Posted by Pam Adams on July 13, 2004 at 19:34:56 from 134.71.192.235 user PamAdams.
In Reply to: Re: Life choices & the influence of S&A posted by Peter H on July 13, 2004 at 15:14:26:
I don't think Ransome was just a hack- turning out SA books for the money, and equally happy to be writing mysteries or romance novels. He tapped into something, whether he knew it or not. The children of the SA novels have adult levels of concern, even if their concerns aren't those of adults. They take care of themselves and each other, they follow through on their goals, and they have an incredible work ethic. Think of the struggles in PP, or John's worry about not finishing the map in SW. These are children who take responsibility seriously. (Even if it's the responsibility to be a really good pirate!)
I think that that's why we love the books, and return to them so often- we want to live life with goals too. Somehow I don't think that there will be a Judy Blume Society in the future, with people discussing the books and dreaming about reliving them. Her books are about the angst of adolescence, and who would want to go there again?
pam