Gerald, Cathy, and Jimmy spend their holidays with a charming French governess. During their walks, the three siblings discover an English castle with a large and well-kept garden: a lake, sculptures... interiors with ancient jewels... They quickly become friends with Mabel, the housekeeper's niece. Together, they find a ring with incredible powers. They get into multiple entanglements and adventures because of the ring, blending fiction and reality.
The story is narrated from the innocent perspective and psychology of the children, with humorous sequences. It can be classified as "fantastic realism."
Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) influenced other authors, such as C. S. Lewis, who declared himself an admirer of her work when writing The Chronicles of Narnia. J. K. Rowling also acknowledges her as an inspiration for the Harry Potter series.
Nesbit's stories not only explore fantasy as entertainment but also as a vehicle for reflecting on responsibility and the consequences of human desires