house is in a very bad condition but somehow very appealing to Midge, so money (lack of which is resolved, should we say, magically?) and keys exchange hands. The couple hires renovators to fix the myriad problems, only for the repairmen to discover there’s not much to repair. Small things begin to occur, an injured bird heals overnight, shadows lurk on the outskirts of the house and Mike has hallucinatory experienses in the round room, a large room that happens to be, you guessed it, round. Also, their next door neighbours reveal themselves to be affable cultists led by a nice-mannered American, but of course being cultists they are out for blood, or at least the land the house stands on. The battle for English real estate is on.
Herbert knocks it out of the park with the narrator, Mike. Mike’s voice is smart, but not too smart, his reactions to the events unfolding around him realistic and relatable. He’s not a manly hero, most of the time he’s stumbling around like any of us would, even when he nobly takes on a group of punks accosting some of the younger cultists early in the novel. The cultists aren’t badly drawn either, coming across as sensible folks, as cultists always do, I guess, before their masks fall off.
It’s the narration that keeps the novel going, even when the plot itself stumbles towards the end as it becomes wrapped in theories of what magic is (probably realising this, Herbert has the narrator laugh uncontrollably at some of the mumbojumbo spouted by the head cultist). The Magic Cottage isn’t a major horror novel, there’s barely any horror in it, not to mention Herbert’s trademark gore, but it’s a pleasant, well-written little novel in a wonderful setting that slowly unwraps its secrets and delivers where it counts.
**** (4/5)
* * * * *Top Read 2017 * * * * *
The furniture is often ornate and beautifully crafted, creating an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. The cottage may also be surrounded by a lush garden filled with vibrant flowers, fragrant herbs, and magical plants. In some tales, the magic cottage is inhabited by magical creatures. These fantastical beings may include fairies, elves, or talking animals. They serve as custodians of the cottage, ensuring that its magical properties are preserved and protected. They may also serve as guides or mentors to the protagonist, imparting wisdom and aiding them on their journey. The magic cottage often possesses incredible powers or abilities. It may be able to grant wishes, heal wounds, or provide endless sustenance. The cottage may also serve as a gateway to other realms or dimensions, offering the protagonist the opportunity to explore new worlds and embark on incredible adventures. The concept of the magic cottage is deeply rooted in human imagination and our desire for escape and enchantment. It represents a longing for a simpler, more magical existence, where anything is possible. The magic cottage serves as a symbol of hope, reminding us that even in the most mundane of circumstances, there is always the possibility for something extraordinary to occur. Overall, the magic cottage is a captivating and enduring concept in literature and folklore. Its allure lies in the promise of escape, adventure, and the power of the imagination. Whether it exists solely in our minds or manifests in the physical world, the magic cottage continues to captivate and inspire readers and dreamers around the world..
Reviews for "Creating a Magical Atmosphere in Your Cottage"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars
I'm sorry, but "The Magic Cottage" just didn't do it for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and the plot was predictable and cliche. I was hoping for a thrilling and captivating story, but instead, I found myself bored and uninterested. The writing style was also not to my taste, as it felt disjointed and hurried. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. James - 1/5 stars
"The Magic Cottage" was a complete letdown. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution was extremely poor. The pacing was all over the place, with unnecessary scenes dragging on while important moments were rushed through. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire book, unable to suspend my disbelief. Save yourself the time and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Magic Cottage," but it quickly fell flat for me. The story started off promising, hinting at mystery and intrigue, but it quickly lost its momentum. The constant repetition of certain phrases and ideas became annoying, and the ending was a major letdown. It felt rushed and unfinished, leaving me unsatisfied. I also found some of the characters to be unlikable and poorly developed, which made it difficult to invest in their journey. Overall, this book did not live up to the hype for me.