The Princess of the Chalet School by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Tyrolean part of the Chalet School series remains a constant and beguiling delight to me. There’s something so obvious about Brent-Dyer’s love for the surroundings and her brand new school that I can’t help but adore these early books.
Elisaveta is our new girl for this term and she’s a Princess. She’s a Princess of Belsornia and she’s being sent to the Chalet School to improve her health. (And this always reminds me of “I came for the Waters … I was misinformed”) Naturally hijinks ensue – but then things get a little serious. There’s two men with an interest in the school – and in ‘Veta in particular.
Coupled with this, there’s a new Matron on the scene and her presence inspires the girls to, well, I won’t spoil this but suffice to say it’s the stuff of legend.
This book is spectacular and actually rather unique in the series but it’s not without fault. There are points in it where you could be incredulous and doubtful but to be honest, that’s a hallmark of the series as a whole.
I think what makes it so perfect for me is the sort of the way Brent-Dyer writes it. She’s so confident in her story, so at the height of her ability, that she just doesn’t care about the less than logical bits. This is a very pure, very brilliantly told adventure story masquerading as a school story and one that you pretty much just have to sit down and enjoy the ride.
View all my reviews
Daisy May Johnson 