Five Run Away Together - Enid Blyton

Published by Hodder Children's, 2013. Originally published 1944.
Audiobook released by Audible. Narrated by Jan Francis.
Book 3 in 'The Famous Five' series. Preceded by 'Five Go Adventuring Again'; followed by 'Five Go to Smuggler's Top'.

The third Famous Five book, once again narrated by Jan Francis in an appropriate style that amplifies the child-aimed drama.

In this book, George's mother has become unwell, and the children are left in the care of the temporary housekeeper, Mrs Stick, who, along with her spoiled son Edgar and (eventually) her husband, form the trio of antagonists for the majority of the book. Mrs Stick really dislikes the children, and this leads to a development that both Elise and I didn't enjoy as much as it seemed we were supposed to - the children become quite rude towards the Sticks. It is obvious that the Sticks are being nasty, but the children react by becoming ruder than usual themselves - especially Julian, who openly calls Edgar 'Spotty-face' and threatens the Sticks whenever possible. Although later elements of the plot show that the Sticks are indeed villains, it is a little odd to have the heroic characters in a children's story being rude towards anyone.

Of course (as the title gives away), this builds up to the children deciding to run away together to live on Kirrin Island until George's parents return, and it is here that they finally face a mystery involving possible smuggling, and even rescue a prisoner.

Still fun elements, still great narration, but our least favourite in the series so far.

Completed with Elise, 1 October 2021.


 
(Elise Books)

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