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Return to Kirrin
A cracking, humorous and nostalgic adventure/mystery novel for grown-ups, set in 1979, featuring those "Well Known" Kirrin cousins loved by many as children (Enid Blyton did not write this book). Now they are grown-up forty-somethings. Mrs Thatcher has just become Prime Minister, and Ford Capris rule the roads. Smooth entrepreneur Julian has big plans for Kirrin Island, and needs to convince Dick, Anne and George - not an easy job! George is as fierce and independent as ever, despite her teenage son. Her dog, Gary, is not at all like dear old Timmy! Anne has a perfect marriage and rather unusual twins, and Dick is still seeking success and the love of a good woman. Of course there will be temper tantrums, awkward children and mysterious lights at sea, but serious danger and old political secrets threaten the cousins. Touching, humoros and affectionate, this novel will delight anyone who wonders how their favourite characters might have grown up and coped in a changing world. Can adults ever really dip their toes into childhood rock pools?
234 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2018
14 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 31, 2024
Return to Kirrin is a must read for grown up Famous Five fans everywhere.
Neil and Suzy Howlett have moved the calendar forward to 1979, and imagined Julian, George, Dick and Ann as adults in Thatcher's Britain. The four are reunited by Julian's plans for Kirrin Island, the setting for many of their childhood adventures. There are secret tunnels, picnics, potential smugglers and the return of Uncle Quentin, but Timmy sadly is long gone.
It's a respectful reimagining - our two authors were obviously Enid Blyton fans as they were growing up. It would have been easy to write a cheap parody, but instead they've explored the potential futures of our favourite characters and written them a brand new adventure.
If you've ever wondered how those kids might have turned out, you're in for a treat.
Neil and Suzy Howlett have moved the calendar forward to 1979, and imagined Julian, George, Dick and Ann as adults in Thatcher's Britain. The four are reunited by Julian's plans for Kirrin Island, the setting for many of their childhood adventures. There are secret tunnels, picnics, potential smugglers and the return of Uncle Quentin, but Timmy sadly is long gone.
It's a respectful reimagining - our two authors were obviously Enid Blyton fans as they were growing up. It would have been easy to write a cheap parody, but instead they've explored the potential futures of our favourite characters and written them a brand new adventure.
If you've ever wondered how those kids might have turned out, you're in for a treat.
October 6, 2024
Wow just wow
Great story. Really enjoyed it. There are some minor continuity issues that if you know the original stories one would pick up on. The writer in me picks up minor punctuation flaws but I may have been taught differently here in New Zealand so things may be slightly different in Britain. Interesting way of spelling portakabin, we spell it portacabin. Still have a question about George's son's dad! Circumstances? Could be an opportunity to explore another story?
Great story. Really enjoyed it. There are some minor continuity issues that if you know the original stories one would pick up on. The writer in me picks up minor punctuation flaws but I may have been taught differently here in New Zealand so things may be slightly different in Britain. Interesting way of spelling portakabin, we spell it portacabin. Still have a question about George's son's dad! Circumstances? Could be an opportunity to explore another story?
November 1, 2019
i Loved the famous 5 when i was a kid and when i saw this i had to read it. its a quick and easy read but lots of fun
its 1979 and the five have grown up and love very different lives
when they are asked by Julian to go back to kirren Island to discuss a business deal they all oblige
and so the fun begins
a great read and very funny
its 1979 and the five have grown up and love very different lives
when they are asked by Julian to go back to kirren Island to discuss a business deal they all oblige
and so the fun begins
a great read and very funny
July 14, 2021
An enjoyable romp
A fun read which brought back many childhood memories. Seeing well-known characters as adults is an interesting premise for the story. Would love to see the same idea used for the 'Adventure' books!
A fun read which brought back many childhood memories. Seeing well-known characters as adults is an interesting premise for the story. Would love to see the same idea used for the 'Adventure' books!
January 19, 2025
Lashings of nostalgia
Interesting and fun book, speculating on the lives of the Famous Five when they were adults at the end of the 70s. I enjoyed it.
Interesting and fun book, speculating on the lives of the Famous Five when they were adults at the end of the 70s. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews