Fifth Formers of St Clare's

St. Clare's #6

by Enid Blyton

Book by Enid Blyton

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Boarding School, School Stories, Young Adult, Classics, Middle Grade

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

See also:
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)

Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.

Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.

Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.

According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.

See also her pen name Mary Pollock

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Enid Blyton most certainly has penned an interesting and also entertaining enough story in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s, some of the scenarios that have made the plot engaging and fun are indeed also causing me to shake my head a bit.

For example, while I have on the one hand rather massively enjoyed reading about how poetry fanatic Anne Marie manages to trick English Literature Mistress Miss Wilcox by showing off the latter’s basic lack of poetical, of literary knowledge to the entire class (since Miss Wilcox is continuously being described by Enid Blyton as someone at best shallow and at worst really quite inappropriately insulting and nasty and thus also well deserving of being publicly ridiculed and outed), on the other hand, Miss Wilcox’s character and her behaviour as a teacher are equally and in my opinion also too much of a direct mirror image of Drama Mistress Miss Quentin from The Second Form at St. Clare’s, with Alison in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s of course once again totally worshipping Miss Wilcox (and I guess I also kind of feel that with some of her characters, Enid Blyton does not really allow them to mature enough in the St. Clare’s series, for while she definitely makes Alison learn and take to heart many lessons regarding why she should not be “mooning” over her teachers and glamorous friends like Angela Favourleigh, in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s, all this is seemingly cast aside as Alison is as “into” Miss Wilcox as she erstwhile was regarding Miss Quentin and once again thinks, at least for a rather lengthy period of time, that fellow student Angela is wonderful simply because she is pretty, upper class and wealthy.

Furthermore, while Mirabel’s inappropriate for a responsible games captain’s antics and behaviours have definitely made for an engaging subplot in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s, personally I for one do tend to find that Mirabel is depicted with so much typecast negativity that she does not actually feel all that real and actually more like some kind of a monster. And indeed, a bit more nuance and character depth would certainly make Mirabel’s issues with the lowers forms appear a bit more realistic and not so much as something almost inadvertently funny at times, since Mirabel at least to and for me often appears in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s as almost some kind of an evil clown like figure (something that I also feel is a bit the case with both Felicity’s sleepwalking and Alma’s food obsessions, for while the mental health reasons for these scenarios are realistic and appreciated, the fact that they are not really explained until very very late in Fifth Formers of St. Clare’s in my opinion, this tends to leave too negative an impression, this tends to leave both Felicity and Alma’s fellow students and us as readers with an unnecessarily unflattering and unfair attitude towards both students, towards both Alma and Felicity).

[B]

I loved this series, it’s one of my childhood favourites. This was one of the first books I read set in a boarding school, and this series holds a special place in my heart. Would highly recommend it, it’s a fun read. ❤️

[Kavita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the original St Clare's series, Fifth Formers of St Clare's always leaves the story feeling a little incomplete. However, this is another great book, almost on par with Claudine at St Clare's.

Now that the girls are grown up, they can have studies of their own, and have fun pairing up with each other. Alison and Angela make an admirable pair, but soon enough, it becomes obvious that Angela is going to abuse the power she is now given as a fifth former. The St Clare's custom of having young girls fagging for the older ones now gets a more realistic turn with Angela and her demands and misuse of the younger girls' time and feelings.

Surprisingly, abuse of power is also done by another person - Mirabel! Made sports captain, this previously much-loved and much-admired girl soon manages to turn the entire school against her! How does she manage to get out of such a mess? Interestingly, both power abusers end up in a feud as well!

Poetry is in the air! With a new English mistress, Ms Wilcox and a new girl, Anne-Marie, both poets, the form is about to have some good fun. Would Miss Wilcox help Anne-Marie or would they be at odds? Alison, this term, worshipping, Miss Wilcox, finds reason for a feud with Anne-Marie. And the girls, obviously, react to these poetic goings-on with some trepidation.

But the depth to this book is given by Alma Pudden. Dropped down from the sixth form because of various troubles, she is a fat girl, whose only interest in life seems to be eating. I found this plot handled pretty sensitively (for Enid) and despite Alma getting into serious trouble because of her craving for food, we are given to see that it is not her fault. It is ultimately the rest of the girls who are told to show sensitivity, practically unheard of in St Clare's!

I really enjoyed this book, especially since Claudine's younger sister, Antoinette, also joins the school, making for a double dose of fun!

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! But i'm soo sad that the fifth formers can't play any tricks nor have midnight feasts because they are fifth formers!

