I last read this book (which I have in hardback) in 2012 and had entirely forgotten the various subplots. It introduces the new school, with its 38 students and a fairly small number of staff. Some of the staff are familiar to readers of the series: in particular Miss Wilson, who is the new Head. Many of the girls are from the Chalet School, too; Peggy Bettany, the former head girl, is one of the main characters in this book.
But it makes for an interesting variation on the Chalet School theme. While the ethos is similar, the style is adapted for girls of 17 and 18 who are expected to be reasonably mature and responsible. They have lectures rather than lessons, their timetables get adjusted fairly often to take account of weather conditions, and they’re even allowed a bit of make-up.
There are some early clashes between girls from other schools and the Chalet School itself. Interesting points are raised about how to adjust to different needs, and acknowledge that this is a new venture, not just a continuation of an old one, and that other points of view are relevant.
A couple of unpleasant or difficult girls emerge fairly early in the book. One is Elma, who is a manipulative leader and rather cynical about the Chalet School principles. She gets involved in a clandestine correspondence, something which would seem very tame by today’s standards, but which gets her into some trouble before (inevitably) it all gets sorted out. The other unlikeable girl is called Edna; she’s rather snooty and inclined to judge and tell tales.
While many of the people and their conflicts are relevant to young people today, the book feels dated in a lot of respects. Quite apart from the obvious lack of any modern technology, the issue that feels strangest to me is the casual attitude to cigarettes. Most of the staff smoke, and it’s acknowledged that older girls might too. Playing cards on a Sunday is seen as a far worse crime than having cigarettes. But then, that kind of thing makes the book interesting from a social history perspective.
Not much of the book happens in the classroom, but we see a fair number of expeditions and early skiing sessions as well as interactions between girls, both positive and negative. Towards the end there’s a party arranged by the staff, and then a pantomime, written and produced in an unbelievably short period by the girls. One chapter gives details about the panto, and I was surprised to find it quite interesting. In many books there’s a chapter with lots of detail about a school sale, or a Christmas play, and I often skim them. But I found this one very readable.
It’s not a book that stands out, and it would not be a good introduction to the Chalet series. But it’s a nice detour from the main ongoing saga - I think the only one set in the ‘Welsen’ finishing branch - and I liked reading it. Originally intended for teenagers - perhaps those who had grown up alongside some of the earlier books - this probably appeals more to adults like me who recall the books fondly from our youth.
Sadly 'The Chalet School in the Oberland' is not in print at present, and online prices are ridiculously high. Hopefully it will be republished again by Girls Gone By at some point. I gather the Armada version, which can occasionally be found second-hand or in charity shops, had quite significant cuts.
Review copyright 2024 Sue's Book Reviews
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