This is a book from a much earlier era, where school girls actually tried to be moral and ethical and when it wasn't a subject of ridicule to try to be honest and work hard. I like that part about the book. On the other hand, the writing is saccharine and overbearingly descriptive in places.

But, si

Three familiar Brazil plots in one: the new girl who finds a form relentlessly opposed to her, the girl of good family struggling under upper middle class ideas of poverty (one servant, however will we afford the fees of top schools?) but with great talent for academics or games or both, and best of

This is the best children/young adult story of the year that I've read.

The story telling was very well done. It's the kind of writing I would like to master. Plenty of interesting scenes, dialogue that lets you imagine the characters' tone of voice, and a sobriety in the telling. It's a story to be

Ah! Now this is the kind of story I love! the pure innocence of boarding school girls, where exams and tennis results are all they strive for. Gwen is a great character, one who builds her place in her new form gradually and believably. she struggles with a terrible secret, unwelcome friendship, and

This book reminded me of one series that I had loved reading - What Katy Did during my teenage years, even when the pages were torn from the sides and a few were missing probably because of years of mishandling at my grandparents' home.

(Read reviews of other books on my blog Ethereal Jinxed)

This bo

For an early twentieth century story written for tweens, this is an enjoyable read. A story by a woman, for school girls, and about school girls, this book lets readers see what it meant to be a girl around the turn of the century. Brazil writes interesting personalities for the Gwen, Beatrice, and

"Gwen! Gwen Gascoyne!...I--want--Gwen--Gascoyne!"

Wow! What a beginning! And most of the Angela Brazil books I've been reading have begun just as dramatically. Good show!

In this case--as you might have guessed--young-teen British schoolgirl Gwen Gascoyne is about to be informed that smack in the midd

I do believe Gwen Gascoyne is a bit of a crybaby. Netta Goodwin is one of the biggest twits in the story.

A pretty much perfect jolly hockysticks tale about the importance of girls being plucky, honest and kind. A quick, easy read which was enhanced in my case by having found a 1917 copy in a second hand book shop. Pure indulgence.