The Enid Blyton Society

I wonder how many forum members have read, or are aware of, Robert Westall's superb novels. They were written for older children but, like all good literature, can be enjoyed by all readers. His first book, The Machine Gunners, was published in 1975 and this won the Carnegie Medal. He was also awarded the same prize in 1980 for The Scarecrows, which is probably my favourite of all his works and a book which I would recommend as a starter to this author. Other titles worth reading include Blitzcat, Falling into Glory, A Place for Me, A Place to Hide and Harvest. Of Westall's collections of short stories, I suggest you try the excellent In Camera, Love Match and The Call.

I have just discovered a post by Anita from March 2008 in which she mentions The Kingdom by the Sea by Robert Westall. I must admit I haven't read this book, but I shall certainly be looking out for it as soon as I have finished submitting this post.

I've read a few Robert Westall novels but not The Scarecrows, Eddie - I'll have to look out for that. I found The Kingdom By the Sea mesmerising, with a stunning ending. As you say, the books are written for older children and sometimes include a smattering of bad language, which for me took a bit of getting used to. Gripping stories, though. Some of Michael Morpurgo's books remind me of Robert Westall's, but are perhaps not quite as gritty.

Anita

And, believe me, anyone who hasn't read Robert Westall's

• "The Cats of Seroster"

is missing out on a real treat.

‘Aurélien Arkadiusz’

I agree, Aurélien - a brilliant book!

I guess it almost goes without saying that the inner Cave has a few Robert Westall books in it!

He has quite a pedigree as he wrote thirty novels, seven of which reached the Carnegie shortlist and two of these were winners. The amount of information I have in files on my computer is quite embarrassing - a children's authors anorak!!

I must admit that the only one I have actually read is The Scarecrows. I have been keeping my eye out for a copy of The Machine Gunners but no luck as yet. I have got so many books that in order to read them all I will either have to live to 200 or stop playing about in the Cave - probably both!

Tony Summerfield wrote: I have got so many books that in order to read them all I will either have to live to 200 or stop playing about in the Cave - probably both!

You really should take a break from the Cave sometimes, Tony. We appreciate what you do, but honestly - at the expense of your reading time? That's almost barbaric.

I haven't heard of Robert Westall, but will look out for his books - which would be recommended for a first read?

I'd recommend The Scarecrows for a first read, Ming.

Especially recommended, imo:

The Wind Eye.
The Kingdom by the Sea.
The Watch House.
The Machine Gunners.
The Promise.
etc.

Some are ghost stories, some not.

I have got a copy of The Watch House (another Book, which I have yet to read).

I have got a copy of the 1988 BBC TV version of The Watch House, on a DVD-R disc, I have also got a copy of the 1983 BBC TV version of The Machine Gunners, on a DVD-R disc, two BBC children's Drama series, which I liked very much.

Just reading this thread and seeing the words The Scarecrows sends a shiver down my spine. I read the book in junior school and I have it as being responsible for my semi-phobia of the darned things.

I'd highly recommend The Machine Gunners, one of my favourite non-Blyton children's books

I have never heard of him, but his books sound very good. I will try and get my hands on one!
Maybe there are some in my school library.

I've just bought a hardback copy of The Scarecrows off ebay with dustwrapper for £8.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it, John. I am along-time admirer of Robert Westall, as you will see from my opening post on this thread.

So far, so good!! Really enjoying The Machine Gunners . I can now see he is an excellent writer..

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it, Maria Esther.