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Swallowdale

Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 2

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Swallowdale

By: Arthur Ransome
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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About this listen

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old. Swallowdale (originally published in 1931) is the second title in Arthur Ransome's classic series. It follows the Walker family and friends through a shipwreck, a camp on the mainland, a secret valley and cave, and a thrilling mountain hike.

Arthur Ransome was a prolific writer of children's books. Born in Leeds in 1884, it was his father, a nature-loving history professor, who inspired his love of the outdoors and nurtured a passion for fishing. As a child he enjoyed active, outdoor holidays: sailing, camping and exploring the countryside. He used many of these holiday settings for his children's stories, notably the much-loved Swallows and Amazons, a book that sits comfortably in the category of ‘timeless classic’. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for the sixth book in the Swallows & Amazons series, Pigeon Post.

©2013 Arthur Ransome (P)2013 Audible Ltd
Action & Adventure Classics Fiction Literature & Fiction Outdoor Adventure Funny Fishing
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Critic reviews

"Quite an achievement" ( The Guardian)
"There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating" ( Times Literary Supplement)
"Swallowdale is a real book . . . Even better than Swallows and Amazons" ( Time and Tide)

What listeners say about Swallowdale

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Wonderful

This is a really great story and it was well narrated. I found the intonation excellent and will listen to it again.

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1 person found this helpful

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Swallowdale

A lovely but slightly nothing happened story to make you smile.I loved it and I hope you will too.



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An idyllic childhood tale

Absolutely wonderful book that takes us back to simpler and happier time before the distractions of modern technology. Thoroughly recommended.

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Fabulous

This is a lovely story which has been beautifully read. Highly recommended for adults and children.

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Better than Swallows and Amazons!

A book of its time, and none the worse for that. A more realistic series than The Famous Five set in the time when children were encouraged to self reliant and capable. My parents read these to me half a century ago and I to my daughter twenty odd years ago., but they are still as good today. Set in the Lake District and featuring the Walker and Blackett children. The four Walkers manage to sink their dinghy so have to holiday ashore. Adventure s covering catching trout, climbing fells, getting lost in the fog and of course battles with the Blacketts ensue.

A great read for children around ten to twelve, but play it on a long journey so you can listen too! Still a page turner but also charmingly nostalgic for us old timers

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We loved it

Listened with my son, we loved getting swept up in the children’s enthusiasm and imagination. We were transported to a different time. As a mother I enjoyed the relationship between the children and their mother. My son would love to go and have an adventure like this. It makes us relish outdoor activities and turns them into adventures. The perfect antidote to a generation distracted by screens.

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Excellent

Having read all the books as boy and adult again - having them read with all the character voices brought to life is wonderful. Next step is to introduce my grandson to these

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Brilliant and relaxing

This was an inspirational book, great characters and an interesting plot. The narrator was great.

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Pro's and Con's

Arthur Ransome mixed the swallows names up
Really annoying .But I still like it though.

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Great and exciting

It was great hard to put down and amazing on a day with nothing to do

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