Bagthorpes Abroad: Being the Fifth Part of the Bagthorpe Saga

The Bagthorpe Saga #5

by Helen Cresswell

Chronicles the further adventures of the eccentric Bagthorpe family as they go on vacation to a reputedly haunted house in Wales.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Humor, Young Adult, British Literature

172 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Helen Cresswell (1934–2005) was an English television scriptwriter and author of more than 100 children's books, best known for comedy and supernatural fiction. Her most popular book series, Lizzie Dripping and The Bagthorpe Saga, were also the basis for television series.

Reviews

[Beverly]

Young readers 11-14 years old will enjoy the hilarious antics of the Bagthorpes--the most eccentric and zany family in England.
The Bagthorpes travel to Wales because Mr. Bagthorpe is writing a script for television and needs to stay in a haunted house to get the right atmosphere. But the only member of the family who "sees" any "ghosts" is Zero, the family mutt.

[William Leight]

“Bagthorpes Abroad” kicks off a second arc of sorts for the series. Mr. Bagthorpe determines to take a vacation in a haunted house — in Wales, so that the title is the first joke in the book — so he can do some research for a script he is writing. Naturally, the whole menage, up to and including Mrs. Fosdyke, has to come along: meanwhile, Uncle Parker, Aunt Celia, Daisy, and Billy Goat Gruff are ensconced in a fancy hotel nearby. So the setup is largely the same as in the first books, except that it’s even crazier. The house that the Bagthorpes have rented may or may not have ghosts, but it doesn’t have electricity, running water, or much in the way of furnishings. The family’s reactions to this catastrophic error are hilarious, ranging from Mrs. Fosdyke’s temporary mental breakdown to Mr. Bagthorpe practically declaring war on the whole population of Wales. Naturally, the whole thing culminates with a visit from the police, who, thanks to Daisy and Billy Goat Gruff, come off much the worse from the encounter. Just as brilliantly funny as the previous books in this series, which is high praise indeed.

[Lizzy]

Don't know how to finish a book? Don't worry just write that you must "..await the unfolding of yet another grisly chapter of the Bagthorpe Saga.." to find out what happens on the last page. LAME. Poor show Helen Cresswell.

[Noelle]

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"The Bagthorpes, however, were not as others."

Another comedic and fun addition to the Bagthorpe book family!

[Grillables]

The fifth book in the Bagthorpe series, Cresswell is back to a more cohesive storyline - again highlighting the craziness of the Bagthorpe family, which is provoked (as usual) to even greater craziness by Uncle Parker and Daisy.

[scarlettraces]

(4.5)

[Susan]

When the Bagthorpes go abroad, they mean to Wales, where Mother goes to an auction, and all the people seem to have the same name. Their troubles continue when they go home.

[MB (What she read)]

Reread an old favorite. Love the humor in this children's series.