Posted by Joy Wotton on April 10, 2002 at 12:30:25 from 213.1.45.10:
In Reply to: Re: Casual Elitism posted by Andy Morley on April 08, 2002 at 22:12:14:
Andy refers to Olivia Fitzroy, contemporary of Ransome, writing excellent books about the children of a poor ole laird being forced to poach deer in the grounds of their own estate, which had been let to despicable nouveau-riche tenants.
What I really really like is that in ORDERS TO POACH they are described as the poorest family in Scotland yet the eldest son goes to Eton and his sister is the most popular debutante of the year (even though she is six foot tall).
ORDERS TO POACH also contains the second funniest line in kidlit. Fiona and Hugh have crawled up a hill and are looking down on a herd of deer grazing amid a scene of the most incredible beauty. Hugh is practically in tears because it is just so beautiful; Fiona says, slowly and reflectively, I wish I had bought my rifle.
My very favourite line (since you ask) occurs in SIX TO SIXTEEN by Mrs Ewing, a Victorian family adventure story. Prim Marjory goes to stay with wild Yorkshire Eleanor. They go for an afternoon walk, and Marjory tells the reader: "I had taken off my crinoline because Eleanor said we might have to climb some walls."