I liked it, it was a fun read. There was A LOT of boating terminology, which I don't understand; at first it wasn't so bad, but I found myself having to skim entire paragraphs that were simply describing how parts of the boat were working. For this I'm knocking off a star because it really did take up quite a lot of the book. Aside from that I found the plot and writing charming. ( )

I read this book again this weekend for three reasons: 1) I needed some fiction, 2) I have been in some tough weather scrapes recently with my little boat and 3) I wanted to remember how John and his siblings handled their weather situations.

This is an amazing book. [a: Arthur Ransome|72120|Arthur Ransome|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1237340866p2/72120.jpg] sets up the story so well and gets the reader into the minds of his characters so much so that one begins thinking what Susan and Roger and Titty and John are thinking. The timeline for the story is only a handful of days and so the action ends up being quite intense.

This is one of the stories in which we get a sense of John growing up as he takes charge, makes decisions and, in the end, has them all validated by those much more experienced than he. We also see the wisdom of his father when Commander Ted appears on the scene and gently takes charge of some aspects (primarily provisions) and leaves Skipper John to sail and run Goblin as he sees fit.

This is one of [a: Ransome|72120|Arthur Ransome|http://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1237340866p2/72120.jpg]'s best. Yes, it is fiction, but I think it shows how much we pamper our children these days while exposing them to so little that they would truly gain from. ( )

Growing up the Swallows and Amazons series by Arthur Ransome was one of my favorite series. When I decided to re-read it as an adult I was worried that it would not stand the test of time. I was delighted to find that in general found it just as enjoyable now as I did as a child. The characters, writing style and adventures are great and I truly enjoyed the series. ( )

Very close to 5 stars ,9 out of ten as the tension and peril were almost too much even through I knew they would be ok in the end, also do agree slightly with other reviews that having both Susan and Titty a unless wreak in the most critical period does seem a bit like saying weak females unless in a crisis.... normally he is so even handed with the characters. Lovely ending, and even my old dad had near tears in his eyes over the understated pride of Daddy .... ( )

A 'solo' Swallows story featuring a larger, seafaring vessel. A first-rate installment in the series despite the absence of the Amazons. ( )