Jane and the Chalet School

This is 51st in the original series, although my copy is a paperback one numbered 55. Happily, the later books in the series were not abridged when produced by Armada.

Jane has been educated by a governess before joining the Chalet School. Her parents are touring actors, so she’s travelled widely and is friendly to all. However, she makes an immediate enemy out of Jack Lambert. Jack is a likeable girl but she is hot tempered, and apparently holds grudges.

Most of the book is fairly standard Chalet School fare with moments of high drama. We get insights into Jack’s personality as well as that of Jane. Unlike some new girls Jane adapts easily to life at the school, despite her over-enthusiastic way of addressing everyone, adults and show more peers.

While some of the later Chalet School books are a bit ‘samey’, I liked this one very much and thought it covered new ground. Definitely recommended to anyone who likes the series, or who enjoys this kind of mid-20th century teenage school story. show less