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leilah_'s review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I may not live in England, but I did grow up with the first six books in the Malory Towers series (and many more books by Enid Blyton). However, I'm now years older and I was quite curious how the books would be in English AND how it would be re-reading them after so many years. On top of that I was quite curious to read the six new books, written by another author, taking place at the boarding school I always wanted to go to. Luckily Amazon had a cheap boxset for me.
Today I finally re-read the first book and just like so many years ago I fell in love with the girls, the teachers and Malory Towers all over again. I had forgotten quite a few things, but I was also surprised how many little details I still remembered. Although some things are a little outdated, I think these books can certainly be read by modern kids these days too.
That's partly because Blyton wasn't the kind of author writing about perfect cute and sweet little angels. I don't know when that horrible change happened, but I was so happy to read about these flawed girls learning and growing! Yes, at times they were really mean and in the wrong, but they always solved things in the end.
I also really like the atmosphere of the school. I like the idea that it's set in a castle, with four real towers and common rooms per tower. I like the idea of an outdoors swimming pool being filled with sea water every day. I like the idea of tennis fields and games to play. I have to admit that the amount of subjects seems a little limited, but who wants to read about those anyway.
I will happily pick up the next one soon!
Today I finally re-read the first book and just like so many years ago I fell in love with the girls, the teachers and Malory Towers all over again. I had forgotten quite a few things, but I was also surprised how many little details I still remembered. Although some things are a little outdated, I think these books can certainly be read by modern kids these days too.
That's partly because Blyton wasn't the kind of author writing about perfect cute and sweet little angels. I don't know when that horrible change happened, but I was so happy to read about these flawed girls learning and growing! Yes, at times they were really mean and in the wrong, but they always solved things in the end.
I also really like the atmosphere of the school. I like the idea that it's set in a castle, with four real towers and common rooms per tower. I like the idea of an outdoors swimming pool being filled with sea water every day. I like the idea of tennis fields and games to play. I have to admit that the amount of subjects seems a little limited, but who wants to read about those anyway.
I will happily pick up the next one soon!
char_dalt's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
saltydogreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
hrjkio's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Enid Bylton knows how to hit me nostalgically with her boarding-school series. I loved reading this when I was in primary school. I still love it! This series made me excited and motivated for school!
boomakes's review against another edition
4.0
I read these books as a child and remember them as exciting and fun. I'm now reading them to my 5 year old daughter and although they are incredibly dated there is something special about the quintessential English life they portray and my daughter loved it. We now have the rest of the series to go along with the new Malory Towers books which have been written.
elanshellard's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gemstone's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
c_loves_books's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My favourite book of all time I would definitely recommend. I love Enid Blyton in general, she is my favourite author. This book could suit people of all ages. But I would say people over the age of 7 or 8 would understand some off the tricky words better as it is set in the past.