At the Back of the North Wind

"At the Back of the North Wind" by George MacDonald is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Diamond who befriends the North Wind, a mystical and capricious character who sweeps him away on adventures. Through Diamond's relationship with the North Wind, the narrative explores themes of kindness, imagination, and the impact of one's actions on others. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Diamond, who lives in a modest loft above a coach house with his family. He is a curious and brave little boy who finds himself conversing with the North Wind, who has a very unique perspective on the world. Their dialogue leads to playful misunderstandings about windows, which foreshadow Diamond’s forthcoming adventures with her. As Diamond learns more about the North Wind, he is fascinated and also a bit frightened by her power, setting the stage for his journey into wonder and discovery. This opening chapter establishes the whimsical, otherworldly tone of the story while hinting at a deeper exploration of friendship and bravery as Diamond's adventures unfold.