I have to admit to being a bit taken with Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons stories. As a child, as an adult, and now as a Grandad. I learnt the ‘right’ way to do many sailing evolutions from the books. However, the language, writing style and even the adventures have meant that my grandchildren have not had the same connection. By which I mean, I haven’t got past Chapter 1 with them yet.
Imagine my surprise when I learnt recently that an author has written new novels with the same spirit and sailing backdrop, moved into a modern idiom. They even use some of the books within the story. And they were written over ten years ago! Julia Jones owns (and has just restored – Classic Boat 2024 Awards) Peter Duck, Arthur Ransome’s East Coast ketch-rigged yacht, based on the River Deben. In 2011 Julia published ‘A Salt Stained Book’, introducing Donny and his family and some rather frightening social services and police adults. This was the first book in a trilogy of stories based on the Rivers Orwell and Stour, the North Sea and Holland, featuring a ketch rigged junk Strong Winds.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books, So far the signs are good with the grandchildren. We have at least got to Chapter 4 of the first.
If you find you need a break from all the varnishing, polishing and whipping you may find the books provide a diversion. Particularly if you sail on the Suffolk and Essex coasts.
Check out the reviews on ‘Good Reads’. Buy the books direct from Golden Duck Bookshop or grab secondhand copies on eBay, Abebooks, World of Books or your preferred literature supplier.