Though the threads of the plot are somewhat complicated, the telling of the story is straightforward, simple, and therefore beautiful, and the writing speaks to child readers without talking down to them or over-explaining the events of the story. She also does a wonderful job of blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and she makes it possible (though admittedly not very likely) that a reader could discover the truth about Marnie before Anna does.

Robinson is a wonderfully descriptive writer, and I feel as though I can picture every person and location she depicts in this novel as clearly as though I have seen them myself. As I listened, though, it became clear that this book was a cut above others of its type, and I understood why my husband was so adamant about having me hear it. Despite having no plot summary or anything to orient me, I was hooked on the story instantly because I love 1960s novels about female friendship. My husband selected the audiobook version of When Marnie Was There for a recent family road trip, and I knew nothing about the book until we started listening. When a new family moves into The Marsh House, however, it becomes clear that Anna doesn't yet fully understand her connection to Marnie. Once Marnie is gone, Anna slowly begins to bounce back from the intensity of their friendship, even convincing herself that Marnie may never have existed. One terrible night, though, their wonderful secret friendship comes to a sad and sudden end, and Marnie says a tearful goodbye as she tells Anna her family is making her go away. Anna and Marnie become fast friends, spending many evenings together on the water and in the dunes. While exploring the marshes surrounding the Peggs' house, Anna discovers The Marsh House, and eventually meets Marnie, a young girl always dressed in fine clothing who lives in the house and comes to meet Anna in secret at night. Preston, whom Anna calls 'Auntie,' sends her for an extended summer holiday to stay with Mr. Anna struggles to make friends and frequently gets into trouble at her boarding school, which troubles her foster mother, Mrs.

Novel when marnie was there