Every so often, one finds a book that speaks for its generation—and "The Children of the House" is such a book….

These are the memories of Brian Fairfax-Lucy's childhood—and, as told by Philippa Pearce, they are eloquent. The simplicity, truth, and lack of emphasis in this story are virtually Chekhovian, and it is a stouthearted reader who will not weep.

Barbara Wersba, "'The Children of the House'," in The New York Times Book Review, Part II (© 1968 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), November 3, 1968, p. 38.