John, Susan, Titty and Roger sail their boat, Swallow, to a deserted island for a summer camping trip. Exploring and playing sailors is an adventur...
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May 10, 2010
BunWat
rated it: 
If you are looking for Bridge to Terabithia or The High King, you aren't going to find it here. This is from the other tradition of great British tales for children. It is an old fashioned adventure tale about four children spending part of their summer vacation camping out and sailing around a lake, and playing pirates with some other kids they meet. Thats what it is.
Nobody has a painful secret, nobody is really a fairy, nobody develops a terminal illness, nobody discovers a doo More...
Nobody has a painful secret, nobody is really a fairy, nobody develops a terminal illness, nobody discovers a doo More...
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Jul 06, 2010
Abigail
rated it: 
Like a fresh breeze, reading this delightful children's novel - first published in 1930 - had an invigorating effect, making me feel young and carefree again, with all of the summer holidays stretching before me - endless days of pleasure reading and outdoor fun to enjoy, and no wishes (so I imagined) save my own to consult. The story of the four Walker children - on holiday with their mother in the Lake District - their adventures sailing the Swallow and camping on Wild Cat Island, their friend
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Dec 30, 2007
Tim
rated it:
My daughter Arwen always loved this book, and I found her a copy from 1939 this year for Christmas. So of course I read it.
It's among the most charming childrens' books I've ever read. It has a marvelous blending of real life and imagination (and I'm sure it was an inspiration to CS Lewis for his Narnia books. Though they soon go off into a purely imaginative land, they begin in a world where a wardrobe can be a doorway to another world.) Swallows and Amazons is like that, about More...
It's among the most charming childrens' books I've ever read. It has a marvelous blending of real life and imagination (and I'm sure it was an inspiration to CS Lewis for his Narnia books. Though they soon go off into a purely imaginative land, they begin in a world where a wardrobe can be a doorway to another world.) Swallows and Amazons is like that, about More...
Jan 09, 2012
Jenne
rated it:
One of my favourite children's books of all time. Not so well known in the States, but a children's classic in Britain.
John, Susan, Titty and Roger have gone to stay in the Lake country for the Summer with their mother while their father is away at sea. When they discover an island on the lake, they beg their mother to allow them to camp on the island for the remainder of the Summer holidays. So sailing out in the boat named "Swallow" they soon find that the island is not a More...
John, Susan, Titty and Roger have gone to stay in the Lake country for the Summer with their mother while their father is away at sea. When they discover an island on the lake, they beg their mother to allow them to camp on the island for the remainder of the Summer holidays. So sailing out in the boat named "Swallow" they soon find that the island is not a More...
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Feb 05, 2011
CLM
rated it:
Better drowned than duffers; if not duffers, won't drown...
In this first book of the series, the Walker children's father gives permission for them to spend the summer camping out and sailing in the Lake District of England. They expect to spend their time exploring, making maps, improving their sailing skills - and do not expect pirates or rivalry from others on the lake!
I recently tried to read this aloud to my nephew. I found that really did not work because there wa More...
In this first book of the series, the Walker children's father gives permission for them to spend the summer camping out and sailing in the Lake District of England. They expect to spend their time exploring, making maps, improving their sailing skills - and do not expect pirates or rivalry from others on the lake!
I recently tried to read this aloud to my nephew. I found that really did not work because there wa More...
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Jan 18, 2012
Christian
rated it: 
SPOILERS AHEAD
I feel like one of those people that strikes down holy cows just to get a reaction, but... weak characters, a shallow morality, no real plot, no character arc... all these things make for a poor story in my opinion. Some particular things that annoyed me - a policeman comes to investigate the camp. Nancy tells him to clear off, which he does, because his mother used to work for Nancy's. So, essentially, there's a real support of class structure here. It's not even as More...
I feel like one of those people that strikes down holy cows just to get a reaction, but... weak characters, a shallow morality, no real plot, no character arc... all these things make for a poor story in my opinion. Some particular things that annoyed me - a policeman comes to investigate the camp. Nancy tells him to clear off, which he does, because his mother used to work for Nancy's. So, essentially, there's a real support of class structure here. It's not even as More...
