anything goes

From back cover: Don't open The Anything Box unless you're prepared for the unexpected. The Grunder, a thing of horror which, if defeated, restores love... The Noise-Eater, created by a child out of his fevered imaginatio, gobbles up anything--or anyone--that makes a sound... The Coveti, residents of an alien world poisoned by the intrusion of the stranger from Earth... The Beast Hill, an ordinary mound of earth, except that its grass resembles fur, and--doesn't it move?

Zenna Henderson (1917-1983) was a wonderful sci-fi writer. With a quite brief short stories production she has earned an unforgettable place in the heart of sci-fi fans.

The first of his amazing stories I've read was "Pottage" published in a sci-fi magazine and was enthralled by the author's sensibility and depiction of a backwater dull village.
The affection shown by Melodye for her young pupils and her courage to liberate them and their families from their doom touch a soft spot in my heart and leave me wanting to read more People's stories.
Thru the years I was able to read "Ararat" and "Gilead" but my wont wasn't satisfied, so I was delighted to find "Pilgrimage: The Book of the People".

This remarkable collection of the first six stories of the series is a gem. Artfully linked by Lea's interludes the stories are presented as coherent bunch.
IMHO the best of all of them is "Captivity" depicting with unusual force the tale of rebellious yet tender Francher kid and Miss Carolle her redeemer.

It is a great short stories collection that will be enjoyed by every sci-fi adept as well as by any soft heartened reader.
Enjoy Zenna's earlier tales!