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Cover of At the Back of the North Wind

At the Back of the North Wind

Written by George MacDonald

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Fairy tales

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About this book

"At the Back of the North Wind" by George MacDonald is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Diamond who lives in a modest home above a coachhouse and experiences magical adventures with the personification of the North Wind. Through his encounters, themes of kindness, courage, and the mysteries of life and nature unfold as Diamond navigates the tension between comfort and the challenges of the world outside. The opening of the novel introduces Diamond, who sleeps in a hayloft above horses. During a stormy night, he hears a voice that belongs to the North Wind, who playfully argues with him about a hole in the wall that lets the cold air into his bed. This whimsical conversation reveals both the curiosity and innocence of Diamond as he interacts with this mysterious character. As the North Wind becomes increasingly involved in Diamond's life, he finds himself drawn into her fantastical world, leading to a series of adventures that promise to explore the deeper meanings of comfort, fear, and companionship. The narrative sets a tone of wonder and possibility, inviting young readers into a rich tapestry of imagination woven through Diamond's eyes.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in At the Back of the North Wind, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 9 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • spiritual
  • melancholy

George MacDonald's "At the Back of the North Wind" is a profound allegorical children's novel chronicling the extraordinary adventures of Diamond, a young boy living above a coach-house, who befriends the mysterious and powerful personification of the North Wind. Through their encounters, Diamond is transported to fantastical realms and witnesses the cyclical nature of life, death, and spiritual rebirth. The narrative explores the tension between earthly comfort and the challenging path of spiritual growth, as Diamond's innocent perspective allows him to perceive deeper truths about divine love and the compassionate purpose behind suffering. Ultimately, the story is a journey of spiritual awakening, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the transformative power of selflessness.

“"I am the North Wind. And I never change. I am always myself."”

Key themes

Death and Transcendence
This is the central theme, explored through North Wind's role in carrying souls to "the back of the North Wind." Death is consistently presented not as an end, but as a gentle, often beautiful, transition to a higher state of spiritual existence. MacDonald uses Diamond's innocent perspective to demystify and spiritualize death, suggesting it is part of a benevolent divine plan.
Divine Love and Providence
The novel portrays a pervasive, active divine love that guides all events, even those that appear harsh or destructive. North Wind embodies this providence, acting as an agent of a higher power whose actions, though sometimes causing discomfort or sadness, always lead to ultimate good and spiritual growth. The seemingly random occurrences in Diamond's life are shown to be part of a larger, benevolent design.
Innocence and Childhood
Diamond's childlike innocence is presented as a spiritual advantage, allowing him to perceive truths and interact with spiritual entities (like North Wind) that adults cannot. His pure heart, lack of cynicism, and unshakeable faith enable him to navigate complex spiritual landscapes and understand profound mysteries with simplicity and clarity.

Worth discussing

How does MacDonald portray the North Wind? Is she benevolent, destructive, or both? What does she symbolize?

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