Posted by Jock on December 23, 2005 at 12:12:36 from 84.64.131.122 user Jock.
In Reply to: Re: Approaching Ransome (was Enid Blyton beats AR hands down) posted by Peter H on December 23, 2005 at 10:20:05:
I like AR's native characters. They are kept in the background, as you say, because they are only 'natives', but when they 'walk on stage' they really shine. Mr Swainson is a real english eccentric. The charcoal burners, the eel man, Jim Woodall et al are 'painted' with great sympathy and understanding. Jolys and Sammy the policeman are caricatures, but then AR seems to have had a thing about the representatives of "The Official Side".
I guess AR didn't know any real life burglars or Hallaballoos.