[Ashley Marilynne Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I thought it was astoundingly brilliant! Could hardly believe it was from the same series as all its prequels – what with its utterly delightful and fast-paced, gripping plot as well as its jaw-dropping characterisation! It was also a very thought-provoking read with a startling amount of psychological depth within! Exceptionally well written indeed – I just loved it :)

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in Blyton's series about St Clare Boarding School. This book was first published in 1945 and it is important to keep that in mind when reading as some of the language is dated and means something entirely different in current times. This was a particularly humerous book with a wonderful description of Mamzelle's hilarious night catching burglars.

Just to set the mode of the time, here is a brief quote:
"Each term brought different things to learn, besides lessons. Those girls who faced their difficulties, saw and understood their faults, conquered their failings, and became strong characters and leaders would make the finest wives and mothers of the future."

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat, Isabel and Alison have matured enough to enroll in the Fifth Form. Does everyone think they are just too mature and dignified for the naughty exploits and "treeks" they have been accustomed to play on unsuspecting mistresses? Never mind, Claudine and her little sister Antoinette cause plenty of mischief to make the book fun for Blyton's many readers. Typically, Blyton was unconcerned about political correctness: a troubled fat girl is the book's hapless villain.

[Azizah SL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pas baca buku pertama seri St Clare ini kupikir kalah menarik daripada seri Si Badung atau Malory Towers. Tapi ternyata setelah baca buku kedua hingga yang keenam ini, seri ini justru seri sekolah berasrama yang paling kusukai dari dua seri lainnya. Soalnya memang kisah anak-anak St Clare jalani masa sekolahnya ini lebih variatif dan lebih terkesan menantang. Solusinya pun ga se-jump to conclusion kayak dua seri lainnya.
Rekomen banget lah 😁.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It loses most stars for being utterly vile about fat people (who apparently should just take being bullied with good grace!) but clawed back a star for the Ayckbourn-esque farce of Mamzelle creeping around at night locking her students in cupboards, which may be the greatest thing Blyton ever wrote.

[Mateenah Alli]

I like this book. It really is interesting it engages the reader.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3,75⭐️)

very fun to read as always with The Twins, but this book in particular didn't pass the vibe check

[Ayacchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kacaauuu. Naik ke kelas lima berarti menjadi lebih serius dan mengurangi keisengan. Tapi tetap saja masih banyak hal aneh terjadi di sekolah. Dari yang gila sanjungan, gila jabatan, gila makan.. yah, sulit memang menyembuhkan penyakit lama. Mam'zelle membuat cerita ini lebih rumit dan menurutku itu salah satu (dari sedikit) yang membuat buku ini mengasyikkan.

Yang patut disayangkan, sepertinya di tiga buku terakhir ini, St. Clare's kecolongan dengan mendatangkan guru dan matron yang tidak sesuai dengan kepribadian sekolah. Yah, bagaimana pun, akhirnya seri ini tamat juga! Mungkin lain kali akan coba membaca kelanjutan si kembar melalui karya Pamela Fox.

[Pervinca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure! Antoinette makes a great addition! But there were some things i didn't like- i felt having Mirabel being the "bad " one for letting the power get into her head is a bit unfair, since she has already learnt her lesson before. It felt odd. And i didn't like how they antagonized Alma: while there seems to be an explanation to her problem, it's given too late, and it feels like a flat character: she didnt have a chance to grow and do better, and tell the girls herself.
So i did enjoy it, but there were some bits i would improve!

[Susana Loriente · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetisas frustradas, violinistas sonámbulas, gordofobia, correrías nocturnas y, lo mejor de todo, las mellizas elegidas delegadas de curso. Punto y final a la serie Santa Clara.

[lydia smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this whole book out loud in the car to mum whilst we drove from cornwall to yorkshire. i for one am sad it’s over.

here is mum’s review verbatim:
“4/5 stars. the chapter where we had all the middle of the night happenings was pure genius. she brought it all together beautifully”

[Leonor Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADOREI! Cada livro desta coleção é completamente viciante.

[Titi Estiningrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

aku baru sadar, setelah membaca habis semua seri st clare, ternyata ceritanya hampir sama ya.. ada anak baru, anak baru tersebut kemudian berulah, terus diselesaikan eh disadarkan di st clare. Yihaa !!

Kali ini tentang anak baru yang menonjol adalah Alma Pudden yang notabene bukan anak baru. Tapi anak kelas IV yang diturunkan krn sesuatu hal.
Ternyata dia menderita suatu penyakit yang mendorongnya selalu makan dan tidak dapat mengendalikan diri.
Tapi di seri terakhir ini, Mirable yg sebelumnya telah baik, justru menjadi congkak dan sombong setelah diangkat menjadi Ketua Murid bidang Olahraga.
Oya, Angela si Cantik juga kena batunya. Dia tidak naik kelas karena malas belajar dan hanya peduli pada kecantikannya.
Endingnya, si Kembar Pat dan Isabel diangkat jadi ketua murid untuk periode terakhir mereka ada di st clare.
udah deh

[Neti Triwinanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

gadis gadis st clare naik ke kelas 5! banyak sekali yang terjadi di semester ini: mirabel yang menjadi ketua olahraga sekolah tapi kemudian sempat menjadi lupa diri. Alma pudden anak kelas 6 yang diturunkan dari kelas 6, serta cs claudine-antoinette kakak beradik yang merupakan keponakan mam'zelle.
di akhir cerita, pat dan isabel menjadi ketua murid di st clare karena mereka akan naik kelas 6, kelas tertinggi di sekolah asrama itu. yah, sedikit memaksa sih menurut saya, kesannya seolah olah ingin agar pat dan isabel selalu sama, seragam, dan setara. but it's ok.
favorit saya adalah hillary. dan sejujurnya saya juga membayangkan kalau Angela itu pasti lovable hahaha :))

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan. I understand that I haven't read the other books in the series, but I seriously doubt that would make these characters any more likeable for me. I simply didn't warm to any of them. These are stereotypical high school girls - mean, bitchy, sneaky, conceited, self-centred. This book doesn't represent the image of a world I'd like to see for girls. It represents reality for far too many and doesn't do enough to condemn a bullying culture.
That's just my opinion, guys. Much love to everyone who praises this book and its characters and genuinely has soft spots for them. You found something in this book that I didn't. Love to everyone xoxo

[Haniva Zahra · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeay, buku terakhir dari seri si St. Clare. menceritakan Pat dan Isabel yang sudah duduk di kelas lima. lucunya, saya tidak mengerti apakah edisi Bahasa saja yang terdiri dari enam buku. yang jelas seri St. clare terjemahan bahasa ini melewatkan kisah Pat dan Isabel di kelas tiga dan kelas enam. ya secara umum, buku ini menarik sekali. saya pribadi senang membacanya, bukan hanya karena ini buku cerita anak-anak yang ringan, namun darinya saya menjadi tahu karakteristik sekolah asrama yang menyenangkan. semoga nanti berkesempatan memiliki atau mengelola sebuah sekolah asrama :))

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

It did irk me growing up that this was the last book. What about the sixth form, and prefectship??

Antoinette was just not as fun as Claudine, but then who could be? Although MAD PROPS to her for the trick she plays on Angela, who abuses the system of the upper forms getting the lower forms to run errands for them. ;) We also get the wonderfully named Alma Pudden here, yay! Such a pasty, puddingy little horror.

[Ms_M_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The st clare's books were my all time favorite books as a child. The O'sullivan twins were incredibly likable and following their adventures though school encouraged me to read and enjoy it. Midnight feasts were my favorite concept in the series and I believe they are an excellent read for any little girl.

[Emma Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's one of her best books. It's got all the elements of a good St Clare's novel - funny jokes, friendship and camaraderie, yummy food and a great ending which sadly is also a bit of a cliffhanger. It's a shame she never wrote the missing terms, I'll definitely try and read the Pamela Cox's fill-ins.

[T.F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually the first book I had read of the St. Clares series years back. And this along with the second formers at St. Clares is my favorite in the series. While second formers feels warm and fuzzy, this one is out and out fun. This book also has some serious moments and some take aways, the humor is what stands out.

[Anodya · Rating 4 out of 5]

awessome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i learned a simple thing but a good one

we should not overreact when we get a higher position than others

like mirabel did in this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


The chapters were quite interesting
i am excited to read the next part

[Ruthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Foi uma colecção que li completa e seguidinha! Não foi maçadora nem fui perdendo o interesse...aconselho a adolescentes pois embora os tempos sejam outros há sempre alguns temas em comum na adolescência de todos nós!

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting..funny..

[☠☼Serena☼☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally like my and my friends!! I love the secret parties.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suka sama covernya, baca buku2 EB jadi kepengen merasakan minum teh ala Inggris. Terus bikin pesta sembunyi2 tengah malam, hehehe

[Subhra]

YES I AM GOING TO READ THIS BOOK.