Robert Houghton wrote:but then looking at the 'Journal 38' thread, only eight or nine forumites have actually commented on the contents, which shows that most people just arent really bothered enough to 'walk the walk' or 'talk the talk' when it comes to society matters!
Point taken, Rob - although I did make a brief comment earlier!
The fact is, I was leaving my views on the Journal until I had borrowed a copy (First Edition with dust jacket!) of
Holiday House, as I started to read your review, Rob, and my appetite was well and truly whetted. As I thought you might reveal the plot details, I wanted to read it first!
A lovely cover met me as I drew it out of its envelope. Grace Lodge makes the children look pretty angelic, even if they are dreadful! I rarely look at the Contents page, as I like to read it from cover to cover, and love the surprise of finding an article on one of my favourite series or books. Viv's article jumped out at me on page 3 (Viv? A page three girl?). It was interesting to see that her Story Centre is nearing completion, I wish her every success. However, I did miss Tony's editorial; to me, a Journal without this is a bit like ginger beer without the bubbles! It also seemed a shame that he couldn't plug the Society Day in this edition. Let's not forget that the Forummers who subscribe to the Journal only make up a very small part of the membership.
I have never been a fan of Mr Pink-Whistle, but Anita's excellent article made me want to learn more. I am not normally that interested in other children's authors (as a child, I read mainly Blyton, although William and Jennings featured too, as well as Malcolm Saville - Oh, and Lewis Caroll of course!), as there isn't the nostalgia factor there. However, I did find John Henstock's article fascinating. It was good to see old Bunter pictured there!
The highlight for me (as always) is David Cook's series on the Find-Outers. Being my all-time favourite series, it is so interesting to see another viewpoint on it. I love the way David takes us through a book at a time, and he often points things out that I had completely missed - even after reading the book 30 times or more!
I must agree with Rob about the dialogue of
The Reward of Virtue. The dialect reminded me of a Norfolk brogue. Remember "
Ha' you got a light, boy", by the Singing Postman? I read the paragraph that confused Terry as "...that there board?" from the start. Enid had literally written the dialogue as it had sounded. I must say, the story reminded me somewhat of Jethro's "Train don't stop at Camborne on a Wednesday" joke!
Rob's
Holiday House did what a good review should do - make me want to read the book (although, if I had read it all, there wouldn't have been much point, as all the details had been revealed!). I must agree with him that the illustrations of the twins did seem to change drastically through the book! I was very sorry that Enid decided to write John out of the story - I really thought he was somehow involved in the plot, and would make a re-appearance later on. I found Ruth an irritating, although necessary character in the story. I wonder if John reminded Enid of someone - someone whom she wished she could have got rid off?! I am pretty sure that I had never read this book before, so thanks, Rob, for bringing it to my attention. Thanks too to the caveman who lent me his copy!
I found Enid's Weekly Talk on opinions fascinating too. How many of have opinions, but we don't really know why? Maybe I could learn a lesson here!
John Lester's piece on My Enid Blyton Book was fascinating too. I must say, pixie and goblin stories aren't my favourite genre (Enchanted Wood aside!), but still make a good read. Maybe I should re-visit a few of these enchanted districts again?
A truly marvellous Journal. Great contributors as usual. I think mention should be made again of Tony's involvement. We tend to forget that not only does he have to put flyers into many of the Journals (re-subscription reminders, for example), but he has to stuff nearly 600 copies into envelopes, then cart them all down to the post office. No mean feat. We're all extremely grateful, Tony.