First Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Mar8

Just As Entertaining As In My Childhood

First Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is an entertaining children’s novel and perfect for those aged ten years or over. It is the first book in a thirteen-book series. For those of us, who remember Malory Towers from our girlhood reading, it is a chance to walk down memory lane. I enjoyed it just as much as an adult as I did as a child. I am excited to read the first six books again, and to read the new final seven.

Enid Blyton first penned Malory Towers in 1945. Girls would have needed something to bring them joy as the war was finally over and so far, six years of childhood would have been terrifying. Malory Towers is as entertaining today as it has always been. There are some obvious differences that date the book including references to Churchill, but putting that aside, the book is an engrossing tale.

I originally read the books fifty years ago as an eleven-year-old. This book entertained me then and now, as I still pictured myself in the lead role of Daryll Rivers.

There are an eclectic mix of girls in Malory towers as one would find in any school. We ‘hear’ of lessons, friendships, dormitories etc as the various personalities shine through. Interestingly all the teachers were female and unmarried.

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Wildflower Haven by Lin Stepp

Mar7

Not ‘Either’/’Or’ – But Both

Wildflower Haven by Lin Stepp is a very beautiful contemporary Christian novel that I loved and read it in just two sittings. It is part of A Mountain Home series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Here, the reader is submerged in nature. We see the beauty in the flora and fauna, as well as the fruits, berries and bees. Lin Stepp educates the reader as there is a vast amount of plant, bees and location knowledge. The author ‘paints’ the scenery in a myriad of colours. “The world around us is charged with the grandeur of God.” There is nothing quite so beautiful as God’s handiwork.

The worlds of a botanist and a teacher collide. Both enjoy the natural – one is preserving it for generations to come. The other is educating the next generation so that they can look after planet earth.

We witness faith growing in the heart of the one who had put science above his need for God. He moves from being vaguely aware, to having a heart that knows God. Along the way, people have educated him about God as the designer of our world. “The grace of faith illuminates not only things that are spiritual but things that are natural.”

There is the debate of faith or science – we see that it is not an ‘either’/’or’ but it is both existing in harmony. “Many of the greatest scientists… were strong men and women of faith.” We are introduced to some of these within the novel.

Science tells us ‘How.’ Faith tells us ‘Who.’ “Faith enhanced their [scientists’] scientific studies, ideas and discoveries.” Behind everything that is created, there is a Creator.

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The Girl With The List by Shari J Ryan

Mar6

A Promise To Time

The Girl With The List by Shari J Ryan is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It is a story of love in the darkest of times.

The tale starts in Poland during World War II, quickly progressing to Auschwitz as we follow the two lead characters, Rosalie, a gentile; Stefan a Jew. Within their small village, no distinctions are made between people – until the Nazis move in, spreading fear and hatred as they commit evil acts against the innocent.

A traumatic event in Rosalie’s childhood, saw he becoming a competent midwife by the age of sixteen. Her services find her ending up in the household of an officer serving in Auschwitz. It is just a small step to her becoming an enforced list maker in the camp.

It is here, against all the odds that Rosalie and Stefan find each other. They both cling to love and have hope to survive. “You know you can’t escape. We must survive.” Their wars are similar but different. Both face traumatic times.

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Five Go To Smuggler’s Top by Enid Blyton

Mar5

Adventures Of Dering Do

Five Go To Smuggler’s Top by Enid Blyton is a marvellous tale for the over eights. It is the fourth book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a sand-alone.

Despite being written in 1945 this is a story with the power to entertain generations of children. The books in The Famous Five series have a timeless appeal.

The children are brave as they investigate strange goings on – but it is Timmy the dog who is the real hero of the tale.

There were some highly amusing scenes which definitely made me snigger.

Times were simpler. The children were free to roam. They were plucky in following clues to catch those involved in illegal activities.

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