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For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published in the UK over a half century ago, these books are still eagerly read by children, despite their length and their decidedly British protagonists. We attribute their success to two facts: first, Ransome is a great storyteller and, second, he clearly writes from first-hand experience. Independence and initiative are qualities any child can understand and every volume in this collection celebrates these virtues.
Swallowdale (originally published in 1931) is the second title in Arthur Ransome's classic series for children, for grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. It follows the Walker family and friends through a shipwreck, a camp on the mainland, a secret valley and cave, and a thrilling mountain hike.
A_Harvard_Scholar
Posted April 10, 2010
"Swallowdale", the second book in Arthur Ransome's acclaimed series, picks up almost a year after "Swallows & Amazons" leaves off. The Walkers and Blacketts are together again, back looking for adventures in their beloved haunts on and around Coniston Water. In "Swallowdale", the characters quickly sketched in the first volume are fleshed out and embellished, thus setting the tone for many of the books to follow.
This is one of the longest (if not THE longest) book of the series, and it does tend to lag a bit in the middle. The despair of the children upon the wreck of their beloved Swallow is infectious, and we find ourselves wondering how anything good can happen when all their plans are (quite literally!) sunk.
The children's perseverance, quick thinking, and logic is admirable, and yet they remain quite natural and life-like. Perhaps this is the very best aspect of Ransome's books; they provide role models for us all (children or adults), but they are so natural and human that we easily identify with them and learn practical lessons in the process.
Very highly recommended!
Overview
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published in the UK over a half century ago, these books are still eagerly read by children, despite their length and their decidedly British protagonists. We attribute their success to two facts: first, Ransome is a great storyteller and, second, he clearly writes from first-hand experience. Independence and initiative are qualities any child can understand ...