Secret Water

The sequel to We didn't mean to go to sea, this is set in the complex of islands and muddy tidal creeks behind Walton-on-the-Naze, where the Swallows are dumped by their parents on an island with dinghies, tents, surveying instruments and a blank map to fill in. Maybe a fortnight spent up to the knees in mud clutching survey poles (or up to the elbows in Indian ink clutching drawing instruments) sounds more like a geography field trip than a holiday, but they seem to enjoy it, and even manage to have a little friendly war with another group of children who consider the islands as their place. Ransome was obviously thinking about The riddle of the sands when he wrote this book, although he doesn't manage to introduce an invasion scare. show more

Probably not the best starting point if you're new to Arthur Ransome, but the map-making theme does work surprisingly well, and any child that's already a Swallows and Amazons fan will certainly enjoy this. show less

I wonder why I like Ransome's novels so much. Is it because, as a child, I had no chance whatsoever to experience myself any adventure even remotely approaching anything these children are experiencing? Or because even when the children are occasionally comic, the humour is never condescending? Anyway, for a quinquagenarian this is definitely escapist literature ... but of the best sort.

1939. The Walker children are sent to survey a marshy area where they meet some savages. Their friends Nancy and Peggy come along too. The friendly savages serve as native guides when they’re not sacrificing Bridgie to the great Eel. Most of the excitement comes when Titty, Roger and Bridget are almost drowned by the incoming tide. A ripping good tale.

I found my copy of this in a used book or junk store, already battered and sans jacket (if it ever had one), and from that moment, its days of lingering alone and forgotten in a bin were over. One of my favorites in the series.

This is one of the latest Swallows and Amazons books in terms of the overall chronology of the series. It immediately follows We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea, which I rather dislike (too much seasickness), By this time the Swallows are older, John and Susan are old enough to be left in charge of the crew on a tidal island off the English coast. Roger the ship's boy is now rated an able seaman, and the youngest child, Bridget, hitherto too young to go along on the adventures, is included for the first time. They are exploring a set of tidal islands and are joined by the Amazons while encountering a local group of children, the Eels, who see themselves as a primitive tribe, conveniently serving as opponents for the Swallows" explorers." I show more suppose a contemporary critic might see the game as too imperialist, but in the context of the time it is harmless. One bit I remember is when Bridget is being a "sacrifice" and the others are afraid she is upset and stop the game, but she actually wants to go on playing. show less

Growing up the Swallows and Amazons series by Arthur Ransome was one of my favorite series. When I decided to re-read it as an adult I was worried that it would not stand the test of time. I was delighted to find that in general found it just as enjoyable now as I did as a child. The characters, writing style and adventures are great and I truly enjoyed the series.

When I was young I tried to read some of the Swallows and Amazons books and found them boring and just too English. Biggles, The Saint, and similar were much more fun. Though Wind in the Willows I enjoyed then (and now}.