Goody Hall

by Natalie Babbitt

An out-of-work actor, Hercules Feltwright, stumbles into a job tutoring Willet Goody, the only child of a widow living in a large, lonely house. Willet quickly involves his tutor in the search to discover the truth surrounding his father. The mystery unfolds with the discovery of hidden treasure, a gypsy seance, and the frightening exploration of the tomb of Midas Goody.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Juvenile

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Natalie Zane Babbitt was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. Her 1975 novel, Tuck Everlasting, was adapted into two feature films and a Broadway musical. She received the Newbery Honor and Christopher Award, and was the U.S. nominee for the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1982.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be tremendously clever when I read it as a child. I particularly liked the parallels between the life-stories of itinerant hat-maker/actor/tutor Hercules Feltwright, and his mythological namesake. For this reason, I chose to read it aloud to my son immediately after finishing D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, to prove to him that knowing mythology would enrich his life by opening his eyes to allusions, just like I said it would, darn it. Unfortunately Goody Hall just wasn't as intricate as I'd recalled -- in my fond memory, each and every one of Hercules' twelve labors had a slightly silly counterpart in this book, but actually only a scant four or five were referenced. The main thread of the story (which I'd largely forgotten) didn't hold my interest enough to make up for this disenchantment.

[Jersy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It probably leans a bit younger than the other books I've read by Babbitt so far, is a bit more adventurous and silly and not as deep as Tuck Everlasting and The Eye of the Amaryllis. Still, I had a great time with it and I think the actual target group will even more.
The mystery behind Goody Hall and its inhabitants was creative and fun and the some of the characters, especially the protagonist Herkules Feltwright, are pretty memorable. Sure, for an adult some of the story will seem far fetched, but for books like these, I'm very willing to suspend my disbelieve. If you do, it's actually a good mystery, with all the clues given to guess along. Apart from that the atmosphere is cozy and Herkules has a great dynamic with both his pupil Willet and the Romani woman Alfreida.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, a long short-story. Glad I read it as the characters were an interesting lot!

[Lillian Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Natalie Babbitt, which is why I only gave this book 4 stars. That doesn't make much sense at first probably, but here's the thing: I have very high expectations for any book by Babbitt, so if this were by another author it would get five stars but it just isn't as good as Babbitt's other books. Goody Hall was a mystery about a boy and his new tutor trying to figure out what was so odd about the story of Midas Goody's, the boy's father, death. Young Willet Goody and his tutor, Hercules Feltwright, piece together many bizarre clues to discover the truth.

The premise of the story was interesting, and all the characters were weird and bizarre and enthralling, but the book was just a bit slow. When a book is less than 200 pages, there's hardly an opportunity to get bored, but I found myself in that situation. Usually I can finish a book by Babbitt in one sitting, but this one took me a few days. I loved the ending, how it all came together, but getting through it was not as fun as it usually is when I read one of Babbitt's books.

I would still recommend this book to people, but I wouldn't tell them to put it too high on their list. They can read this after they've exhausted the supply of downright amazing books by Babbitt: The Search for Delicious, Tuck Everlasting, The Eyes of the Amaryllis, and The Devil's Storybook should all be read first. My favorite thing about Goody Hall was that the ending made sense with all the clues given, but I did not predict it until a few pages before, and even then there were some parts I couldn't predict. There was nothing cliche about this book, I just wish some parts had moved a bit faster.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hercules Feltwright was an actor, but decided to leave his acting troupe in exchange for the career of a tutor. And a tutor is needed at Goody Hall, where he is headed.

There he begins to tutor Willet Goody, who is the only child of the widow Mrs. Goody.

Willet's father is supposed to be dead, but he doesn't believe that is so. Soon he involves Hercules and together they search for the truth about Willet's father.

This book was a little slow to start, but it turns out to be quite good. There is a bit of mystery, which I definitely liked. The characters, I think, are all a bit strange in their own ways, but that makes them interesting.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read. I love Natalie Babbitt's style of writing. Her stories are just so. . . I'm not sure I can find a word for them. But they are imaginative and this one was just as good as others I've by her. I found that I really loved Goody Hall and it's cast of characters. It's a rather charming book that I would definitely read again.

