Winter Holiday, the fourth book in the Swallows and Amazons series, is by Arthur Ransome. While it differs from the summer and sailing scene that is common in the previous books, this tale takes the reader on an epic Arctic expedition.
The Callum children—Dick and Dorothea—meet the Amazons—Nancy and Peggy—and Swallows—John, Susan, Titty and Roger—during the last week of the winter holidays. When Nancy falls ill, the others have an extended holiday. They prepare and train for an expedition, discovering frozen ships and skating with seals. However, the day before the adventure trouble rains down on the explorers.
The Amazons and Swallows are main characters, appearing in the previous books. However, most of the book follows the new characters (the Ds). These kind-hearted children face many challenges, like rescuing stranded bears and sailing through blizzards.
Out of all eight main characters, Dick is my favourite. This is because he is extremely clever and interested in astrology, geology and much more. While he is often thinking of other things, Dick can quickly come up with brilliant plans.
Winter Holiday is a tale about overcoming obstacles to prepare for and complete one ultimate goal. In this case, the characters prepare by having skating practice, making fur hats and mittens, and completing other tasks. In order to complete the final goal, two of the characters sail through a blizzard. They do all this in order to reach the “North Pole”.
This novel was written in the early 1930s. However, it is set in the modern world we all know with purely realistic elements. If there is anything magical about the novel, it is that the author makes the reader feel like they are there with the use of adjectives and figurative language.
My favourite chapter is the penultimate because Nancy, followed by the rescue party, finds Dick and Dorothea at the North Pole. Also, at the end they catch up with Nancy and start a feast.
If you’re nine or older and enjoy adventure and Arctic expeditions, then try Arthur Ransome’s Winter Holiday.
