The Enid Blyton Society

I recently read Five go off to camp after a long time .( attempting to read the F5 in order ) .I was pleasantly suprised to see it quite well structured with a perfect mix of the elements of suspense , adventure , action and emotion.It reads very well and was thoroughly enjoyable
I understand that this was after the initial halt of 6 books -till five on kirrin island again .
It seemed better than the previous five .Is it so because of the hiatus after book 6 and also because of fan demand .
What are the thoughts of other readers.

I do remember quite liking this (it's the one with the Spook-Trains and one legged man isn't it?), although I haven't read it for many years. For me, the trouble was my copy was in a very bad state of disrepair, so although it could be read, I always associate it with literally an awkward reading experience. Pages falling everywhere.

I need to get myself another copy!

Stephen wrote:For me, the trouble was my copy was in a very bad state of disrepair, so although it could be read, I always associate it with literally an awkward reading experience. Pages falling everywhere.

I dunno why this is making me laugh so much but my mom is looking at me weird now!

Poor you, Stephen. At least you could read it at your own speed! I first read it one chapter at a time as it was serialised in Sunny Stories!

I can't fault the book. Love the story, characters & the mysterious Spook-trains in the dead of night...well, everything about it, really! I can remember pestering my mum to buy me a tent one Xmas. I was 11 & eagerly wanted to go out exploring the moors, just like the F5. I did get the tent & I've never looked back! Wonderful book. The inspiration for my life long love of camping in the great outdoors. Not seen any Spook-trains as yet, though!

I haven't read Five Go Off to Camp since I was probably 7 or 8 years old, but still remember it as one of the most exciting and outstanding Famous Five books. The old derelict railway tunnels and the spook trains were downright creepy!! (Looking back as an adult, I'm not sure why the baddies needed to use such an elaborate cover for their deeds, but it does make for a thrilling story. ) I don't think I realised at the time that it was Enid's first new Famous Five story after her original intention of finishing the series at six books, but she certainly showed her fans at the time that she hadn't yet run out of ideas!

This book is a favourite of mine, though I've not read it for a while now. It reminds me of Arthur Askey and The Spook Train, filmed in B&W, which I think I've mentioned anyway on this thread, attached.

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It certainly has similarities to the Arthur Askey film, Julie! I've not seen the film for many years, but I enjoyed watching it whenever it made an appearance on our screens...which is now a rarity!

Julie2owlsdene wrote:This book is a favourite of mine, though I've not read it for a while now. It reminds me of Arthur Askey and The Spook Train, filmed in B&W, which I think I've mentioned anyway on this thread, attached.

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I have that film on DVD, Julie, and I've often wondered if Enid was influenced by it!

Five Go Off To Camp is one of my favourite Famous Fives. As to the strength of it, after the initial 6 books, I personally think the second 6 books are stronger, generally, than the first 6. Camp, Hike, Trouble and Fall Into Adventure are often amongst many people's favourites. I also think the book after each batch of six (ie Camp and Mystery Moor) were stronger and written with more enthusiasm because Enid had been encouraged by her fans to write more.

Mystery Moor is also one of my favourites, though I know many would disagree!

Rob Houghton wrote:Mystery Moor is also one of my favourites, though I know many would disagree!

How could people disagree that Mystery Moor is one of your favourites?

Lol - true!

It certainly has similarities to the Arthur Askey film, Julie! I've not seen the film for many years, but I enjoyed watching it whenever it made an appearance on our screens...which is now a rarity!

You don't have to wait! The Ghost Train, starrring Arthur Askey and Richard Murdoch.

Awww..thanks, Moonraker! I shall snuggle down & watch this delightful film this evening, with a few Badger ales to keep me company!!

One of the better FF books which benefits from the inclusion of the eccentric Mr Luffy.

It's definitely one of the best books in a great series.