Dec 08, 2011
Louise
rated it:
I wish I'd found this book when I was a kid. I would have loved it. Instead I devoured Enid Blyton. Is it just me, or is the plot of Five on a Treasure Island eerily evocative of Swallows and Amazons? I'm hoping to get my son to read it. He seems interested. He's already been through the Enid Blyton stage. I think he'd like this tale of childhood adventure. It has a lot still for the new adult reader though. I loved the language of this book- I'm totally intrigued with the concept of pemmican, l
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Sep 21, 2011
This was a book that I never took to as a child. The sailing, the fantasy of being an explorer, making camps were appealing, but maybe too alien and unreal for an inner city child who occasionally got to go out on the row boats in London parks, or maybe it was simply the kind of childhood that I would have wanted but didn't have - safer to leave the book on the shelf rather than feel disappointed.
However there was a time when I had a compass that I carried about whenever I could and a More...
However there was a time when I had a compass that I carried about whenever I could and a More...
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Jun 18, 2011
Jennifer
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My husband read these books as a kid - I did not. He introduced them to me when we started dating, and we read them out loud together.
Now we have a 10 year old and we are enjoying reading the series out loud with her as well. She claims they're her favorite books (and to have unseated Harry Potter in that position is high praise from her indeed).
I do think they take a special kid or an adult with the right frame of mind to enjoy. Knowledge of sailing terminology is hel More...
Now we have a 10 year old and we are enjoying reading the series out loud with her as well. She claims they're her favorite books (and to have unseated Harry Potter in that position is high praise from her indeed).
I do think they take a special kid or an adult with the right frame of mind to enjoy. Knowledge of sailing terminology is hel More...
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Nov 05, 2010
Jonathon
rated it:
The original Swallows and Amazons story from Arthur Ransome charts the adventures of a group of children who camp on an island in a lake in the Lake District. This hardback edition is beautifully presented with a gorgeously illustrated sleeve.
The book itself is a nostalgic and evocative story of a past that never quite existed (at least not quite the way Ransome tries to tell it!) The description is the book's strong point - wonderful sights, sounds and smells are conjured up, and by the e More...
The book itself is a nostalgic and evocative story of a past that never quite existed (at least not quite the way Ransome tries to tell it!) The description is the book's strong point - wonderful sights, sounds and smells are conjured up, and by the e More...
Nov 02, 2010
Ariel
rated it:
I loved these books so much as a child growing up in Manhattan, I read all 17 or so of them over and over again. Re-reading this first one as an adult, I see that the level of independence and competency enjoyed by the children in the Swallows and Amazons books were as far removed from my reality as the shenanigans of the flying demi-gods in today's Percy Jackson series. The four children's ages are never stated (except maybe Roger, the youngest, is 6 and one assumes John, the eldest, is at leas
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Apr 08, 2009
Holly
rated it:
Luke loved this book, despite the overabundance of sailing terms. I think the independence and confidence of the kids sailing really resonated to him. Arthur Ransome seemed to know what details to camping and exploring kids would love. I loved how often the group stopped to make a fire for tea. It's a charming book and part of a series.
I'm copying the below summary from Wikipedia.
The story follows the Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger), who sail a borro More...
I'm copying the below summary from Wikipedia.
The story follows the Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger), who sail a borro More...
Feb 06, 2011
Nikki
rated it: 
I really didn't like Swallows and Amazons when I was younger, and having read it now for Children's Lit, I'm not really sure why. It's rather like tons of other stuff I read, like the Famous Five books and the like.
I didn't love it now, given that it is like so much else that I read, and it's quite slow, but I can see why people think highly of it. It's got quite a realistic feel to it: the parents' reactions are believable, the kids feel pretty much like kids (to an adult reader, anyw More...
I didn't love it now, given that it is like so much else that I read, and it's quite slow, but I can see why people think highly of it. It's got quite a realistic feel to it: the parents' reactions are believable, the kids feel pretty much like kids (to an adult reader, anyw More...
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May 26, 2011
Kate
rated it:
It's hard to comprehend now, when parents won't even let their kids play out in the front yard, that children at one time were allowed to roam free outdoors like this, sailing and camping and being resourceful, and letting their imaginations run wild. This a wonderful book that is too often forgotten and overlooked these days. Instead of buying marketing gimmicks like The Dangerous Book for Boys, do your kids a favor and let them read this.
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Jul 04, 2010
Kay
rated it:
What a well-written book - written from the prospective of children without "talking down" in any way. I loved the childrens' imagination as they encountered various situations.
