697 books
—
453 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Swallowdale (Swallows and Amazons, #2)” as Want to Read:
Swallowdale
(Swallows and Amazons #2)
by
A summer of adventure with the Swallows and Amazons. The Walker and Blackett children survive a shipwreck, discover a secret valley and cave, and go on a thrilling mountain hike.
On summer holiday, the Swallows (John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker) and the Amazons (Nancy and Peggy Blackett) meet up on Wild Cat Island. Unfortunately, though, the Amazons have a problem: their ...more
On summer holiday, the Swallows (John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker) and the Amazons (Nancy and Peggy Blackett) meet up on Wild Cat Island. Unfortunately, though, the Amazons have a problem: their ...more
Paperback, Godine Storyteller, 448 pages
Published
May 1st 1986
by David R. Godine Publisher
(first published 1931)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Swallowdale,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Swallowdale
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Swallowdale (Swallows and Amazons, #2)
Sep 28, 2020
Tharindu Dissanayake
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites-fiction
"Aug. 11. 1931. We climbed Kanchenjunga."
"Shiver my timbers"
"Sh! You tame galoot."
Just when you start to think that the author had written everything he had in his mind the first book, Swallowdale will quickly make you realize that cannot be further from the truth. This second installment of the series is much more fun, and gets better in almost everyway compared to the original. Loved every little bit of it.
"We've just bathed. No Amazons yet. Wind south. Light. Sky clear. Now we are going to ge ...more
"Shiver my timbers"
"Sh! You tame galoot."
Just when you start to think that the author had written everything he had in his mind the first book, Swallowdale will quickly make you realize that cannot be further from the truth. This second installment of the series is much more fun, and gets better in almost everyway compared to the original. Loved every little bit of it.
"We've just bathed. No Amazons yet. Wind south. Light. Sky clear. Now we are going to ge ...more
May 18, 2009
Emily
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
my-happy-childhood,
read-aloud
Update of May 2013:
Three years (give or take a couple months) is not really enough of a gap in between rereadings of a series I know as well as this one. Swallowdale in particular seems like it could benefit from lying fallow for a decade or so. But I suppose that in 2010 I just didn't dare to allow myself to foresee that my son would eventually appreciate having these read aloud to him, lest I jinx the chances of his liking these books which mean so much to me.
As was also the case in my recent ...more
Three years (give or take a couple months) is not really enough of a gap in between rereadings of a series I know as well as this one. Swallowdale in particular seems like it could benefit from lying fallow for a decade or so. But I suppose that in 2010 I just didn't dare to allow myself to foresee that my son would eventually appreciate having these read aloud to him, lest I jinx the chances of his liking these books which mean so much to me.
As was also the case in my recent ...more
Feb 15, 2020
Abigail
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone Who Has Read & Enjoyed 'Swallows and Amazons'
Shelves:
childrens-fiction,
holiday-adventures
The second in Arthur Ransome's classic series about a group of children (a few groups of children, really) and their holiday adventures in the great outdoors, this delightful novel is more than the equal of its predecessor,
Swallows and Amazons
. Opening as the four Swallows - the Walker children: Captain John, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and Ship's Boy Roger - return to the lake, eager for another summer of sailing, Swallowdale soon shifts focus, as two catastrophes - one maritime, the ot
...more
I read the first book in this series years ago and fell head-over-heels in love with it. My infatuation was so intense, that I felt downright repelled by any of the other books in the series. I have issues with sequels, and I was positive that no follow up novel could ever compare or measure up to the first novel. The first book was so marvelous, I just wanted it to keep going. I felt as broken-hearted and suspicious as the Swallows to discover that we wouldn’t be camping on Wildcat Island this
...more
More 1930's kids camping/sailing/pirating adventures, this time with a shipwreck! And a cave! And a daring escape!
I think one of the things that's most charming about these books is that they're so detailed. It's not just, 'the Swallows made camp,' it's a five-page explanation of how their tents work, and how they built a fire, and how they made a broom from brush. The educational value is faded with time, but the charm hasn't.
...more
I think one of the things that's most charming about these books is that they're so detailed. It's not just, 'the Swallows made camp,' it's a five-page explanation of how their tents work, and how they built a fire, and how they made a broom from brush. The educational value is faded with time, but the charm hasn't.
...more
I liked this one a little better than the first, perhaps because I have invested in the characters. My son is determined to get a sailboat now. This series and our recent sailing class have really sparked a passion for him.
This is a kid’s adventure book good for ages 8-12. There’s long, beautiful descriptions and lots of dialogue making for a long book. Story is slow and charming as the four kids sail their ship and explore the islands around them. There is a part where Titty tries to make a voodoo doll out of candle grease but of course it just melts in the fire. She’s trying to make the great aunt leave her friends’ house but it’s more humorous as she’s all worried thinking she burnt up the “GA” 😆 I haven’t read
...more
Jan 06, 2008
Tim
rated it
it was amazing
Recommended to Tim by:
Arwen O'Reilly
Shelves:
childrensbooks
This is (I think) the third of the Swallows and Amazons series, with the second being Peter Duck, which I have not read.
