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Enid Blyton for Grown-Ups
Five Get Gran Online
'What operating system does your PC run on?' 'Electricity,' said Gran. From the author of Number One Christmas bestseller, Five on Brexit Island , join the Five in their next hilarious adventure in this bestselling series for grown-ups! The Five go north to see their grandmother who is alone over the Easter weekend. They're shocked to find it's been so long that they don't recognise her at all. While they're there, they try to help her with her computer. They try first to fix her iTunes account, and then her internet banking - after all it's the least they can do! However everything they touch turns to dust. They end up getting her cut off from the internet, the gas and the electricity, and reduced to a World War II-style privations - that is until the toddler from next door comes in and fixes everything. They return home somewhat with their tails between their legs, only to discover that with their help Gran has learned to make videos, and has become an internet sensation.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2017
8 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Bruno Vincent
40 books41 followersBruno Vincent was a bookseller and book editor before he was an author. His humour books for grown-ups, co-authored with Jon Butler, were national bestsellers and have been translated into seven languages. The TUMBLEWATER books are his first for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 11, 2017
Very funny, even if the phrase 'low-hanging fruit' could be applied to the subject of the humour most of the time.
August 30, 2018
Old Folk and the Internet
30 August 2018 – Sydney
Isn’t it funny that whenever you get a highly sort after qualification, all of your mates suddenly want you to help them out for free. The thing is that this is pretty much the case when it comes to getting a computer fixed – as soon as it becomes evident that you know something about computers all of the sudden everybody has problems with the computer that need to be fixed, and they want you to come around and fix it for them. In fact somebody suggested that we should at least start asking them to get us a carton of beer because, well, we have probably saved them something like $200.00, or more.
Well, this is sort of what happens here. I say sort of because we aren’t necessarily given any information on whether any of the Five are actually computer whizzes, or whether they are simply like many of the young people today in that they tend to have much more of an affinity with technological devices that many in the older generation. Still, even with all of that knowledge, when I was working many of the youngsters still needed IT to come along to fix their computers, but then again you technically weren’t allowed to touch anything on the computer without IT’s permission. The other thing is that they are desktops, and desktops are basically the domain of the computer Geek and enthusiast – it’s all laptops and mobile phones these days
So, the Five get some mysterious text messages and at first they think it is some Russian scammer, until they dig a little deeper to discover that it has come from their grandmother – well sort of. I say sort of because she was only their grandmother for a short time before her husband died and she moved onto the next husband. Actually, what is interesting is that she seems to have had quite a few husbands, and we are almost inclined to think that maybe the Famous Five have stumbled upon a rather crooked scheme where a widow is marrying and then murdering her husbands, simply for the money.
Yet this is another one of those really clever aspects of these books – it seems as if the Famous Five and their adventuring days are long behind them and maybe they should just learn that there isn’t a mysterious secret, and dastardly villain, behind every door. It seems that they stumble upon something, and we are led to believe that there is something rather underhanded going on, only to discover that there is a quite rational, and rather innocent, explanation behind everything.
Well, it doesn’t turn out like that, but what we do have is the Five all trying to get Gran to get her house in order, whether it be by setting up a bank account or getting the gas and electricity bills paid. Also, they need to teach her a few things about computer care and maintenance, such as why it is not a good idea to turn it off at the power point while it is in the middle of syncing all of her songs onto the iPhone.
One of the really clever things about this book though is that Vincent uses the original sketches, but captions them rather differently. This was something that I didn’t realise until I read the previous book and noted that some of the pictures didn’t quite match up, until I realised what was going on. Honestly, that is one of the best parts of the books, though of course their crazy adventures into the modern world are just as good. What was interesting though was that cousin Rupert didn’t appear in this book.
30 August 2018 – Sydney
Isn’t it funny that whenever you get a highly sort after qualification, all of your mates suddenly want you to help them out for free. The thing is that this is pretty much the case when it comes to getting a computer fixed – as soon as it becomes evident that you know something about computers all of the sudden everybody has problems with the computer that need to be fixed, and they want you to come around and fix it for them. In fact somebody suggested that we should at least start asking them to get us a carton of beer because, well, we have probably saved them something like $200.00, or more.
