Wilfrid Cumbermede

"Wilfrid Cumbermede" by George MacDonald is a tale told through Wilfrid's eyes as he looks back on his younger years, touching on subjects like who we are, what makes us who we are, and how we understand our place in the world. As he deals with his upbringing, connections with others, and the effects of his family, like his uncle, aunt, and great-grandmother, the story prepares us for a trip of self-discovery and personal development. The book starts by showing us Wilfrid's thoughtful and somewhat sad personality, as he's now an older man. He thinks about how the past and future mix together as he gets ready to share his life story. We get to see the peaceful but strange place where he grew up, a place marked by being alone and by the presence of different family members. Wilfrid's interest in the things around him, like an old sword and a strange pendulum, sparks his imagination and early adventures. These thoughts are mixed with realizing how complicated families can be and how time changes things, setting the stage for a deep look into the experiences that shaped him.