Three on the Run

by Nina Bawden

Ben, eleven years old and the youngest of the Mallory children, has left his aunt and siblings to come to London where his widower father wishes to introduce him to his young future step-mother.

Unable to return home when his brother and sister become ill, Ben is left on his own to explore the maze of walled gardens which surround his new home. Soon he meets Thomas, the son of an exiled East African Prime Minister, and Lil, a fatherless cockney waif.

All three children, troubled and contending with the dislocation of their new lives, become entwined in each others' journeys of self-discovery and adventure.

In Nina Bawden's much-praised second novel for young readers, the lessons and pains of childhood are evinced with characteristic deftness, combining sympathy, affection and timeless wit.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult

Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Nina Bawden was a popular British novelist and children's writer. Her mother was a teacher and her father a marine.

When World War II broke out she spent the school holidays at a farm in Shropshire along with her mother and her brothers, but lived in Aberdare, Wales, during term time.
Bawden attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she gained a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Her novels include Carrie's War, Peppermint Pig, and The Witch's Daughter.

A number of her works have been dramatised by BBC Children's television, and many have been translated into various languages. In 2002 she was badly injured in the Potters Bar rail crash, and her husband Austen Kark was killed.

Bawden passed away at her home in London on 22 August 2012.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost historical -- the book is as old as me! So it's an interesting look on how England saw Africa and Africans, and how much freedom kids had in the late 60's -- much more than now, much less than the previous generation. Also had fun action.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very suspenseful.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as a homeschooling read-aloud and the kids loved it (12 year old girl and 10 year old boy.) The 10 year old sometimes has the attention of a gnat but he really loved the pace, suspense and characters. One of the few books that he wanted "another chapter." I remember this book being read to me at school in the 70s. I liked it then and now. Even though it is almost 60 years old I don't feel like the culture shock is there, that you get with some older books. It was effortless to read aloud too.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book was meant for middle-school-aged kids because it's about 3 kids who are about 12 years old. There is an element of suspense and anxiety, but nothing really bad or terribly scary. Well written.

[Stephen Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good & insightful. Thematically, way ahead of its time.

[r3miniscence · Rating 4 out of 5]

finito di leggere nel 2021

[Zinnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I THINK that this is a book I read when I was kid - the first scary thriller - I guess I was in 2nd grade - I loved it! Wish it was still in print! My little 2nd grader would love it.

[Gina Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, so of its time.
If you want to know what life was like in 1960's Britain then this will fill you in a bit!

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

B. children's book, grade 5, adventure, England, mom's stash, keep