Well, this is sort of what happens here. I say sort of because we aren’t necessarily given any information on whether any of the Five are actually computer whizzes, or whether they are simply like many of the young people today in that they tend to have much more of an affinity with technological devices that many in the older generation. Still, even with all of that knowledge, when I was working many of the youngsters still needed IT to come along to fix their computers, but then again you technically weren’t allowed to touch anything on the computer without IT’s permission. The other thing is that they are desktops, and desktops are basically the domain of the computer Geek and enthusiast – it’s all laptops and mobile phones these days
So, the Five get some mysterious text messages and at first they think it is some Russian scammer, until they dig a little deeper to discover that it has come from their grandmother – well sort of. I say sort of because she was only their grandmother for a short time before her husband died and she moved onto the next husband. Actually, what is interesting is that she seems to have had quite a few husbands, and we are almost inclined to think that maybe the Famous Five have stumbled upon a rather crooked scheme where a widow is marrying and then murdering her husbands, simply for the money.
Yet this is another one of those really clever aspects of these books – it seems as if the Famous Five and their adventuring days are long behind them and maybe they should just learn that there isn’t a mysterious secret, and dastardly villain, behind every door. It seems that they stumble upon something, and we are led to believe that there is something rather underhanded going on, only to discover that there is a quite rational, and rather innocent, explanation behind everything.
Well, it doesn’t turn out like that, but what we do have is the Five all trying to get Gran to get her house in order, whether it be by setting up a bank account or getting the gas and electricity bills paid. Also, they need to teach her a few things about computer care and maintenance, such as why it is not a good idea to turn it off at the power point while it is in the middle of syncing all of her songs onto the iPhone.
One of the really clever things about this book though is that Vincent uses the original sketches, but captions them rather differently. This was something that I didn’t realise until I read the previous book and noted that some of the pictures didn’t quite match up, until I realised what was going on. Honestly, that is one of the best parts of the books, though of course their crazy adventures into the modern world are just as good. What was interesting though was that cousin Rupert didn’t appear in this book.
December 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this entertaining tale about the grown up Famous Five helping their Gran (or is she??) solve her computer problems. Having recently been helping my mum with similar things, they have my sympathies! I like the inclusion of the original illustrations. In these books, I also enjoy the fact that the Five have grown up into exactly the kind of adults you would expect! Good fun 🙂
October 6, 2017
Another in the series of The Famous Five for Grownups, I always find them a fun and easy read.
This time the internet is heavily featured, it was very amusing hearing the gang talk about current social media trends.
This time the internet is heavily featured, it was very amusing hearing the gang talk about current social media trends.
February 23, 2022
The Five go 'up North' to visit their maybe grandmother and attempt to get her into the twenty first century as regards technology. It could have been so good and yet it was pretty dire. Not a lot of humour, some casual ageism and not much else.
October 5, 2017
Pretty dire
Not remotely funny. The earlier ones were just about OK and raised a smile, but what has happened here? Reads as though the author spewed it out in half an hour with a bad hangover.
Not remotely funny. The earlier ones were just about OK and raised a smile, but what has happened here? Reads as though the author spewed it out in half an hour with a bad hangover.
May 23, 2021
This book is a fun little novelty that’s based on Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books but sees them as adults getting into all sorts of sticky situations that are relatable to us in the 21st century. In this one, they help their elderly grandmother to sort out her computer and to set up her first bank account, encountering all sorts of difficulties along the way and being offered more tea than anyone should ever drink. It’s a lot of fun and it’s also pretty relatable.
July 16, 2018
At just over 100 pages, this is a quick, easy read that can be finished in a short space of time. Those of us who grew up with the Famous Five should enjoy this series of books. Our four friends (plus, of course, Timmy) are all grown up and facing a number of adult problems. This particular book is one of the better ones and made me smile as I read it. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2021
I'm really just not sure how I feel about this. None of the characters are what I expected. I think I was holding on to how much I thought It would be like the famous five. When in reality, they could almost be completely new characters.
October 23, 2017
i didn't enjoy this one as much as the other i have so far
October 30, 2017
This is the first Famous Five for Grown Up's novel I have read.
The Famous Five set off to visit Granny B for a few day's and find themselves walking into the past. They are astonished by the way Granny B is living and make it their mission to pull her into the present day.
Computers and I.T issues feature predominately in this book as they try to explain modern technology to Granny.
