The Wise Woman is a shining example, and my personal favourite amongst all of MacDonald"s fiction. It is an excellent resource for anyone wishing for reinforcement in the development of diligence, responsibility, loyalty and faith. It is a powerful motivator for those of us who struggle with procrastination and sloth. It is a tender help in discerning between genuine love and selfish neglect or indulgence. It is an encouraging testament to the gracious and nurturing care of our Heavenly Father. And as in much of MacDonald"s writing, it offers rich treasures on the subjects of duty, obedience and the process by which we yield to God"s transforming power. George MacDonald was a 19th century Aberdeenshire Scot; a professor, pastor, preacher, poet and author. He is considered by many the "father of fantasy" and bore strong influence on W.H. Auden, G.K. Chesterton, Madeline L"Engle, C.S. Lewis, E. Nesbit, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain and Elizabeth Yates. While his literary impact was profound, moreso has his faith inspired these and countless others who have been stimulated by his character and theology as expressed simply and profoundly in stories and parables.