I probably won't read more of these, but I did indeed love S&A and this one.
They are a rare breed, wonderfully summed by a quote on the jacket of the wonderful old Jonathan Cape edition I read. Eric Linklater, in the Observer, writing about Great Northern, another of Ransome's books, wrote "It is perhaps, Mr. Ransome's happiest gift to dress all his invention in good workmanlik ...more
I probably won't read more of these, but I did indeed love S&A and this one.
They are a rare breed, wonderfully summed by a quote on the jacket of the wonderful old Jonathan Cape edition I read. Eric Linklater, in the Observer, writing about Great Northern, another of Ransome's books, wrote "It is perhaps, Mr. Ransome's happiest gift to dress all his invention in good workmanlik ...more
May 29, 2017
Joan
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
any kids wanting adventure type books
Shelves:
5-6-fiction,
adventure,
fantasy,
female-characters,
j-books,
read-in-2017,
fiction,
enviromental
This is a classic from yesteryear. I do wish they would bring it back into print. Oh, there are some comments that are perhaps not entirely pc, but none that are particularly uncomfortable. The kids refer to the "natives" and how to avoid them but it is all fantasy. I certainly would have no qualms letting a child read this. The worst problem reaction is likely the same reaction I have had: now I really want to take sailing lessons! There are also comments that may need interpreting by Americans
...more
I think this is definitely one of my favourites from the collection!!
I loved the adventures and outdoor challenges. But also the references to hills and lakes of the Lake District which I knew and recognized from family walks. Perhaps more significantly I really envied the Walkers and "Red caps" freedom to explore independently, without their families. It seems that parents were much more liberal with allowing their children to be independent in this period. ...more
I loved the adventures and outdoor challenges. But also the references to hills and lakes of the Lake District which I knew and recognized from family walks. Perhaps more significantly I really envied the Walkers and "Red caps" freedom to explore independently, without their families. It seems that parents were much more liberal with allowing their children to be independent in this period. ...more
Arthur Ransome's tales of British children out sailing in the Lake counties are just wonderful. Funny, quaint, perfect adventures, with the right amount of characterization, realism, whimsy, and imagination. I have re-read all of these as an adult, and they hold up to time; I can't wait to read them to my son when he's older.
...more
Again a book in a delicate condition with a 50p price tag. Oh so much value in a book with memories of previous readings and pleasure in the rereading and remembering forgotten pleasures.
This is why books should always be given as presents. Forget lego, xbox , cars, dolls. This is what remains with me and brings me undimmed delight.
This is why books should always be given as presents. Forget lego, xbox , cars, dolls. This is what remains with me and brings me undimmed delight.
No sophomore slump for Ransome. Book Two in the series is full of pitch and moment -- great aunts, the top of the world, wounded sailors and Long John Silver. Ransome keeps it humming along right up to the end, and the world he creates is both of the Lake District in the 1930s and full of timeless wonder about childhood, responsibility, and make believe as if your life depended on it.
A shame my children are not as hooked on this series as I used to be: yes, the pace is much slower than what they are used to nowadays in books and films, but surely the dream of exploration, adventure and minimal grown-up interference stays the same!
A continuation of the first book. There's a shipwreck in this one which causes the kids' activities to be on land where they continue their camping, hiking and exploring adventures. Both girls and boys can relate to these stories. Set in the 30's (before television) it's the children's unlimited imaginations that are the main ingredient to their play.
Ransome's stories are considered mundane by some. There are no fantastical superheroes, but simply the situation of not having parents around all ...more
Ransome's stories are considered mundane by some. There are no fantastical superheroes, but simply the situation of not having parents around all ...more
In my view better than the first. After holing their boat Swallow, the family camp on the moor in a valley above the lakeside woods whilst it's repaired.
The Blackets, part time female pirates due to the arrival of an Aunt at their home on whom attendance must be danced upon, join them as and when they can.
It's clear that in a way Ransome was particularly keen on the Titty character. In every book she assumes, at some point, a pivotal role. In fact it could be said that generally Ransome wrote hi ...more
The Blackets, part time female pirates due to the arrival of an Aunt at their home on whom attendance must be danced upon, join them as and when they can.
It's clear that in a way Ransome was particularly keen on the Titty character. In every book she assumes, at some point, a pivotal role. In fact it could be said that generally Ransome wrote hi ...more
If you are looking for an easy yet intriguing read, then you've found them here. The whole series contain stories about four children and their imaginative travels...kind of like the chronicles of narnia but slightly more down to earth, and lots of fun. They made me laugh a lot, and helped me to see life a little bit more brightly.
