The Swish of the Curtain

I'm not entirely sure how to review this book -- I found it delightful, but I have no idea if most modern kid audiences will. I love that it was written by a teenager in 1941. It basically reads as theatrical fantasy, by which I mean that it's a theater kid's fantasy of becoming successful in the theater as a young person. I was this kind of young person, and I really enjoy gentle British stories, so I found it deeply satisfying, if a little slow moving. I think it will appeal to fans of Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes (and series), possibly the Penderwicks, maybe Anne of Green Gables or Swallows and Amazons.

All about kids with agency creating the thing that they love over the mild objections of their parents. I particularly enjoyed show more how the 7 different kids gradually figure out what their professional ideal might be, and grow into their ambitions. I'm quite delighted to discover this author as an adult, I'm just not entirely sure what audience to suggest it to.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss. show less

This is an absolutely wonderful book (actually the first in a series). The author wrote it when she was only 14 apparently. Beware though, the text was heavily edited when it was republished in some editions and it is worth having the original.

Loved this one. Charmingly old-fashioned, but without being stale. I can understand why this book inspired so many thespians.

Pamela Brown was fourteen when she wrote this, her first novel, although it wasn’t published until 1941, when she was a venerable sixteen. It was the first of a series and became a beloved children’s classic, cited as a favourite by Maggie Smith and Eileen Atkins among others. And it’s no accident that it appeals particularly to actors, because the Blue Door series follows the fortunes of a very special theatre company, set up by a particularly ambitious and determined group of children. It all begins when a new family moves into the Corner House in Fenchester. Across the road, two sets of siblings keep a watchful eye out: Sandra Fayne and her little sister Maddy from one side of the fence; Lyn Darwin and her brother Jeremy from show more the other. Soon it transpires that there are no fewer than three new children at the Corner House. The stage is set – literally – for a wonderful summer adventure that promises to become something much, much bigger...

For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2019/02/09/the-swish-of-the-curtain-pamela-brown/ show less

A group of young friends turn a small, deserted chapel into a theater and put on plays for their community.
Meh. Typical fare for its time, which tends toward the edge of Saccharine Cliff.

I remember re-reading this several times as a child it is the story of a group of children who put on plays in an old theatre they discover.

Favorite book growing up. I have my aunt's copy from 1951. Falling to bits but well-loved.