Swallowdale

This is an odd book because it lacks a coherent plot: it's written as a series of separate and different episodes, almost like a collection of short stories. Each episode is quite good in its way, but overall the book leaves a confused impression: it isn't about something in particular, it's about this, and that, and the other.

Nevertheless, a number of significant things happen here: Swallow is wrecked (temporarily), Swallowdale is discovered, Great-Aunt Maria appears for the first time, we meet the Swainsons, Kanchenjunga is climbed, the late Mr Blackett is mentioned, Titty and Roger get lost in fog and meet the charcoal-burners again, and at the end Swallow is repaired and the two boats have a race.

I think this has to be regarded as an essential part of the story of the Swallows and Amazons, you probably shouldn't skip it, although it's not one of the best of the series. At last reading, I quite enjoyed it.

Well... I don't know if I should put up a warning for animal abuse or not... it's not that obvious.
But they do treat the poor parrot abominably. Parrots are very intelligent and social animals, and shouldn't be left alone for a long time. It also felt that the poor thing had nothing to do but sit in its cage, and also I believe its wings were amputated. Not just feathers clipped, but her arms were cut so that she couldn't fly.
Also, the adder living in a box... er... uh.

Anyway, it's a good book about the adventures of children in the 20s and 30s. I especially appreciate equality. John is not the best captain because he's a boy. Nancy is just as good, and in some aspects better. Susan is a “good housewife”, but also an apt shipmate. The gender of people never comes up as an issue.
I also love the fact that all adults are good people. There is no “stranger danger” here. Everyone is friendly, generous, and kind to the kids.
And, it's not ageist. The children are not belittled or not listened to just because they are younger. Everyone is treated with respect.