...more
Charming, exciting, well written, and a wonderful addition to the series. Swallowdale presents a rollickingly good adventure, with a host of realistic characters; it is sure to delight both children and adults like.
I loved listening to this book. The characters and the adventure are just as fun as in the first book. Honestly, it lost a star for me because of Peter Duck. I was seriously sick of hearing about Peter Duck!
This was one of my favorite books age 11 or so. If anything, I liked it even better than Swallows and Amazons. The children get into an accident with the beloved sailboat, The Swallow, and while waiting for it to be repaired, they decide to make the best of it and go on an inland camping adventure on foot. They really outdo themselves with glamping in this one, essentially setting up a small homestead. I liked that the older sister got to shine as the head of their little home, while the older b
...more
Summer has come again, and the Walker children, their new parrot, and mother have returned to the Lake District with plans for a summer of sailing and friendly rivalry with the Amazons. When an unexpected event beaches their sailing boat, the children turn to explorations in the hills and mountains surrounding the lake for a summer of more adventures outdoors. These realistic adventures mix solid details on how things are done with the childrens’ imaginative twists on events. This includes thei
...more
To some, Arthur Ransome's Swallowdale is the epitome of a simpler time. However, I found the book to be idyllic and unrealistic. The simpleminded, childish characters make the novel feel like Family Circus, a relic of long gone age. The book has no real plot and completely lacks character development. When the children get into a problem, they are miraculously bailed out each time by some benevolent adult on the island. No problem ever feels real or important in any way. Swallowdale simply force
...more
Another delightful book about the Swallows and the Amazons. I read these very slowly, but I thoroughly enjoy them as I do. Peter Duck: A Treasure Hunt in the Caribbees will be next.
...more
I really enjoyed this book and the story is lovely although it can be a challenging at points due to all the funny language and Ship terms.
There are a lot more descriptions than children today are used to, but once engaged in the plot, it's a delightful follow-up to Swallows and Amazons, good old-fashioned childhood and sibling fun.
...more
I liked this book, but Swallows and Amazons is better. It makes me want to live in the Lake District and be an intrepid explorer/kid.
Read aloud to the kids.
This is the "Anne of Avonlea" of the Swallows & Amazons books. Sadly, it's the only one of the series I actually own, I think I may have only read it once in childhood and I can't see myself reading it ever again in adulthood.
It seems that I have taken weeks to read this, and in some ways I have, although that was partly due to 'Life' getting in the way of reading.
If it had been a standalone novel I would probably have abandoned it a third of the way in. I only stuck with it because I'm so looki ...more
It seems that I have taken weeks to read this, and in some ways I have, although that was partly due to 'Life' getting in the way of reading.
If it had been a standalone novel I would probably have abandoned it a third of the way in. I only stuck with it because I'm so looki ...more
Dec 23, 2012
Steve Johgart
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Steve by:
Mom (when I was in 5th grade)
Another in my favorite book series from my 5th/6th grade years. This book hails from 1931, when an adventure book didn't have to involve spies and dangerous killers, or fantastic worlds with elves and orcs. Ransome takes a story of the adventures of a group of children (and their affiliated adults) in on a lake and into the hills of England during summer break, real-life childhood adventuring spiced with a generous dose of imagination, and gives the gentle and lovely story as much momentum as a
...more
I found and read the Swallows and Amazons series in my early 20s. I am only sorry I did not find them earlier. Stories of the family's summer adventures are beautifully written, and encourage responsible and creative living. Self reliance, intelligent reasoning skills, and strong imagination with these children provide an excellent backdrop for this series of books, as well as strong roll-models for any youngsters reading them.
...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
Arthur Michell Ransome was an English author and journalist. He was educated in Windermere and Rugby. His family spent their summers at Nibthwaite, to the south of Coniston Water.
In 1902, Ransome abandoned a chemistry degree to become a publisher's office boy in London. He used this precarious existence to practise writing, producing several minor works before Bohemia in London (1907), a study of ...more
In 1902, Ransome abandoned a chemistry degree to become a publisher's office boy in London. He used this precarious existence to practise writing, producing several minor works before Bohemia in London (1907), a study of ...more
Other books in the series
Swallows and Amazons
(1 - 10 of 12 books)
News & Interviews
Looking for a fictional meet-cute in the new year? We've got some steamy novels for you to snuggle up with, including Casey McQuiston's...
41 likes · 7 comments
2 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“They found, like many explorers before them, that somehow, in their absence, they had got into trouble at home.”
—
6 likes
“Things might have been a lot worse. Don’t you worry about it overmuch. When a thing’s done, it’s done, and if it’s not done right, do it differently next time.”
—
4 likes
More quotes…
