In Philippa Pearce's Tom's Midnight Garden … the idea that time has no barriers was embodied in nearly perfect literary form. No loose ends, no inconsistencies mar the book. Miss Pearce can explain with few words but great conviction such supernatural events as Tom's passing through a closed door or the actual process of a room's transformation from its unfamiliar past appearance to its familiar present. Tom's acceptance of the fact that he can enjoy a garden that had existed long before his birth and friendship with a girl who had played in the garden more than half a century before is wholly believable. The book is a model of what can be done with an intricate theme by a writer endowed with literary style, understanding of children, and a clear insight into her own vision. (p. 477)
Ruth Hill Viguers, "Worlds without Boundaries: Literary Fairy Tales and Fantasy," in A Critical History of Children's Literature, by Cornelia Meigs, Anne Thaxter Eaton, Elizabeth Nesbitt, and Ruth Hill Viguers, edited by Cornelia Meigs (copyright © 1953, 1969 by Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.), revised edition, Macmillan, 1969, pp. 446-83.∗
This is a free excerpt of 187 words. There are 192 words (approx.
1 page at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Pearce, (Ann) Philippa 1920–: Critical Essay by Ruth Hill Viguers Access Pass.
