The Picts and the Martyrs, by Arthur Ransome

[sophia_sol]

A part of the Swallows & Amazons series of kids books about sailing in the lake district on holidays. This one features the Amazons (Peggy and Nancy) and the Scarabs (Dick and Dorothea). I've never been as fond of the Scarabs as of the Swallows or the Amazons, but the excitement of the Great Aunt adds a great deal to this book so I still really enjoy it. And really any book that prominently features Nancy Blackett is a good time! I love Nancy so much, she's really the stand-out character in the whole series.

And I enjoyed how multiple times it was pointed out that the Great-Aunt and Nancy actually have a great deal in common (forceful personalities!) despite them having approximately opposite opinions on how girls ought to behave.

Not a good starting place for the series if you're not already familiar with it, as a large part of the point is to contrast with the way things usually are for the kids, but a fun book to read when you already know and love them.

Comments

[luzula]

I read and loved several of these as a kid, but this is one I never managed to get my hands on back then! And never read as an adult, either.

[sophia_sol]

I definitely recommend this one then if you ever have the opportunity, it's thoroughly charming!