I don't know what it is about even the idea of a secret passage... There's something magical, alluring, and mysterious
that I find quite irresistible. I'm sure that one of the things that got me hooked on
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was that the children got into Narnia through the wardrobe! I remember going to an open inspection just before a house was auctioned, years ago in Adelaide. The house was one of the old ones in a southern suburb - complete with a creek halfway down the huge back yard, that you crossed via a little wooden bridge to get to the orchard at the very back (an orchard...). The whole house was a bit of a fantasy really, but the thing that made me never forget it was the upstairs. There were three bedrooms up in the roof - not little pokey attics, either. They were large airy rooms with big dormer windows (with window seats...) and delightfully mad random sloping ceilings. The best thing was that you wound around narrow passageways in the roof to get to them. The passageways were too narrow and convoluted - especially to the room I'd have claimed as mine if I could have had the house - to be called corridors or hallways. They had an air of secretiveness about them, and that room in particular was tucked away and very private.
I was sent this link on Facebook this morning and just had to share it with you. When I went to Google images for the pic, I found many, many more... If you love a hideaway to read in peace, you'll enjoy these, I think!
Oh yes. I'd like one of those but sadly our lovely house isn't big enough. I think probably any secret passage behind our books would lead into next door. And I don't suppose the neighbours would be very pleased!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know exactly what you mean about the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.
But did you ever read Elidor? What went on on the other side of the front door gave me nightmares for weeks.
Isn't there a book or series that has people moving through houses...? That rings a very faint bell.
DeleteElidor I don't know...I will investigate!
Elidor by Alan Gardner. 4 children accidentally fall into another world and are given 4 very previous treasures to keep safe. When they make it home the treasures look broken and manky. And they are flowed into this world by the bad guys. I have never read it as an adult because I was scared so much as a child (I'm a lot less brave these days!)
DeleteIf there isn't a book or a series about people moving through houses there really ought to be. It sounds little bit Green Knowe or maybe a little Still She Wished for Company where things happen in parts of the house that isn't there any more. Sort of!
That'll teach me not to proof read. That's Alan Garner
DeleteLOL! Even when you proofread, there's so often that rogue error that slides through...!
DeleteDo you know, I reckon it might be The Magician's Nephew where they go through the attics and come through into the different houses. I have to replace my Narnia books, then I can check!
No need. You are quite right. Polly & Diggory (what kind of name is that?) do go between the attics.
DeleteDo try Children of Green Knowe by LM Bston if you don't know it. I also like Chimneys of Green Knowe. There are 4 others but I don't like them so much.