I think very often about how Darrell and Alicia spend a term mucking about and Alicia gets good grades at the end of the year and Darrell doesn’t. And how the learning is that Darrell is someone who does things wholeheartedly and Alicia is able to spread herself thinly. And I guess that’s thinking about it often for about 35 years now 😂
Listened to this while meandering through Tolkien country in a hidden corner of Birmingham. Enchantment x1000. I just gave David’s son a book of Tolkien’s artwork as a 13th birthday present, and it quickly lead to imaginings for a life he’d be happy in and who he wants to be. Funny how these questions seem to be an intergenerational certainty :) x
I loved this series too, Elizabeth, and I agree with you that it contributed in a big way towards shaping my values. I appreciate your "review" of the series in the light of current social norms and its relevance for young girls today.
"I cannot think of a great children’s book which was primarily about the relationship between a child and their parent."
Well, there's always Danny the Champion of the World, which I'd say is Roald Dahl's best book, and one that touches me deeply. But you're totally right about the general rule.
And I love that you get us thinking about children's books. Alfie has just discovered the Famous Five, so I've also been struck by Blyton's enduring ability to hold children's attention. Though we have them in Swedish translation, Anna's old copies or even her father's in some cases, and it's been her and Alfie reading them together, so I've not yet got reacquainted with the books myself.
The Famous Five led me to believe there would be a lot more secret tunnels in my life than there have been so far.
But I am forever grateful for the gender permissive role model of George. If I’d grown up thinking all girls needed to be like Anne, my life would look very different I think
I think very often about how Darrell and Alicia spend a term mucking about and Alicia gets good grades at the end of the year and Darrell doesn’t. And how the learning is that Darrell is someone who does things wholeheartedly and Alicia is able to spread herself thinly. And I guess that’s thinking about it often for about 35 years now 😂
Oh yes! I sometimes meet people and think “You are quite Alicia”
Listened to this while meandering through Tolkien country in a hidden corner of Birmingham. Enchantment x1000. I just gave David’s son a book of Tolkien’s artwork as a 13th birthday present, and it quickly lead to imaginings for a life he’d be happy in and who he wants to be. Funny how these questions seem to be an intergenerational certainty :) x
I loved this series too, Elizabeth, and I agree with you that it contributed in a big way towards shaping my values. I appreciate your "review" of the series in the light of current social norms and its relevance for young girls today.
Thank you!
So enjoyed this. I too loved Mallory Towers and Darrell. What you’ve drawn out about them resonates.
"I cannot think of a great children’s book which was primarily about the relationship between a child and their parent."
Well, there's always Danny the Champion of the World, which I'd say is Roald Dahl's best book, and one that touches me deeply. But you're totally right about the general rule.
And I love that you get us thinking about children's books. Alfie has just discovered the Famous Five, so I've also been struck by Blyton's enduring ability to hold children's attention. Though we have them in Swedish translation, Anna's old copies or even her father's in some cases, and it's been her and Alfie reading them together, so I've not yet got reacquainted with the books myself.
The Famous Five led me to believe there would be a lot more secret tunnels in my life than there have been so far.
But I am forever grateful for the gender permissive role model of George. If I’d grown up thinking all girls needed to be like Anne, my life would look very different I think
Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise. Theologically brilliant!
Oooh yes. Must re read that
The Moomins- not human children, but plenty in there about family bonds, heart(h) warmth, and home, as well as some great adventures.