Swallows and Amazons

By: Arthur Ransome

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published in the UK over a half-century ago, these books are still eagerly read by children, despite their length and their decidedly British protagonists.

We attribute their success to two facts: first, Ransome is a great storyteller and, second, he clearly writes from first-hand experience. Independence and initiative are qualities any child can understand, and every volume in this collection celebrates these virtues.

Swallows and Amazons, the book that started it all in 1930, introduces the Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat Island, the able-bodied catboat "Swallow", and the two intrepid Amazons, plucky Nancy and Peggy Blackett. (All 12 novels in the Swallows and Amazons series have been brought to life in the U.S. in print by David R. Godine, Publisher.)

Listen to more in the Swallows and Amazons series.

©1994 Arthur Ransome (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Beautiful story!😍

This is a fun, adventurous, and sweet story that I am in love with! It is so well written and narrated. I recommend this book, this author, and this narrator. 😀😀

amazing

It is a great story about children sailors it really transports you to a different world

My favorite of my youth, and more.

I've loved this book since 1970.
And I hope many more will find this gem.

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

I LOVE IT!! I wanted to sail a boat after I listened to it. IT’S AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

My heart was utterly and completely delighted

What did you love best about Swallows and Amazons?

This book made my long ago childhood come alive.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swallows and Amazons?

Mother played along and never spoiled the fun for the children; who wouldn't love a mother like that!

Which character – as performed by Alison Larkin – was your favorite?

I adored all of the characters; they were well done by the author and the performer.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The childhood you've always wanted to remember.

Any additional comments?

This book contains a piece of childhood that we all wish we had had. I had a nice childhood, but this part was missing and now, since reading Swallows and Amazons, it's not missing any longer. It's as much my childhood now, as it was for John, Roger, Susan, and Tetty. I didn't even know that the lonely sad little place existed inside of me until it was filled with the joy of childhood from this book. I was touched.

Excellent reader

One of the best and most versatile readers I have listened to. She made one of my favorite childhood books come alive

Kids' adventure stands the test of time

I don't know who would be more envious, 21st century kids or 21st century parents, of a time and place where kids, aged 7 to at most 14, can sail real boats, swim, camp, build fires, use knives, etc. with no adult supervision for days on end. The kids know they are responsible for everything and they live up to the demands. Sure, this is fiction, but it is based on the author's childhood. These are the people who would grow up to deal with the Battle of Britain, air raids and rationing with the motto "Keep Calm and Carry On".

The kids also have great imaginations, and the girls are just as good at sailing and climbing as the boys, which is very impressive for a story from the 1930's. One of the girls, whose name was probably Letitia but goes by the (to Americans) unfortunate name of Titty, is always the first to suggest bloodthirsty adventures.

I'm not sure why a woman narrates, as the author was a man and the kids are of both genders, but it works fine. Apparently some British listeners disliked the narration as too much like a governess, but I thought it was good, and she was able to keep the voices of the various characters distinct.

Fun for all ages!

After reading this book myself last year I knew my nine and seven year olds would enjoy it. I read aloud to them at bedtime, and we listened to the Audible version during car rides. We thought the story was delightful and the reader did a beautiful job!

captivating!

our whole family loved listening to the imaginative adventures of these 6 children! definitely recommend!

Fun summer sailing adventure

Kids on their (mostly) own sail to an island and camp while on summer holiday. They encounter pirates, natives, and savages while exploring their domain. A fun and entertaining story!