The Chiltons

by Gwendoline Courtney

Vintage famous book.

Genres: Childrens

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Born near Southampton in 1911, Gwendoline Courtney was the daughter of antiques dealer Edwin Courtney, and his wife Joanna. She was distantly related to author and educator Arthur Mee, and first cousins with Phyllis Norris, who wrote a number of books for girls. The family moved to Wallasey when Courtney was young, and she was educated at Oldershaw High School. She worked for a time in her father’s office, before joining Lord Goodman’s staff, during WWII, and prided herself on being the only civilian to work on Operation Overlord. After the deaths of their parents, Courtney and her two sisters lived together for the rest of their lives, moving from place to place - Courtney had sustained an ear injury, during a bomb blast, that made quiet absolutely essential - as the need arose. She died in Shaftesbury, in 1996.

Beginning with Torley Grange, published when when she was twenty-four, Courtney produced thirteen book for young readers. Her work fell out of favor during the 1960s, but she continued to write and lecture extensively. She was very active in various societies related to her interests, such as the West Country Writers Association, the Cornish Cat Society, and the Salisbury Fencing Club. She was also much involved in amateur theatricals, writing, producing and acting in plays.

Reviews

[Louise Culmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The four Chilton children and their cousin Jill, who lives with them, are not particularly pleased when they learn that their parents are taking in two other children as paying guests, Brian who is recovering from a serious sporting injury, and Hilary who is an orphan whose aunt does not want her. But when Brian and Hilary arrive of course the Chiltons make them welcome, and they are soon joining in with their various escapades.
Although quite a pleasant family story,I didn’t find either the characters or the plot nearly as interesting as in the two previous books I have read by this author, it seemed rather tame compared to Sally’s Family and At School with the Stanhopes.

[Jen Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwendoline Courtney has a great way of making you feel a part of the Chilton family in this happy feel-good story. I only wish there was a sequel so we could have more of them!

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Brian and Hilary find a place to live in the home of the jolly Chilton family. Pleasant family story.

[Charlotte]

not her best work, but still a fine undemanding bedtime read.