38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
More an equal than a sequel!, Dec 10 2000
By Steve Benner "Stonegnome" - Published on Amazon.com
"Swallowdale" continues very much where its predecessor, "Swallows and Amazons", leaves off, with the Walker children returning to "that remote lake in the north of England" one year after the events of the first book and looking forward to another couple of weeks of fun, sailing with their friends, the Amazon pirates. Plans quickly begin to go awry, however, and Ransome turns events away from the anticipated activity of sailing on the lake to an altogether different sort of fun, as the children take off camping and exploring in the surrounding fells and mountains.
The book has all of the fine qualities that make its predecessor such an excellent read for children (and adults) of all ages. Ransome's prose is a delight throughout, his characters engaging and the events that befall the children entirely believable. As in all of the other books of this series, simple pen and ink drawings by the author add considerably to the enjoyment. If only the world (and the Lake District!) was still like this!
Incidentally, although this was the second of Arthur Ransome's "Swallows and Amazon" books to be published, it is best read after the third volume, "Peter Duck", because it is set chronologically after the events of that book, and makes occasional back reference to it. You will enjoy "Peter Duck" much more if you read it BEFORE you read "Swallowdale". And if you enjoyed "Swallows and Amazons" you will certainly enjoy this.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
For adventurous minded kids aged 7 to 70, Jun 26 1998
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
Swallowdale has it all for adventurous minded children - sailing, shipwrecks, pirates, camping, exploring, caves, climbing, battles...
The Swallows (Captain John, Mate Susan, Able Seaman Titty and Boy Roger) and Amazons (Captain Nancy and Mate Peggy) meet up again along with Captain Flint and his parrot Polly to explore the mountains and lakes of the English Lake District.
Written by Arthur Ransome over 60 years ago, this is a book for grandparents, parents and children alike - a book to be passed from generation to generation.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Outstanding Adventure story for any age!, Jan 8 2001
By Carl Brookins - Published on Amazon.com
Small boat or dinghy sailing, camping out, excitement, nice people and strong writing: what more could a reader ask for? I first read this book at the home of a boyhood friend about ten years after it was originally published, and I count the series (this is the second of 12) as responsible for my lifelong interest in camping and sailing. More than half a century later, I acquired a set and found to my absolute delight that they read as well and are as powerfully satisfying as ever.
Here, within the covers of a very well-written book, you'll find a group of charming children and a few adults, spanning a wide range of ages and character types. Swallowdale is by turns funny, thoughtful, insightful and so well written it is a distinct pleasure for readers of any age.
Did I mention the writing? It's better written than most current novels.
