Goody Hall
by Natalie Babbitt
Published by Square Fish Books
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Reviewed by Carrie Spellman
Hercules Feltwright was, until very recently, an actor. Wandering through a small town, Hercules stumbles upon a job as a tutor. He’s never been a tutor, but he’s played a teacher many times, and it was one of his favorite roles. This might be just what he’s looking for.
Goody Hall is the beautiful, if somewhat out-of-place mansion that houses Willet Goody and his mother. But Goody Hall also holds a mystery or two. There’s a father who may or may not be dead, a tomb and coffin that holds something, but not necessarily a person, and a mother who doesn’t miss her husband. Hercules has fallen into much more than just tutoring, and his student may have a thing or two to teach him before long.
As with any good mystery, each answer creates more questions. Soon myth and fiction collide and everyone will be surprised by who and what they truly are.
Goody Hall belongs on the list of timeless classics. While the book may age, the story doesn’t. It’s a book that is as much a pleasure to read as a child as it is for an adult. There is mystery, humor, history, and legend, all wrapped up in a wonderfully told story about interesting, likable people. And the fiery finish will captivate even the most jaded of children.
Armchair Interviews says: Whether this will be the first or fifteenth time you’ve read it, it’s worth every second.