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Book Description:
In the eighth book in Arthur Ransome's beloved Swallows and Amazons series, the five Walker children are left on a "desert island" by their parents with provisions for a long stay and a blank map to fill in. Like all of Ransome's books, this is at once a real adventure and a lesson in the practicalities of exploring - in this case, of surveying the inlets, coves, mudflats, and estuaries of "Walker Island." Naturally, there are enemies to overcome (another clan named "The Eels") and friends to meet (who else but the intrepid "Amazons?"). And, as always, the children do it all solo.My thoughts:
Well, it is hard to believe we have now read eight books in the Swallows and Amazons Series by Arthur Ransome. We are slowly making our way through the series and a few week ago we wrapped up Secret Water.In Secret Water the four Walker children, John, Susan, Titty, and Roger, along with their youngest sister, Bridget, are marooned on a desert island. They are surprised to meet up with the Amazons, plus make new friends. Their main goal is to explore the island and draw a map of it. Nancy, along with "the Eels" have other plans, including a human sacrifice (no worries, this is all done in fun!). One day after the tide had gone out the children "crossed the Red Sea on dry land", but on the way back, Titty, Roger, and Bridget, who spent too much time exploring, almost experienced "the Egyptians" fate which caused quite a bit of suspense to see how it would all play out in the end!
Secret Water was a fun read, I don't think it shines as brightly as the previous books that include the Walker children. The story is slow going for awhile and I just had to commit to reading it vs. being begged to read. Thankfully, it did get more exciting near the end, which helped redeem the story in my children's eyes.
As usual, Ransome shows the children very self-sufficient. It is quite mind boggling to think of dropping your children off on an island for a week by themselves. Of course, this aspect of his stories is what makes these books a lot of fun!
Read my other reviews from the Swallows and Amazons series:
See what others are reading aloud over at Hope is the Word.
I look forward to reading these to my boys once they're a bit older. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
ReplyDeleteAaaah! I still haven't read these books! One day. . .
ReplyDeleteI tried reading Swallows and Amazons a few months ago. Surprisingly, my children asked me not to finish it. It didn't capture their interest. Shocking and rare for that to happen! So glad you and your family enjoy them!
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