I pondered the freedom they were given to basically live on an island during the summer - but throughout the book the reader saw that the community was actually keeping a fairly close watch on them. Things are different today; children aren't given as much freedom to just be kids and learn through More...
I pondered the freedom they were given to basically live on an island during the summer - but throughout the book the reader saw that the community was actually keeping a fairly close watch on them. Things are different today; children aren't given as much freedom to just be kids and learn through More...
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Aug 27, 2011
Secret
rated it:
If I could relive my childhood I wish I could be one of the Swallows or Amazons. What a joy this novel is!! The summer of 1929 and 2 brothers and their sisters are spending their holidays in the Lake District. They are allowed to camp on an island, sailing the Swallow and living the life of pirates.
Their lives are lived decently, honestly - out in the fresh air with milk fresh from the farm to drink and food cooked over an open fire.The story takes place in a time where children were More...
Their lives are lived decently, honestly - out in the fresh air with milk fresh from the farm to drink and food cooked over an open fire.The story takes place in a time where children were More...
Jul 10, 2011
Jason
rated it: 
This may be the most boring book I've ever read. I almost certainly wouldn't have finished it if it wasn't for book club.
I guess I'm supposed to give it some slack because it was published in 1930, but Mark Twain's classics were written in the 19th century, and they were orders of magnitude less boring than this book.
The reasons it is boring:
- The characters are basically all the same, distinguished only by age and gender.
- Most of the book is devoid of confl More...
I guess I'm supposed to give it some slack because it was published in 1930, but Mark Twain's classics were written in the 19th century, and they were orders of magnitude less boring than this book.
The reasons it is boring:
- The characters are basically all the same, distinguished only by age and gender.
- Most of the book is devoid of confl More...
Oct 02, 2011
Peter
rated it:
"Adorable kids' lit book, the type Disney made into movies in the 1960s starring Haley Mills. While not great literature, it held my interest and was fun, although it's from that genre of of story where a group of kids can live on their own and do better than with adults. Imagination is the key to this book, and an interest in sailing and pirates helps. Great for 10-12 year olds.
A brief summary: 4 siblings in 1929 England are staying on a lake for the summer. They get permissio More...
A brief summary: 4 siblings in 1929 England are staying on a lake for the summer. They get permissio More...
Aug 11, 2011
Mike
rated it:
It's a children's classic and, as such, can only really be appreciated if you read it as a child.
I read it solely because it is on the BBC Big Read Top 100 list from 2003 and I'm trying to read all 100 books. Also, I was visiting the Lake district so I thought it would be appropriate to read (alongside Wordsworth of course).
I hesitate to describe it as 'posh children titting about on boats all summer' - but the children are posh, and one of them is even called 'Titty'.
Amusing names aside, it is More...
I read it solely because it is on the BBC Big Read Top 100 list from 2003 and I'm trying to read all 100 books. Also, I was visiting the Lake district so I thought it would be appropriate to read (alongside Wordsworth of course).
I hesitate to describe it as 'posh children titting about on boats all summer' - but the children are posh, and one of them is even called 'Titty'.
Amusing names aside, it is More...
Feb 15, 2011
Mark
rated it:
Fun, easy to read and the language was wonderfully dated. ' Duffers ', ' awfully fun' and ' oh how beastly ''s abound. The children never argue or if they do its all swiftly resolved with a stern older brother or sister's knowing look or controlling word. Oceans of independence and oodles of excellent adventure is rather mixed up with riotously patronizing treatment of ' the natives ' and the two Walker sisters do seem to fall rather into the mould of the little housewife type but to be fa More...
Apr 04, 2011
April
rated it:
Review originally posted <a href="http://cupofdelight.blogspot.com/2010/12/book-review-swallows-and-amazons-by.html>HERE</a>
The premise of the story was good. That's the only good I can say...
This book was about as interesting as watching an ice cube melt. It is SLOW, boring, mundane-the author describes every little action the kids take. For example, "So and so packed the picnic basket. First she took some bread and spread peanut butter and jelly on it. More...
The premise of the story was good. That's the only good I can say...
This book was about as interesting as watching an ice cube melt. It is SLOW, boring, mundane-the author describes every little action the kids take. For example, "So and so packed the picnic basket. First she took some bread and spread peanut butter and jelly on it. More...
