Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome is the is the first book in The Swallows and Amazons series. It was first published in 1930 and story is set in the Lake District between the two World Wars. If you are a fan of English childrens classics of Enid Blyton then you should read childrens novels written by Arthur Ransome. Swallows of Amazons is a book for children, grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination.
The story follows the Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger), who sail a borrowed dinghy named Swallow, and the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail a dinghy named Amazon. The Walkers are staying at a farm near a lake during the school holidays and want to camp on an island in the lake; the Blacketts live in a house nearby. The children meet on the island which they call Wild Cat Island, and have a series of adventures, involving sailing, camping, fishing, exploration and piracy.
Swallows and Amazons was inspired by a summer spent by Ransome teaching the children of his friends, the Altounyans, to sail. Three of the Altounyan children’s names are adopted directly for the Walker family. Ransome and Ernest Altounyan bought two small dinghies called Swallow and Mavis.
Arthur Ransome‘s “Swallows and Amazons” is the first in a classic series of childrens stories that will appeal to readers of all ages. Just like what Times Literary Supplement says about the book it has plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating. What I like about this book is it can really happen to anyone because it has nothing unnatural or unrealistic. This one is very innocent, with no real violence or menace, but full of joyful adventure. The children are great role models; they’re feisty and independent, yet still respectful of their elders. A book parents would want their kids to read. even Adults who have happy memories of exploring will enjoy Swallows and Amazons novels. Even if you never had done these kind of things in your childhood then your imagination would take you back to your childhood and let you feel you are there in the story. Its a great book to be given as a gift to any child who loves reading. Swallows and Amazons Hard cover book would be a real treasure any kids book collection.