All Summer Through

Nettleford #1

by Malcolm Saville

The First Day of the Holidays...
"How wonderful to have no school," thought Sally Richardson, turning over in bed. "No rushing at breakfast... No last hunt round for books and satchels... No dashing for the bus. Just days and days to do things in and to do nothing in - practically all summer in fact..."
But the way it turned out for the Richardson Family - Sally, Paul and Veronica - it was a very eventful summer...

Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Leonard Malcolm Saville was an English author best known for the Lone Pine series of children's books, many of which are set in Shropshire. His work emphasises location; the books include many vivid descriptions of English countryside, villages and sometimes towns.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adventure story from the early 1950s involving a group of pre-teens and a somewhat spoilt younger sister. Likeable characters, well-written, and a good story.

It's essentially a series of low-key adventures for the children concerned, including helping put out a fire, assisting. a sick elderly woman, and going for a dangerous walk along some cliffs in high wind. Probably intended for the 9-12 age group, but I first read it at just 13 and liked it sufficiently that I've kept it for fifty years or so, although I don't suppose I've read it more than once or twice in that time.

A good introduction to Malcolm Saville for children not quite ready for the longer and more intense Lone Pine series, if you can find it at a library or inexpensively second-hand.

Three and a half stars, really.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Annie]

TW: THIS BOOK CONTAINS RACISM & RACIST LANGUAGE AND STEREOTYPES

When I first read this as a child I thought it was wonderful - and I read it many times over growing up.

However I recently re-read it and to my horror discovered some sections where the characters employ black face and use racist and derogatory language.

Although there are “only” two scenes where this language is used I wanted to make others aware of this language - I don’t think it has any place in todays society. It did make me wonder if this is why the book hasn’t been republished since it’s original publication date in the 40s/50s.

I’m not saying don’t read it - but I did want to note it as I haven’t seen any other mentions of it here and to forewarn anyone who was planning on reading or giving it to children.