Mar 04, 2011
Jeff
rated it:
After reading a couple mediocre books for grown-ups, I decided to take one of my son's recommendations and read this. I was absolutely charmed, and by the end could hardly wait to go sailing (and set up camp on some Lake District island). It has the same appeal as one of our family's all-time favorite picture books: Henry the Explorer by Mark Taylor. We get to watch the children plan their adventure and then go out alone to explore. Their mother is watching from the shore. She gives them s
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Jan 13, 2012
Patra
rated it:
Since my husband and I have started to read books aloud together, I have realized that some books are better for reading out loud than others. I thought long and hard when it came time for me to choose a book, and I decided that this one might work well for reading out loud.
I was right. I read this book years ago and it was a delight to read again. It is well written and the story moves along nicely to keep you interested. It's technically a children's book but I think any adult could More...
I was right. I read this book years ago and it was a delight to read again. It is well written and the story moves along nicely to keep you interested. It's technically a children's book but I think any adult could More...
Jan 19, 2011
This is a story about what my friends and I used to call "imagination games" when we were little. As in, "Let's plan an imagination game". What we meant by that was a game that didn't require any props, any dice, any equipment--just our imaginations, to transform us into whatever we want to be.
Swallows and Amazons tells the story of the Walker Children, who spent their holidays during the late 1920s and early 1930s in the Lakes Country. They take possession of th More...
Swallows and Amazons tells the story of the Walker Children, who spent their holidays during the late 1920s and early 1930s in the Lakes Country. They take possession of th More...
Oct 23, 2008
Michelle
rated it:
One of the best books about regular children doing regular things I have ever read. The story is fun and the adventures are inspiring. The language is rich and enjoyable
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Jun 09, 2009
Kara
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In this first installment about the Swallows (John, Susan, Titty, and Roger) and the Amazons (Ruth, aka Nancy when she is a pirate, and Peggy) we experience how much fun outdoor adventures -- camping and exploring and make-believe -- can be even for the adults (or natives as they are called by the children/pirates). In this nostalgic narrative, I remembered my days as an imaginative youth and even saw bits of myself in Titty and Susan and Nancy. Although I enjoyed reading Swallows and Amazons,
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Oct 03, 2011
Megan
rated it:
I'm taking it that this is a beloved children's book in England, given that it made it onto the BBC's Big Read list. I don't really see it. It was fine, but it didn't have the magic of some other great British children's books. Not a patch on Enid Blyton, for instance.
Four children convince their mother to let them stay on an island on the lake where they are vacationing for a week before they leave. Once there, they get into nautical battles with the Amazons, two girls who claim the i More...
Four children convince their mother to let them stay on an island on the lake where they are vacationing for a week before they leave. Once there, they get into nautical battles with the Amazons, two girls who claim the i More...
Sep 08, 2009
Jon
rated it:
Read it to my nine-year-old daughter before bedtime. It took us months to get through, but we both enjoyed it a great deal. I'm not sure what's so engaging about it; the story moves very slowly, but it gives a window into the adventures of four English children on a holiday during World War I. I think Ransome does an incredible job painting a realistic yet appealing world you want to live in. It's also an interesting window into early twentieth century British life. Of course it so far pre-dates
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Oct 05, 2011
Margaret
rated it:
This is the best children's book my family has ever read. Though it's usually put in the 9-12 age group, the book is long and since it was written in the 1930s, can be a little difficult. It's a great family read-aloud, though.
Four children on holiday in England's Lake District meet a sailboat and a couple of friends and have grand adventures on a deserted island. There is a bit of technical sailing talk in the beginning which almost put us off the book. But not too far in it ju More...
Four children on holiday in England's Lake District meet a sailboat and a couple of friends and have grand adventures on a deserted island. There is a bit of technical sailing talk in the beginning which almost put us off the book. But not too far in it ju More...
Jul 26, 2009
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
Gee. I've had this on my shelf for over two years! I finally got to it this summer.
It started slowly for me. At first I didn't think I would like it. Gradually, as I read more and more, I began to love these kids. Camping on their own deserted island. Cooking their own foods. Fishing. Battling "pirates". Do kids these days still do things like this? I'm especially curious about whether kids would like this book.
All I know is that I did. Don't give up on it too More...
It started slowly for me. At first I didn't think I would like it. Gradually, as I read more and more, I began to love these kids. Camping on their own deserted island. Cooking their own foods. Fishing. Battling "pirates". Do kids these days still do things like this? I'm especially curious about whether kids would like this book.
All I know is that I did. Don't give up on it too More...
