Mary-Lou of the Chalet School (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

(Amazon UK link)

This is the most recent book I decided to read in my current run-through of Elinor M Brent-Dyer's 'Chalet School' series.

'Mary-Lou of the Chalet School' features, not surprisingly, Mary-Lou, the delightful girl who was first introduced in 'Three Go to the Chalet School'. Mary-Lou is one of the strongest and most likeable characters in the series, in my view, and this book is one of the more interesting.

In this book, Mary-Lou is in the senior part of the school for the first time. She arrives back late due to a family problem, only to discover a new girl who has a very bad temper, and refuses to be friendly with anyone.

Mary-Lou is quite a leader, and has several special friends. But she's also outgoing and caring, and can't bear to see anyone left out. And she's a champion 'butter-in', as the author puts it. So she determines to do something about it.

Later in the book, an accident happens that changes several people's lives. It's a good book with some very moving sections. It's definitely one of the better ones in the series, in my opinion.

(You can also read my longer review of 'Mary-Lou of the Chalet School', written after I re-read it fourteen years later)