
Reach for this book when you have a child who lingers over words, treasures small wonders in nature, or needs a quiet sanctuary from the noise of modern life. Come Hither is far more than a collection of poems; it is a gateway to the imagination framed by a beautiful, mysterious introductory tale about a boy exploring a secret house and its eccentric library. It serves as a masterclass in curiosity and the joy of discovery. While the poems span centuries and styles, they are united by a sense of lyrical beauty and timelessness. This anthology is ideal for older children and teens who appreciate a touch of the ethereal or the gothic, offering a sophisticated emotional palette that ranges from cozy delight to haunting mystery. It is a volume to be kept on a bedside table for years, providing comfort and creative inspiration through its rich vocabulary and deep respect for the inner life of the child.
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Sign in to write a reviewOccasional themes of loss, the passing of time, and old-fashioned depictions of war.
Published in 1923, some selections reflect the Eurocentric literary canon of that era.
The anthology includes themes of death, mourning, and the supernatural. These are handled through a secular, metaphorical lens typical of the 19th and early 20th-century literary tradition. Some poems deal with the transience of life or the haunting nature of memory, but the resolution is generally one of aesthetic appreciation rather than despair.
An introspective 12-year-old who feels out of sync with their peers and finds more companionship in books and the natural world than in social media. It is for the 'old soul' who values atmosphere over high-speed action.
Parents should read the 'The Story of this Book' (the prologue) first. Some archaic language in the older poems may benefit from being read aloud to help the child find the rhythm. A parent might notice their child struggling with the 'flatness' of everyday life or expressing a deep, perhaps lonely, creative streak. They might hear their child asking big questions about what stays behind when things change.
A 10-year-old will be drawn to the fairies, animals, and the initial mystery of the house. An 18-year-old will appreciate the sophisticated craft of the verse and the philosophical depth of the 'About and Roundabout' notes.
Unlike standard anthologies, this is a curated journey. The inclusion of the prologue and the idiosyncratic, deeply personal footnotes makes it feel like a shared secret between the author and the reader.
The book begins with an influential prose prologue about a boy named Simon who discovers 'Thrae,' a house owned by the mysterious Mr. Nahum. Within the house is a vast collection of poems and notes. This framing device transitions into a massive anthology of over 600 poems curated by de la Mare, categorized into themes like 'Morning and May,' 'Elphin, Ouph and Fay,' and 'War.' It includes extensive commentary ('About and Roundabout') that adds layers of folklore and literary context.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.