The book has all of the fine qualities that make its predecessor such an excellent read for children (and adults) of all ages. Ransome's prose is a delight throughout, his characters engaging and the events that befall the children entirely believable. As in all of the other books of this series, simple pen and ink drawings by the author add considerably to the enjoyment. If only the world (and the Lake District!) was still like this!

Incidentally, although this was the second of Arthur Ransome's "Swallows and Amazon" books to be published, it is best read after the third volume, "Peter Duck", because it is set chronologically after the events of that book, and makes occasional back reference to it. You will enjoy "Peter Duck" much more if you read it BEFORE you read "Swallowdale". And if you enjoyed "Swallows and Amazons" you will certainly enjoy this.


For adventurous minded kids aged 7 to 70   June 27, 1998
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Swallowdale has it all for adventurous minded children - sailing, shipwrecks, pirates, camping, exploring, caves, climbing, battles...

The Swallows (Captain John, Mate Susan, Able Seaman Titty and Boy Roger) and Amazons (Captain Nancy and Mate Peggy) meet up again along with Captain Flint and his parrot Polly to explore the mountains and lakes of the English Lake District.

Written by Arthur Ransome over 60 years ago, this is a book for grandparents, parents and children alike - a book to be passed from generation to generation.


An Outstanding Adventure story for any age!   January 9, 2001
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Small boat or dinghy sailing, camping out, excitement, nice people and strong writing: what more could a reader ask for? I first read this book at the home of a boyhood friend about ten years after it was originally published, and I count the series (this is the second of 12) as responsible for my lifelong interest in camping and sailing. More than half a century later, I acquired a set and found to my absolute delight that they read as well and are as powerfully satisfying as ever.

Here, within the covers of a very well-written book, you'll find a group of charming children and a few adults, spanning a wide range of ages and character types. Swallowdale is by turns funny, thoughtful, insightful and so well written it is a distinct pleasure for readers of any age.

Did I mention the writing? It's better written than most current novels.


loved by many generations in one family   April 14, 1998
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

My mother, who was twelve years old in 1938, wrote a letter to Mr. Ransome telling him how much she loved his books, and asking if she could "be" Nancy, her favorite character. Mr. Ransome very kindly wrote back and bequeathed that character to her. That thought was very important to her, helping her get through some difficult times in her childhood. And her kids grew up to enjoy the books just as much. If I ever have children (or nieces & nephews) I will certainly share the books with them, too. They are fun and adventurous, and also show kids being "real," and also being independent and responsible, and able to help each other out. I wish the world could still be that way for kids.


An exciting continuation of a great series.   January 18, 1997
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

The second and my favourite of the Swallows and Amazons series starts with a mystery. Where are the Amazons? It continues with a near disaster that threatens the Swallow's entire holiday, but a chance discovery saves the situation.The children explore the hills of the English Lake District, have battles and meet strange but friendly "natives" all while trying to keep the Great Aunt happy.It is a great story for children and adults which combines Ransome's characters with exciting but realistic adventures and marvellous descriptions of the English countryside and its inhabitants.