Posted by kate crosby on August 14, 1998 at 21:22:02:
In Reply to: Re: Just double-checking two titles of books posted by Jack Eckert on August 14, 1998 at 00:11:06:
Jack: on the subject of rereading Peter Duck, which I did not so long ago. It was certainly the Arthur Ransome book I least enjoyed when I was young ( about equal with Missee Lee, I recollect).
However, that apart, I was struck when I read it recently by how much attitudes have changed since the book was written. In particular the scene on the island when Nancy is galvanising everyone to some extra effort in the treasure hunt. I am quoting from memory, but I think she describes Captain Flint as having "failed and failed again" at his various endeavours. Something no one would come right out and say about anyone these days, let alone a child about an adult.
The other instance that I noticed was in The Picts & The Martyrs where Nancy is downright rude to the boat builder who is getting Scarab ready for the D's. I'm sure there are plenty of other examples, but these two gave me a bit of a jolt.