Five Run Away Together by Enid Blyton
The Author's Third Book in the Classic Famous Five Adventure Series
May 10, 2009
Julian, Dick, Anne, George and her faithful dog Timothy, otherwise known as the Famous Five, are back together to spend the remaining weeks of the summer holidays at Kirrin Cottage. George is desperate for her three cousins to arrive – quite a turn around for a girl who previously liked nothing better than to spend time alone with no-one but Timothy the dog for company! It is interesting to note how the character of George develops in this way but it can sometimes seem that Enid Blyton is rather biased against 'only children', often referring to them as 'queer' or 'odd'.
George's Mother Becomes Ill
After the two exciting adventures that the Five shared in the previous school holidays, they are all looking forward to having fun together once more. Kirrin Island beckons during the long, sunny days but in the midst of their exciting plans, George's mother becomes unwell. Her subsequent hospitalization means that both she and George's father are removed from the main bulk of the narrative early on. Unfortunately for the Five, the trusty family cook is also away and they are left in the care of the unpleasant Mrs Stick and her equally unpleasant son Edgar.
Julian Speaks Out
One of the most enjoyable episodes of Five Run Away Together is when Julian stands up to the vile Stick family, now increased to three by the arrival of Mr Stick. Having been left with a dull supper of dry bread and jam by Mrs Stick the night before, Julian had already taken matters into his own hands and raided the larder for a more wholesome meal of meat-pie and jam-tarts. When confront by the Stick family en masse, things take an unpleasant turn as Mr Stick begins to get angry. Julian defeats him with his 'ready tongue', claiming that he is not being insolent, just speaking the plain truth when he declares that he doesn't want to look at Mr Stick as he is 'not a pleasant sight.'
Five Run Away Together
Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy the dog, annoyed by the Sticks' arrogance decide to run away to Kirrin Island where they know they can find peace and enjoyment. Kirrin Island is owned by George and after their first adventure there, she decided to share it with her three cousins. They make their plans in typical five style stashing away many tins of food, fresh bread, drinks, candles, blankets and a camping stove - it all sounds cosy and idyllic.
The Adventure Begins
It once they are on the island that the adventure really begins. After the discover of a mysterious trunk on the old wreck and signs that someone has been visiting the island, the Five are on the alert for smugglers but is it all as it seems? As events begin to unfold, the children find themselves caught up in yet another thrilling adventure where they must work together to outwit the enemy.
Children will not be disappointed by this exciting Famous Five adventure. Particularly delightful are the descriptions of the hidden cave which the Five use as their home whilst they are on the island. Adults who are rediscovering the joys of Enid Blyton will also be captivated by the innocent times portrayed in this story when it was perfectly possible for four children to go camping alone without the hysteria surrounding contemporary children's activities.
Blyton, Enid Five Run Away Together published by Knight Books, ISBN 0-340-02462-3
First published in 1944.
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