Upper Fourth At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Jun14

Timeless Appeal

Upper Fourth At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is an entertaining girls’ novel that I enjoyed. It is the fourth book in the Malory Towers series which I recommend reading in numerical order as it follows the characters through their school years.

I originally read the Malory Towers books fifty years ago, and they were a firm favourite of mine. I am enjoying them just as much as I did first time around.

We follow the characters as they navigate school life. We witness friendships and camaraderie, as well as hurtful behaviour that sometimes happens. Life is lived in the classroom and the dorms, and also in the surrounding area. Enid Blyton evokes childhood memories with her tales.

There is humour to be found within the pages too. “Matron… would… say, ‘My dear Gwendolene, you are suffering from inflammation of the imagination, as usual.’”

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Charlie’s Last Angel by Maggie Christensen

Jun9

Most Delightful

Charlie’s Last Angel by Maggie Christensen is a very charming contemporary novel that I adored and never wanted it to end.

The leading characters are not in their first flush of youth; they are in their fifties. It is refreshing to see that growing older does not mean growing staid. Both leading characters have much to offer, both in their jobs and in their private lives. They blend well together as they fall hopelessly in love.

The course of true love does not run smooth. Grown up daughters and an ex-wife feel that they know better than their father just what he needs. Only one of the three daughters recognizes that Charlie’s last angel is good for him.

We see the value of good friends to support and offer advice, but not to interfere.

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Five Go Off To Camp by Enid Blyton

Jun7

Adventurous Derring Do

Five Go Off To Camp by Enid Blyton is an entertaining children’s novel. It is the seventh book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The Famous Five series continues to enthral audiences today, as much as it did when first penned in 1948.

There are all the elements that make for a cracking tale – heroes and villains, picnics, endless summer days, camaraderie and derring do – as once more, the famous five fall into an adventure.

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The Paris Affair by Muna Shehadi

Jun6

Love, Friendship & Legacy

The Paris Affair by Muna Shehadi is a compelling and enthralling dual timeline novel that I adored.

The novel is set in 1975 and in present day, in both Paris and midwestern America. The two time periods are linked by one family – a grandmother and her granddaughter.

We see the power of choices, and how we, and others, respond to the choices made. “Life is a series of choices… You can live with regret for the road not taken, or you can kick that devil out and find ways to be content.” Our lives are what we make of them. We can live in disappointment or look for rainbows in the rain.

A life has been squashed – first by expectations placed on her by her family; and then by a very spoilt and opinionated daughter. The character has missed out on seeing her three grandchildren as lies have been told. One day the truth will come out.

There is the importance of having the correct priorities. “What do I need sable and diamonds for?… I have weeds, goats and chicken poo.” When life is ruled by dollar signs, no good will come of it. Find contentment in the simple things in life.

At the heart of the novel is a small farm and its’ animals. At first, a character is fearful of the animals. As she faces her fears, she finds the joy within. Life is made richer by the bond with animals.

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