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Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 13:01
by sixret
Anita Bensoussane wrote:Paul Austin wrote:Enid did bad things and it's not fair to whitewash that when both Imogen and Hanly attested to it in interviews and books.
I honestly think that's the last thing anyone could accuse us of on this website! It's a website devoted to Enid Blyton so we look at all aspects of her life and work, negative as well as positive. We always have done, and I don't think that's about to change. You only have to look through past posts to see that.
Having said that, the thing that made us all Enid Blyton fans in the first place was her work, not her life. Her books have entertained, educated and inspired us - and many others around the world. And they continue to do so. Therefore it's natural for us to discuss her stories more than her life, and many comments on those will be positive. We also note inconsistencies and discuss how attitudes towards certain things have changed since the books were written, but this is done in a spirit of affection for books which are much loved.
It's true that Enid Blyton treated some people in a questionable manner but we don't know the whole story and we never will. It's also true that everyone has sometimes done unkind things and made mistakes - it's just that Enid Blyton was a well-known figure so these things have been made public through biographies. I'm happy to take the rough with the smooth, as nothing I've learnt about Enid Blyton has diminished the wonder of the stories. She put the very best of herself into her books and through them she continues to bring great joy to people.
Fair, very fair opinion. I share your view on this. I agree 1000% from the first word until the last fullstop.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 13:13
by sixret
I've just read information on Alzheimer and dementia, diseases for older people. The person who has dementia or Alzheimer remembers their earlier memories especially his/her childhood, his mother and his father until he/she dies. The reason for this is unclear although guilty feeling is attributed. Either you get the disease or you don't.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 14:45
by Julie2owlsdene
A very good posting, Anita. Straight and to the point, without using any offensive words. And a posting I thoroughly agree with.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 14:48
by Courtenay
Anita Bensoussane wrote:Paul Austin wrote:Enid did bad things and it's not fair to whitewash that when both Imogen and Hanly attested to it in interviews and books.
I honestly think that's the last thing anyone could accuse us of on this website! It's a website devoted to Enid Blyton so we look at all aspects of her life and work, negative as well as positive. We always have done, and I don't think that's about to change. You only have to look through past posts to see that.
Having said that, the thing that made us all Enid Blyton fans in the first place was her work, not her life. Her books have entertained, educated and inspired us - and many others around the world. And they continue to do so. Therefore it's natural for us to discuss her stories more than her life, and many comments on those will be positive. We also note inconsistencies and discuss how attitudes towards certain things have changed since the books were written, but this is done in a spirit of affection for books which are much loved.
It's true that Enid Blyton treated some people in a questionable manner but we don't know the whole story and we never will. It's also true that everyone has sometimes done unkind things and made mistakes - it's just that Enid Blyton was a well-known figure so these things have been made public through biographies. I'm happy to take the rough with the smooth, as nothing I've learnt about Enid Blyton has diminished the wonder of the stories. She put the very best of herself into her books and through them she continues to bring great joy to people.
I thoroughly agree too, Anita. I couldn't think of anything better to add to what you've said here.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 14:51
by Anita Bensoussane
Cheers Sixret, Julie and Courtenay. I admire the way Barbara Stoney wrote about these matters in a reasonable, respectful manner - and when we're discussing them I think it helps to take a leaf out of her book (obviously I don't mean literally rip a page out of Barbara's
Biography!
)
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 14:53
by sixret
Like Daisy, I also think that Paul's last statement is fair too.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 19:34
by John Pickup
I'm on here because of Enid's work. I've had countless hours of pleasure from reading her books for 55 years and I'm sure I'll have plenty more. I couldn't possibly judge her as I never met her. If anyone asks me what I think of her, my reply is this; she is the greatest author of books for children of all time.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 27 Jan 2015, 20:05
by Rob Houghton
John - I think you hit the nail on the head. No matter what we read about Enid as a person, we can take it and process it however we like, but when you boil it down she wrote brilliant involving stories that can whisk us away to different lands, fantasy places, and on exciting adventures. She has always ranked as my number one favourite children's author, regardless of what happened in her life.
Re: Barbara Stoney's biography
Posted: 28 Jan 2015, 02:59
by Nair Snehalatha