Darrell loses her temper spectacularly and gives her such a slapping you can see the handprints on Gwendoline’s leg. At one point while swimming, nasty Gwendoline ducks Mary Lou and gives her a real scare. I had a look at one of the modern versions of this book in Foyles to see if I could spot any modernisations – and wished I hadn’t. Darrell receives a real scare over her temper, and the issue with Sally reaches a dramatic climax. Revisiting Malory Towers was beautiful escapism – I *so* wished I could go to a boarding school when I was young! There are jolly japes in class – a spider meant for Mary Lou in the French lessons causes havoc with Mam’zelle! – but also deeper problems. And all these elements are played out and resolved against the lovely background of a boarding school by the sea, with its own sea water bathing pool. Sally obviously has something more serious going on, as she seems emotionally locked away and indifferent. We meet a variety of girls, all with their different characteristics and problems – from Alicia the class prankster through timid Mary Lou to Gwendoline the spoilt brat. Refreshingly, Darrell is no saint – although basically a nice girl, she has a flaming temper and a tendency to laziness, both of which are displayed here. “First Term” introduces us to the series and the girls, when Darrell goes off to boarding school for the first time. Of course it’s possible I didn’t have the complete set – after all these years, it’s impossible to tell.
So “First Term at Malory Towers” seemed in many ways like a new read! I remembered the heroine, Darrell and her best friend Sally – and the foolish French mistress! – but not a lot else. Though I’ve revisited other Blytons, I don’t think I’ve re-read the Malory Towers books for years. Alas, my volume is not quite so lovely as this one…
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