[Chris Popp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's the third Natalie Babbitt I've read, after Tuck Everlasting and The Search for Delicious. Her writing is extraordinary. It elevates relatively simple stories into polished gemstones of magical prose. The characters here are quite good too. Witness Hercules Feltwright, who misquotes Shakespeare with impunity and is a young-but-wise tutor. Witness the Goody family, who are not so happy in their beautiful house. Witness Alfreida and Alfresco Rom, and Dora Tidings and her brother the blacksmith. All these characters spring to life and enrich a mysterious, surprising, and ultimately very moving plot about family and identity.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hercules Feltwright comes to Goody Hall to tutor Willet Goody, he learns of some mysterious events that happened five years before. Mott Snave stole jewels and a Cerberus statue from the church bishop, and John Constant, a local farmer, rode off to catch him. Neither man was ever seen again. During this time, Willet's father, Midas Goody, died when he fell from his horse. Willet tells Hercules that he doesn't believe that his father is dead, because he heard something clank inside the coffin as it was carried to the tomb. Hercules and Willet set out to solve the mystery. First, Willet finds jewels hidden in his mother's stool. Then, Hercules attends a seance and is told that Midas Goody isn't "on the other side." Dressed as Mott Snave, Hercules goes to the Goody tomb, opens the coffin, and finds the Cerberus statue inside. That night, on the way back to Goody Hall, he meets the real Mott Snave. If Midas Goody and Mott Snave are not dead, where is John Constant? What is the connection between these men and the Cerberus statue?
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another gem from Natalie Babbitt. This one is about an actor-turned-teacher (he liked playing the role!) named Hercules Feltwright who lands his first job tutoring Willet Goody in his impressive but lonely family home. Hercules misquotations of Shakespeare and herculean (pun intended) feats are most enjoyable, and Willet's longing for the father he doesn't believe is dead is most touching. This is literal cloak and dagger stuff. Adult readers will see what's coming up next, but it's a good read for boys who like bandits and hidden treasures.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Natalie Babbitt that I have read. I enjoyed this mystery so much that I must look up some more of her books to read.

It seems this tale is meant for tweens and teens, but I enjoyed it immensely.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy read and a cute story. The plot was interesting and I didn't want to put the book down, but it wasn't too deep or philosophical like Tuck Everlasting. Check it out.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, but it didn't even compare with Tuck Everlasting

[Bibliomama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a little boy who believes his father is still alive (clank) and the tutor who helps him discover the truth thereby proving his own worth. Not Babbitt's best maybe, but still goody.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has to be set in a rural area somewhere in England, although a place is never specified. Introduces kids to the mythological Hercules, which is the tutor's name.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Babbitt never misses. This laugh-out-loud tale features allusions to Greek mythology, family trauma, mystery and a happy ending. Recommend for everyone and anyone.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- In many ways, this 1972 Edgar Award Honor book reminded me of a classic play. The main character, Hercules Feltwright, forewent his hat-making (Feltwright, get it?!) family legacy and became an actor. Then, when that became 'old', he becomes an instant tutor - of a fashion, which lands him at Goody Hall. As the new tutor for Willet Goody, Hercules does not expect to become involved in a mystery, but indeed he does. The mystery of Willet's dead father involves a legend - which has become more like a tall tale, a treasure of jewels, and some colorful characters. Solving the mystery requires Hercules to call upon his likeness to the mythical-being namesake that his mother has always perpetuated. The housekeeper of Goody Hall, Dora Tiding, and her blacksmith brother are almost like a chorus, providing commentary at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. I enjoyed this, but again, I did not feel incredibly connected to the characters nor, sadly enough, excited about the story.

