Coot Club

51. Coot Club by Arthur Ransome

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Though this is listed as the fifth book in the Swallows and Amazons series, be advised there aren't actually any Swallows or Amazons in it. The two new characters, Dick and Dorothea, introduced in the fourth book Winter Holiday are carried over to Coot Club where they have their own adventure on a river with a host of new characters.

The nautical jargon is easier to follow in this book so it could be a good starting point. There are a few references to characters and action from the previous book but nothing you'd overly miss if you hadn't read them.

I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this one without the original set of characters but the new river scene and people populating it soon won me over.

I liked that the parents and adults were more present in this one. The kids still have a lot of freedom while the adults are more engaged and available if need be.


4 years ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #27