The Turret

The Rescuers #3

by Margery Sharp, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

(From the back cover)
The fabulous Miss Bianca has resigned, perhaps prematurely, as Madam Chairwoman of the Mouse Prisoners' Aid Society. In her honor an enchanting water picnic is held at the lily moat beneath a ruined turret in the park outside the city. While the band plays Handel's Water Music, the ever observant Miss Bianca discovers that someone is being held prisoner in the old turret.

It turns out to be the wicked Mandrake. No one, not even her dear friend Bernard (who in the course of events may be forced into a most unfortunate marriage), is the slightest bit inclined toward rescuing that scoundrel--in spite of Miss Bianca's conviction that he has reformed. Adventures fraught with danger follow as Miss Bianca, alone, pays a midnight visit to the turret to ponder Mandrake's penitence and make plans. Her plans come to include one boy scout, a precocious mouse named Shaun, and the magnificent stallion Sir Hector.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, Adventure, Classics

144 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Margery Sharp was born Clara Margery Melita Sharp in Salisbury. She spent part of her childhood in Malta.

Sharp wrote 26 novels, 14 children's stories, 4 plays, 2 mysteries and many short stories. She is best known for her series of children's books about a little white mouse named Miss Bianca and her companion, Bernard. Two Disney films have been made based on them, called The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under.

In 1938, she married Major Geoffrey Castle, an aeronautical engineer.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift, I've been revisiting one of my favorite childhood book series - the Miss Bianca series by Margery Sharp. After seeing the 1977 Disney film based on these books (The Rescuers), I got the first 5 books as Christmas and birthday gifts and nearly read the words off the pages. While my original copies are probably long gone, my husband found copies of the Dell Yearling paperbacks with the Garth Williams illustrations, and I spent a couple pleasant hours reacquainting myself with the stories.

This, the third book in the series, actually features the Diamond Duchess' major-domo Mandrake as the prisoner in need of aid; and Miss Bianca (with the help of the local troop of the Mouse Scouts) goes on the rescue without Bernard's help; as he doesn't believe that Mandrake is worth saving. Miss Bianca also recruits a star racehorse, Sir Hector, in her plans to secure Mandrake's escape, and during the attempt, Mandrake proves that he has reformed.

Yes, there's definitely a formula to these books; but the details of each prisoners' situation, along with the trials and tribulations the two mice face, manage to keep things somewhat fresh. Miss Bianca is easily the star of these novels, with Bernard playing the (usually) loyal sidekick. The supporting cast of characters vary from book to book, but are sufficiently well-drawn to fulfill their roles. The objects of rescue are a little less-well-defined; and the villains are also somewhat two-dimensional. The Garth Williams illustrations are utterly charming; although I enjoy Erik Blegvad's interpretations of the characters as well.

The style of writing is a bit dated, and rather British at times; but its gentle humour and generally engaging plotlines make these books good candidates for late elementary readers who enjoy "talking animal" stories with a bit of adventure thrown in. Miss Bianca is a fairly good role model; despite being a mouse of class and breeding, she demonstrates intelligence, loyalty and bravery throughout the series. I quite enjoyed revisiting this series and may pass them along to my nieces (and/or nephews) at some point.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Turret is the third book in the series, coming two books before Miss Bianca in the Orient which I reviewed yesterday.

The Turret would have made the perfect ending for a trilogy. Miss Bianca meets her arch enemy again. Only this time, she has to rescue him.

The book is also a turning point for the series. The books through The Turret stay close to home (England) and involve a tight set of characters. It seems with book four onwards, the emphasis moves more towards exotic locations and big adventure style rescues.

[Jewels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really sorry that this series has ended, along with the delightful descriptions of such things as the water picnic and Miss Bianca's porcelain pagoda. The lesson involved was a bit high handed, but mercy in all aspects is a good thing so perhaps other, younger readers will be influenced by it -- unlike old cynics such as myself. This really was an excellent series, and I look forward to sharing it with my daughter.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Margery Sharp and Miss Bianca and all the silliness therein. This isn't my favorite of the series, but it's still sweet and hilarious and the illustrations by Garth Williams are fantastic. If you haven't ever read any of these and only know the movies do yourself a favor and try them out - they read fast but have great jokes for adults as well as kids (would sail right over most kids' heads) and are sweet good fun.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite adventures yet :)
Poor Bernard almost married a crazy "woman" haha
I hope Miss Bianca opens up to him later.
anyhow, her using a kid's creativity and bravery (admitting it was better than her's at the time) was awesome.
It shows what kids and women can do even without support if we just set our minds to it ;)
and that the people left behind love them just the same.
Miss Bianca ' s and Bernard's care for each other were cuter than ever ;)

[Joe Kilmartin]

More delightfully will-they-won't they between Bernard and Bianca can't shake me from feeling that Ms Sharp was either trying to retire herself from the Miss Bianca series, or that she'd been left with unsettled feelings from the adventure in the previous two books. Let's see how this ends.

Very definitely one for young readers but laden with gags about organizational protocol and the awkwardness of dating that was clearly put in there for adults reading or by Ms Sharp to entertain herself.

[Lucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute.

[pati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Bianca saves Mandrake with the help of a pompous little scout mouse. Bernard has dropped the ball and thus will never stand a chance to be anything more than a friend to Miss Bianca.

[WndyJW · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first favorite book as a child!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from Toni Lee, for the charming Garth Williams illustrations.

[Lady Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.2 / 5

While this was a sweet enough story, unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I did The Rescuers or Miss Bianca. Part of the reason for that has to do with the fact that Miss Bianca and Bernard work separately in this book (with Miss Bianca's story being much more interesting), and also because the "rescue" this time was...well, less easy to sympathize with.
___________

The story, interestingly enough, begins with Miss Bianca resigning from the Prisoners' Aid Society--at least insofar as being the Chairmouse goes. Simply put, she's finding it hard to juggle dangerous situations with her own home life, and would prefer to retire to just living in her porcelain pagoda, and helping her ambassador's son with his homework.

In honour of Miss Bianca's retirement, a "water party" is thrown, and it's at this party that Miss Bianca notices a handkerchief tied at the window of a tall turret. She suspects that a prisoner is inside there, and she turns out to be right: it's Mandrake, the old butler to the Diamond Duchess, who's kept prisoner there! While Bernard doesn't see any reason to rescue him, Miss Bianca wants to give him a chance at reform--only this time, she's very much on her own, as no one else volunteers to help her.
___________

Now, in terms of both of my above points, there's not too much to explain about them. In terms of rescuing Mandrake, while I did agree with Miss Bianca's good intentions to offer him a chance to reform himself, considering that she expressed such a hatred for him and how cruel he was willing to treat a little girl (from Miss Bianca, the previous book), I found it a bit too kindhearted for her to be open to giving him the chance. Also, I couldn't help but question what would've happened if Mandrake didn't prove willing to reform: would Miss Bianca just leave him up there in the turret?

Still though, the multi-step plan for getting him out, though not perfect, was pretty exciting to read through, and I did like Miss Bianca's dynamic with Shaun--everyone just loves her, don't they! (Also, I'm guessing that maybe Shaun provided some character inspiration for Jake from The Rescuers: Down Under movie? Just a bit?). Ahem, but that's just one side of the plot, whereas the other is just Bernard...well, tolerating the change in authority for the Prisoners' Aid Society, since while Miss Bianca is gone, he's still the secretary, and therefore has duties to attend to. At the end of the story though, as the writer herself concludes, Bernard's heroic act was "more practical" in just putting up with the change in authority and how one of the other mice was falling in love with him, but...that's not really exciting or interesting. Would it really have hurt that much for Bernard to go with Miss Bianca on her mission, even if he didn't particularly agree with it? He's already head-over-heels in love with her, after all, so I don't see why not.

Anyway, in conclusion, unlike the first two books that provided inspiration for the movie, there's no part of that here, but it's still a decent adventure. I could see myself reading it to a child and seeing if maybe any messages about reform and goodwill make it through to them; but otherwise though, it's a fairly forgettable read.

[Guguk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agak menyambung dari buku sebelumnya, Miss Bianca (*°▽°*)
Miss Bianca bermaksud menyerahkan jabatan ketua dan ingin hidup tenang sambil menulis buku kumpulan puisi. Saat sedang piknik 'pesta perpisahan', terlihat sobekan kain melambai di menara kecil dekat tempat mereka berpesta. Ini kasus! tahanan yang butuh pertolongan! (☆ω☆)

Memang Miss Bianca berbeda dari tikus yang lain~ padahal misi Prisoners' Aid Society sesungguhnya hanyalah menemani tahanan agar tidak bosan di dalam sel (mungkin sambil bantu ngabisin rotinya?), tapi Miss Bianca malah, "Tahanan itu tidak bersalah! Ayo kita bebaskan!!" seperti yang terjadi di kasus sebelumnya.

Di sini, kasusnya berbeda. Tahanan kali ini salah banget, karena dia penjahat dari buku sebelumnya, yaitu butler yang bekerja pada bangsawan jahat, dan si butler inilah yang dulu kerjanya nyulik anak-anak yatim piatu. Rasanya kok agak emosi ya, terus terang aku berpihak pada semua tikus anggota PAS, yang menolak menolong, apalagi membebaskan, tahanan itu. Tapi argumen Miss Bianca bahwa tiap orang perlu diberi "kesempatan kedua" dalam hidupnya itu juga ngga bisa disalahkan...

Akhirnya, sampai akhir pun aku ga bisa setuju dengan Miss Bianca (≧▽≦) tapi deg-degan juga kepengin misinya berhasil (￢‿￢ ) //mendua. Ngomong-ngomong, Miss Bianca juga 'mendua'... padahal aku nge-ship dia sama Bernard, tapi ini dia malah lirik-lirikan sama...KUDA!Σ(°ロ°)
//bukanyangini(≧▽≦)

[Trilby Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of the series that I read, probably about 50 years ago. My parents gave me "The Turret" for Christmas, I imagine because of the cover art -- I had already read "Charlotte's Web" and a couple of the "Little House" books and adored both, including the Garth Willians illustrations; it's my guess that Mom recognized the artist on the cover and counted on "The Turret" being a hit. If that's how it happened, Mom was dead right. I loved the book, and badgered them relentlessly till they bought "The Rescuers" and "Miss Bianca" for me as well. I remember being completely enchanted with all three. As with all good children's books, it planted at least one principle or standard of behaviour that has always stayed with me, though after 50 years, I may be misquoting: To this day, I abhor the feminine argument of tears.

The proper and mannered world of Miss Bianca is much farther away from us today than it was in the 60's; but I still appreciate a feminine character who doesn't have to carry an assault rifle, a broadsword, or a light-saber to be brave and heroic.

[prcardi]

The series first, The Rescuers, was an especially good children's book. It nicely straddled the line between entertainment and education. It challenged young readers with such aspects as an advanced vocabulary and some real world injustices. It was creative, and it was fun. The second book was a caricature of the first and this third much the same. The stories are now cartoons and very much lend themselves to sensational animated movies. Still, The Turret is not entirely without merit, for Sharp evidently cares very much for her two main heroes, Miss Bianca and faithful Bernard. Their characterizations, and their discussions and their relationship keep this book from plunging to the full depths which this plot directed it. And to be honest, children who are reading this are probably not worried over its flaws. There is a clear mission for our duo, a plan put into action, and some drama in its execution. So while it lacks many of the qualities of the first, it remains an entertaining series for child fans.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Bianca's unlikely partner in this adventure is the cocky half-Irish Boy Scout Sean. British cultural assumptions about the Irish aside, this proves to be another excellent adventure, in which Miss Bianca rescues the reformed Mandrake, The Duchess's evil major domo, and has a mild flirtation with Sir Hector, the champion race horse. Poor Bernard!

[Erin Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! I always lover Rescuers and Rescuers down under animated movies as a kid so it was fun to go back and read what the characters were like in the original writing by the author. I will have to keep a lookout and see if I can find the earlier books in the series on my future visits to half price books!(were i found this one)

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and funny. Great details. And wonderful illustrations by Garth Willams. I happened on thsi one and baought it used years ago, most likely because of the illustrator. The mouse sized dynamics of a non profit volunteer led organization were very real - and made me laugh out loud.

[Alyssa Smith-Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute story. Same review as before—wish there weren’t racist comments about Indigenous and Irish persons, plus so much elitist language and uplifting of the patriarchy.

Just empowers me to make sure I write books that respect all persons, instead of teaching young readers hate.

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might rate a 3.5. The humorous explanations of the games mistress as Chairwoman and the reaction of the mice was entertaining. Shaun, the Mouse Scout, is charming. The Sir Hector horse/mouse is a bit much....

[AR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Man these books are so comforting to read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot understand why this series is out of print. These are such great stories for children and adults alike. I’m hoping to find those books that are remaining to finish this wonderful series.

[R2 Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, but that's typical.
I read it really fast. I've been reading REALLY fast.
This book was really good.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was an extremely satisfying read-aloud. I love Sharp’s writing style. Full review to come one day. :)

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot believe I am hoping 2 mice get married!

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure for Miss Bianca and Bernard, and especially the Scout Shaun! I loved the fact that Miss Bianca must convince the others of Mandrake's repentance and his need to be rescued and returned to society! I just love this series!

[Rachel]

My original school record reading review

I thought this was quite a good book although it was a bit to young for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I had no idea how charming and engrossing this series was!