[Cosmos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, I guess. There wasn't much to it in my opinion. It was an enjoyable read but wasn't that greatly interesting. The main character is Hercules Feltwright who is a actor who left the stage so to say. He accidentally ends up tutoring the young rich boy Willet Goody. He finds out that Willet doesn't believe the stories of his fathers death and is dragged into the mess of the Goody family.
Hercules knows the stories of Mott Snave and finds that it might have something to do with Midas Goody who is Willet's father. Hercules goes and looks into Midas's grave and finds that there is a statue of Cerberus inside to make it feel heavy. When Hercules and Willet confront Mrs. Goody she confesses why she goes to the city every few days without doing anything. After a while Mr. Goody comes back and the entire story is told.
After that Mrs and Mr Goody go of with Willet to a nice farm area and yeah the story pretty much just ends there.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quaint and rather silly re-visiting of the Hercules mythology. I enjoyed the jumbled Shakespeare quotes from Hercules Feltwright, but they lead me to believe that he was likely a frustration to his fellow cast members during his time as an actor. He obviously struggles to recall his lines! I did love the line, in regards to this character, "Hercules Feltwright wished instead to be his own true self, which is the best wish of all." This novel will not work for every young reader, but if they are well-read or precocious enough, they will find a lot of moments that will make them smile.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Babbitt's books have the same magical, whimsical, fairy tale type feel to them. My only gripe is that they are too short! Hercules Feltright wasn't my favorite character, but I did love the mystery of the father's whereabouts and Hercules' part in it. It is somewhat convenient how everything simply fell into place in under 200 pages and in a few day's time in the novel, but we can chalk it up to this story being more a morality tale than a believable work of fiction. I often wonder how Babbitt would have fared writing a proper novel- one with more than 300 pages.
I really enjoyed this little book, and I'm excited to see what else Babbitt has in store.

[Carfig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written update of the trials of Hercules, even though he doesn't feel he lives up to his name. And the Goody family--missing dad, proud mom, almost neglected boy--living in a beautiful house. The mom says, We built this house to match all our dreams, dreams for ourselves and you," having come into wealth from poor backgrounds. When the boy doesn't appreciate it, she adds, I've given up everything for this." Oddly enough, money and beautiful things don't buy/bring happiness.

[Culture-Vulture · Rating 4 out of 5]

My idealism died a while back. So I couldn't buy into the idealistic ending to this book (no one willingly gives up that kind of wealth!!). However, what with all the subtly funny jokes, the lovely illustrations, and the interesting secondary characters, it's impossible not to enjoy this little story.

I think younger children would love it, and I would definitely recommend it for parents who read out loud to their kids.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dressed in baggy clothes, Hercules Feltwright, a former hatter and actor, is hired as a tutor for young Willet Goody. Not much tutoring ever takes place! Hercules becomes embroiled in a mystery at Goody Hall. Mrs. Goody makes mysterious trips to the city, but comes home without packages. Willet misses his father and often talks about him. He also believes his father to be alive. Hercules investigates Mr. Goody's tomb which contains no body! What is going on?

[Jacqui Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after what I felt was the brilliance of Tuck Everlasting, and again, Natalie Babbitt has created a story that will appeal to both children and adults alike.

I love the mystery of this book, and being so invested in the characters particularly that of the young boy and the travelling actor, I had to carrying on reading, as I was intrigued to see how this story would play out.

A great little read for a lazy weekend.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, old-fashioned mystery that I loved all the way until the ending that I found to be a bit flat anti-climatic. Up until then, the story pulls you along with its eccentric characters and intriguing mystery about what happened to Mr. Goody. I loved the gossipy blacksmith and his sister's roles in the novel.

[Lorena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my home library shelf for years, just waiting for me to open it up. It wasn't a bad book, but it was very slow and a little too far beyond belief. I don't think any of my kids would enjoy it, so I'm going to donate it. It had one line that I found funny: "The first crazy thought that came into his head was that his mother had been there before him ..."

[Suzanne Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and delightful little story. The blacksmith knows something is going to happen, he can feel it. It could be any number of things but when his sister, housekeeper at Goody Hall reports that Mrs.Goody is planning on hiring a tutor for her son a series of events are put in motion.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not fair to give stars to a book like this but the system won't let me change it. The story is as old as I am, and I only just read it now, as a sometimes cynical adult. I'm thrilled for those of you for whom this brings repeated magic. <3

[Tara Theresa Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the overall message of the book, but the plot didn’t capture my interest and I figured out the mystery right away. It took me almost a month to finish it because I kept starting and stopping.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/10. A story about a young tutor who is hired to teach a young boy isolated in a large house who believes although he has been told that his father died in an accident that his father may still be alive. The young tutor helps the boy in his quest for the truth. A story for adults and children.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just thought I'd love this as much as Babbitt's other work, but no, it held my attention to the end, but that's all. :/

[Bexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming! This is one of those delightful books that fires the imagination...it would make a really fun movie.