Swallows and Amazons - Overdose of sweetness

I saw the movie version of this book on BBC and absolutely loved it. I had no idea that a children's  book could be this cool. The story follows the Walker family (John, Susan, Titty and Roger) who sail to the Wild Cat Island in their dinghy boat to camp over the summer holidays. They encounter pirates Nancy and Peggy who claim the island as theirs.

While it begins with enmity and competition, soon a truce is established followed by adventures and explorations. When they are accused of a crime they didn't commit, they must bring their best game forward to prove their innocence. 

It is a delight to see the unspoiled Lake district of the 1920s and a time when kids can be left unsupervised for extended lengths of time. The adults they encounter are wonderful and caring, I kept expecting something anticlimactic to happen but there were no creeps. 

Having never had an upbringing quite like this, I was absolutely amazed at the independence of these kids. They camp, gather, fish, shop, cook, sail all on their own, choosing not to return to a majestic home where their mother is based. Such an existence is not possible in today's dark world filled with human predators but it is a delight to go back to a time when it was.

While they are all matured beyond their age, they act like kids too by swimming, playing games and casually using phrases like "declare war on them" or "beware of the locals". The elder siblings take care of the group like surrogate parents while the younger ones prove they are more than capable too.

They create a map of the island and the surrounding lake and you will admire their imagination and daring. The characters and the plot line is incredibly sweet; so sweet that one could call it diabetic.

If summer holidays were like this, who will want to go home to an urban world and a dull routine of school, work and homework. I would also choose to stay on the Wild cat island forever.

This is a must read/watch for kids and kids at heart as the attitude, independence and imagination of these characters are still relevant. While you may have to attach safety warnings that are needed today, you can enjoy the adventures to be had in Lake District, England in a different time, in a different world.💛