This very long series of books by Elinor Brent-Dyer and set in the Chalet School (which, throughout the series, is set variously in Switzerland, Austria, England, and an island somewhere, I think) was one of my very favourite things to read when I was younger, and going through my boarding school fiction phase.
I daydreamed of being a student at the Chalet School, going for walks in the afternoon among the Alps, speaking only French on some days of the week, and only German on others. I wanted to get into trouble for using ’slang’, and to get into scrapes, and be polite to the prefects in Prep. Actually, I think this is another example of me desiring an idyllic sort of conformist community - probably because it’s safe, and never changes. I have a difficult time coming to terms with change, especially change not instigated by me.
I digress. When I was younger, I thought the Chalet School was terribly cosmopolitan and terribly exciting and longed to be there. Now, when I re-read the books which I buy from Ebay, or secondhand bookstores, it’s simply for nostalgia - I no longer plunge into them, breathless with excitement. They are a pleasantly uncomplicated haven in which to spend an hour.
Thankfully, there are other nostalgic readers in the world, and also a critical commentary of the Chalet School books, and “school girl” stories in general, which I found quite fascinating. If you were ever a fan of school stories as a child, go and check it out. Very interesting stuff.
(for Favorite Things Saturday)
3 Comments
22 April, 2006 at 1:45 pm
I so wanted to go to an all girls Catholic school. To me such a school seemed the place where girls were honored and embraced, where non-sexual love and friendship flourished. I was convinced that if allowed to go, I would find the niche I was so despertely looking for.
22 April, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Did you ever read Nancy Drew mysteries? Or what about Judy Blume’s books? I always loved those series, where there was always a next book to read.
26 April, 2006 at 2:17 am
Niobium - I think it was that idea of belonging that I longed for too. I sometimes felt quite alienated as a kid.
Barbara - yes, I loved Nancy Drew book too. I read a few of Judy Blume’s, but didn’t fall in love with them. Mostly I remember being interested in how she depicted sex.
Leave a Reply