I found this novel to be an amusing light read.
The Famous Five set off to visit Granny B for a few day's and find themselves walking into the past. They are astonished by the way Granny B is living and make it their mission to pull her into the present day.
Computers and I.T issues feature predominately in this book as they try to explain modern technology to Granny.
I found this novel to be an amusing light read.
May 11, 2019
This is a fun addition to the series, although maybe not the best one, IMO. I think the fact that I was confused about Gran's relationship to the 5 was appropriate, as they seemed just as confused.
Getting Gran online is almost a comedy of errors. It contained a good balance of stereotypes, and it's fun seeing Vincent maintain the character development of his adult 5.
Getting Gran online is almost a comedy of errors. It contained a good balance of stereotypes, and it's fun seeing Vincent maintain the character development of his adult 5.
November 21, 2017
This series is a lot of fun. This instalment is centred on modern technology and social media, and generational differences of those who use it. Amusing but sometimes a little too close for comfort with its parody. The bit with Ozzy made me laugh.
January 4, 2018
A good mixture of relatable wit and dark humour which combines to make an oddly suspenseful plot in which the Famous Five attempt to bring Granny B into the modern age with some disastrous consequences.
December 11, 2017
The best one of all the new ones so far!
December 18, 2017
3.5. That was hilarious and ridiculous. I snorted several times throughout the story. Think I might use these as filler books between others.
February 1, 2018
I quite liked this one even if not much action. At least this one didn't suddenly get all weird.
December 23, 2019
Not as funny as I hoped. The odd laugh only.
January 28, 2020
This is one of the more serious entries in this series which usually ranges from mildy amusing, to hilarious, to utterly bonkers - this one was positively and surprisingly sweet.
January 30, 2020
Pretty much what I expected! Far fetched but a giggle in places!
May 5, 2020
An entertaining and witty book.
March 25, 2022
I do so love Anne, although the undeniable charisma of everyone but Julian is evident in every book.
April 6, 2023
I love these parodies. I grew up reading Famous Five and these are an easy reading light hearted version of the five as adults.
April 14, 2023
Funny story
June 2, 2024
A quick fun read ..
August 26, 2024
Some good bits, but some really bad ones too. Not the best in this series
March 17, 2024
Book 43 - Bruno Vincent (with thanks(?) to Enid Blyton) - Five Get Gran Online
Not sure where I got this one from so apologies if you gave this to me. If you grew up loving Enid Blyton and I did, although I was more of A Secret Seven than Famous Five, you will love this.
More than slightly irreverent but still so like an actual Famous Five book, except they are now in their late 20s or early 30s. Not exactly a children’s book anymore, due to a smattering of bad language, but very very funny...with some genuinely laugh out loud moments.
From the endless cups of tea made by ‘Gran’ to the somehow still alive Timmy the dog - this will have you tilting your head with nostalgia as you realise that with mobile phones, access to the internet and access to alcohol these are the Five from your youth but not as you remember them.
With other books in the series including ‘Five go on a Strategy Away Day’, ‘Five escape Brexit Island’ and ‘Five lose dad in the Gardening Centre’...might be worth tracking a few more of these down. Funnier than I expected.
Not sure where I got this one from so apologies if you gave this to me. If you grew up loving Enid Blyton and I did, although I was more of A Secret Seven than Famous Five, you will love this.
More than slightly irreverent but still so like an actual Famous Five book, except they are now in their late 20s or early 30s. Not exactly a children’s book anymore, due to a smattering of bad language, but very very funny...with some genuinely laugh out loud moments.
From the endless cups of tea made by ‘Gran’ to the somehow still alive Timmy the dog - this will have you tilting your head with nostalgia as you realise that with mobile phones, access to the internet and access to alcohol these are the Five from your youth but not as you remember them.
With other books in the series including ‘Five go on a Strategy Away Day’, ‘Five escape Brexit Island’ and ‘Five lose dad in the Gardening Centre’...might be worth tracking a few more of these down. Funnier than I expected.
June 15, 2021
Hilarious and my kind of humour. The Gran in this book is so similar to how my Nan is with using computers!
Read
December 30, 2017Loved it
Read
January 17, 2018The plot is a bit strange, but it's definitely a humorous parody of Enid Blyton's classic novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews