Enjoy the adventures of eleven year-old Portia, who together with her younger brother, Foster, spend a summer with their cousin, Julian, engaged in more than the usual summer pastimes of sun, fun and games!
The three intrepid children soon discover a fascinating abandoned summer resort, consisting of deserted crumbling Victorian summer homes surrounding a vanished lake, which is now a swamp. But, best of all, they discover and befriend an elderly eccentric brother and sister who tell them the story of Gone-Away Lake!
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"What a find! I discovered this book a few years ago, along with its sequel, "Return to Gone-Away Lake", and loved them! I had to ask myself, "How did I miss these books during my childhood?" They should not be missed by any book lovers out there. This is true, quality writing. The children in these books have wonderful summer adventures and forge wholesome friendships that will probably remind any reader of their own childhood. Classic!"
— Bookwyrmgyrl (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is a sweet story that I wish I would have known about when I was about 11. It has all the magic that children dream about. "
— Andrea, 1/26/2014" My dad suggested I read this book (well, he sort of forced me to), saying it was sort of like The Moffats, which I love, so I read it and loved it, too! Luckily there is a follow-up book, Return to Gone-Away. Elizabeth Enright is now one of my favorite childrens' authors. "
— Ellie, 1/19/2014" My teacher had me read this book for a guided reading group, and it was okay. I can't say it was my favorite book, but I can't say I hated it either. "
— Nick, 1/4/2014" This is a sweet book and very mellow. The description sounds all mysterious but it's no mysterious the Little House on the Prairie. "
— Jen, 12/30/2013" Another book I loved as a child and chose to re-read. The characters and nature scenes are especially well done in this story of two cousins who discover a forgotten lake and have a magical summer. "
— CAO, 12/25/2013" A nostalgic, enjoyable children's read. I previewed it for my kids and was hooked! "
— Marlo, 12/21/2013" Gone-Away Lake is a really good book about 2 kids named Portia and Julian who are out explorind when they find a rock, a swamp, and old abandoned ghost town. "
— Grace, 11/19/2013" i detested this book "
— Natalie, 10/24/2013" Delightful children's story from a simpler time "
— Scottmangan, 10/23/2013" This is a ok book "
— Dalton, 10/19/2013" I loved the vanished Lake Tarrigo's past life, Mrs. Cheever's hermitude, the Victorian achitecture, the well-embroidered names, and the cousins who were best friends. "
— Emily, 6/19/2013" This book is really dated in a good way. It tells a story that just couldn't happen in today's world, which adds to the original magic. There is a bit of gender stereotyping, but there are also wonderful little passages about children's behavior and the experience of being out in the woods. "
— Lisa, 5/18/2013" I would have adored this book as a kid. Portia and Julian have the kind of summer adventure I would have loved! "
— Catherine, 4/16/2013" Sweet, with rich and particular details. No surprises, but that's okay. "
— Melissa, 1/28/2013" This book and it's squeal are two of my favorite books of all time. I have read them each at least 6 times. They are like a dream. Every child wants to go off exploring in the woods and find an old ghost town, but these two kids, actually find one! "
— Allie, 6/1/2012" perfectly stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Elise, 5/7/2012" I love Enright's writing and her characters. While they have faults, they are good kids that make good choices and treat each other with respect. "
— Sally, 3/29/2012" It was good but i think it was kiddish. "
— Drews, 2/16/2012" I thought about the Penderwicks while reading this book; it has the feeling of kids on adventure with the freedom to search their surroundings; no TV, ipods, Wii players to tied them indoors. A bygone era; probably so; such a shame! "
— Jane, 1/6/2012" Loved this book. It made me wish for the days of my own youthful summers. If only the world were still so simple and wholesome! "
— Bethany, 12/3/2011" One of my childhood favorites. "
— Sandi, 10/21/2011" It is a cozy, homey kind of book. "
— Sonja, 5/8/2011" loved it (and its sequel) as a preteen. "
— J, 10/5/2010" Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but then it is hard to improve on perfection ;) And it's still really excellent, and a wonderful comfort read, even if the plot isn't as interesting and a tad more repetative. "
— Kiwiria, 8/23/2010" I like this, but not nearly as well as the first book. I think this reread was only the third time I've read this one and it really just isn't as good as the first. "
— Natalie, 7/5/2010" The sequel to the wonderful Gone Away Lake allows us to return to the great characters one more time. Minnie and Pin are fun as always and the kids continue to explore, especially their new house, the former Villa Caprice. Fun, but not as extraordinary as the original. "
— David, 6/4/2010" The focus this time is not on the swamp and its decaying houses (although they do play their part) but on the old house being made new for a modern family to live it. A warm and wonderful booked drenched in the sense of forever and of discovery that made summer so magical in childhood. "
— Kathryn, 3/29/2010" I was just reflecting, as I often do, on the genius of Elizabeth Enright. <br/> <br/>*** <br/>He turned to his cousin. "I've named him already, though, and I named him after you: Julian Jarman Frog." <br/> <br/>"Thanks a lot," Julian said. "I appreciate that a lot." "
— Laurie, 2/7/2010" I may love this sequel even better than the original, which is saying something! "
— Lisa, 2/5/2010" the blake family moves to a new house: the villa caprice. they discover tons of secrets, but read the first book to understand this book "
— Hannah, 9/8/2009" Another of my favorite comfort books--another wonderful summer at Gone-Away, exploring a house that has been closed for fifty years. "
— Rebecca, 8/10/2009" I remember these being some of my favorite books when I was younger...but that's sadly about all I remember now. "
— Jennifer, 3/24/2009" The sequel to <em>Gone-Away Lake</em>, this novel is just as fun and interesting. "
— Sarah, 2/19/2009" A wonderful Sequel to Gone Away Lake. I enjoyed the suspense and the fantasy in it. Very enjoyable children's book. "
— Melanie, 12/17/2008" I was kindof disappointed with this book. I don' think it is as good as he first Gone-Away book. "
— Molly's, 6/27/2008Colleen Delany has been a sparkling jewel in the crown of Washington’s vastly talented acting community for thirty-seven days now and will confidently challenge to a fierce best out of three in “paper-rock-scissors” anyone wishing to topple her from that lofty perch. Primarily a stage actress,—having played roles at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Folger Shakespeare Library, Studio Theatre, Olney Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, Theater J, Washington Stage Guild, Theater of the First Amendment, and Source Theatre, among others—Ms. Delany does a you-name-it of various acting jobs, including audiobook narration.