Ruey Richardson at the Chalet School (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

(Amazon UK link)

There's nothing like a bit of light children's fiction after a busy Christmas. Some of my favourite books for mild escapism are those in the Chalet School series by Elinor M Brent-Dyer.

Í have only the Armada paperback of 'Ruey Richardson of the Chalet School', which is probably a much abridged version of the original ('Ruey Richardson, Chaletian'), but it doesn't seem to matter too much. 

As ever the story is based in the excellently run Chalet School, where good relationships and health are more important than academics. The people are believable, but there are so many that it's a bit like an ongoing soap. This book would be very confusing for anyone who had not read others in the series. 

There isn't much that happens in this book. Perhaps one day I'll get hold of one of the unabridged versions, and see if it's better. As it was, I thought it pretty run-of-the-mill. However, I succeeded in my aim of curling up on a sofa and forgetting about the rest of the world for an hour or so.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews