Re: Flaw in the story?


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Start New Thread ] [ TarBoard ]

Posted by David Evans on November 23, 1998 at 20:45:25:

In Reply to: Flaw in the story? posted by Dave W on November 23, 1998 at 19:15:48:

I saw that review just the other day and thought the same as you - it is not
a serious flaw in my opinion. A co-incidence that Cmdr Walker appears, maybe, but that makes a good
story! And after John has earned his coming-of-age with his conduct during the
trip across, what better ending than have this confirmed by his father.
From the practical story-writer's point of view, I'm not sure how AR would
have got the children back. And what's wrong with a deus ex machina
anyway??!!

As a boy (many years ago) WDMTGTS was not my most favourite of the S&A
books - Secret Water (I liked and like maps!) and Pigeon Post (I liked
and like fiddling around with electrical circuits and with chemistry!)
were probably the favourites (ML was way down at the bottom - it was
rather frightening!). Since learing to sail and having my own boat,
WDMTGTS is now right up there as a wonderful, hands-on story of sailing.

I recently re-read SD after many years - it also wasn't a particular
favourite. However, the description of the race at the end of the book is much
more fun now that I have raced myself. Good for the Swallows for their
trick getting them over the shoals. My enthusiasm for sailing dates from the S&A books - but for me it was all theoretical
for nearly three decades before I got my first sailboat.

Another thought occurred to me while reading SD - AR "gets into the head"
of both John (with the shipwreck, etc.) and Titty (the wax GA) with their
detailed thoughts and feelings (as he does with John in WDMTGTS). I don't
recall this depth of treatment with any other of the children (except
possibly Dick) - in particular, I don't think Nancy's thoughts are ever
dealt with in detail. I wonder - did AR *really* like Nancy, sometimes
I think there's almost a love/hate relationship.


Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Existing subject (please edit appropriately) :

Comments:

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

post direct to TarBoard test post first


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TarBoard ]