A Problem for the Chalet School

Some of the books in this series are samey, with too much detail about lessons, or end-of-term plays. But this one has a story that I found very interesting. I didn’t remember what happened at all when I read it after over twenty years, and only vaguely when I re-read ten years later.

I was full of admiration for the way that the author made it clear that a particular girl's mindset was tacky and 'cheap' without ever being condescending; she also makes it plain that what matters is someone's character and behaviour rather than what 'class' or background they come from.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, which is around 36th or 40th in the series, depending on how they are counted. Inevitably it’s a little dated, and show more some ideas about education have changed since the middle of the 20th century. Nonetheless, Brent-Dyer created believable people and I found myself strongly drawn into this book. Definitely recommended to fans of the series.

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This used to be one of my favourite Swiss-set stories but I found it quite irritating this time. I think it may have been my current mood and next time I'll like it again!