Posted by Bob Hollis on June 24, 1997 at 16:03:29:
As a newcomer to TARBOARD, I've been reading through the archives to
catch up on previous topics of discussion. I was interested to see
so much space given to Susan's character.
A great part of Ransome's charm, for me, lies in the interaction
between the Walker children. John is, of course, the leader, Titty
the dreamer and Roger the scamp (I tend to identify most with him),
but Susan is the glue that holds the family and the expiditions
together.
Growing up as an only (and sometimes lonely) child, there were times
I could have used an older sister to make sure the frogs were out of
my pockets when I got ready for bed, or like John, a practical one to
bounce my ideas off of.
Susan may have been a bit native at times, but in the S&A's places, I
would much rather have her along than not.