Customer Reviews
a story for all time, all ages - By: Nina-Jo Rees, 20 Jul 2008 
This is a classic story for children, set in the 50's, it is about time, memory & friendship.
Tom, lonely & isolated as he is in quarantine, finds his way back in time, at night (when the halll clock strikes 13), to a wonderful old garden & a little girl callled Hattie, who, to his curiosity, is dressed in old fashioned clothes. The two lonely children become friends & I don't want to give away the beautifully devoloped plot, but Tom slowly realises that Hattie is growing up, while he remains the same age.
The atmosphere of the story is both mysterious & engaging, as Tom slowly works out where he is & who Hattie reallly is.
The end of the story takes in the biblical idea of time coming to & end, or the modern notion of not existing at alll & the recognition that Tom & Hattie can/could be friends across time & for always.
Essential reading, - By: Kate Aked, 22 Jan 2008 A beautiful & tradtional story of magic, freindship & growing up. Adored by my children, loved by me.
Every school shelf should be stocked with this classic & every home shelf too.
When the trend for books is to 'gross out' young readers, this story reminds us that there is & always will be space for beautifully written well told enchanting stories.
