Customer Reviews

Claudine at ST Clares

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I was given box sets of both the St Clares and Malory Towers series as a child and loved both and read them over and over again (to the point where the books were literally falling apart). I am in the process of re-discovering these books as I have purchased them for my 10 year old daughter (normally a reluctant reader who has already said she intends going back and reading the books from the beginning once we finish the series the first time). Of the series, Claudine at St Clares is probably my favourite. As fourth formers, the girls are still young enough to get up to plenty of hijinks (particularly with the irreverent Claudine on the scene). However unlike the earlier books, this book also deals with more complex concerns such as wealth and class through characters such as the snobby Angela, Eileen the matron's daughter and Pauline who goes to elaborate lengths to hide her poor background. Claudine's 'French ways' provides lots of opportunities for Blyton to comment on the English 'sense of honour' and various French peculiarities which could be considered obnoxious but arev quite funny to read almost 70 years on. All in all a very entertaining book for all ages.

When i first found this book at my home,i thought nothing of Enid Blyton.Why, she writes stories meant for young children when i'm already 13?

I brought the book to school the next day,and must say,Blyton really lived up to her name-she's a great author.In this series of St.Clare's,a new girl by the name of Claudine,the niece of the French headmistress,arrived from France.Here,she brought joy and fun to the fourth-formers.She creates havoc,lots of funny antics that will definitely set you laughing.Like the one when she actually lock the Matron into an old cupboard!

But,there are,sad,poignant parts which set you teary-eyed.Like the one when the Matron's daughter,Eileen,had to left school.Her tale is sad...

This book is absolutely worth reading.