The Picts and the Martyrs

Swallows and Amazons Series

By: Arthur Ransome

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Jibbooms and bobstays! Those two Blackett sisters are back at it again, and Nancy is right there in the thick of it. Their mother (doubtless suffering from exhaustion) has gone off sailing in the North Sea with Captain Flint on a rest cure, but she has allowed her two daughters to stay a fortnight at Beckfoot on the lakeshore with their trusty cook. She's also permitted their two old friends, Dick and Dorothea Callum, to come up for a visit. But when their redoubtable Great Aunt (aka G. A.) hears of their abandonment, she's horrified and off on the next train.

The Amazons are dismayed; not only will their solo holiday be ruined but now they'll have to hide their two guests in the woods in an abandoned shepherd's cottage (where they'll be forced to live off the land like savages, ergo "The Picts") while they'll be required to dress up in white pinafores, practice the pianoforte, and recite reams of parlor poetry aloud (ergo "The Martyrs"). Not much stretch here; no one dares trifle with the G.A.

As usual with Ransome, the fun is gentle, the action nonstop, and the instructions on everything from tickling trout to setting anchors are precise and informed. Even the formidable maiden aunt proves to have virtues, not the least of which is her ability to say she's sorry.

This is the eleventh title in a beloved series that has endeared itself to three generations of readers (and now listeners) - books as credible today as when Ransome penned them on the shores of his beloved Lake District in the 1930s.

(All 12 novels in the Swallows and Amazons series have been brought to life in the U.S. in print by David R. Godine, Publisher.)

Listen to more in the Swallows and Amazons series.©2003 Arthur Ransome (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

A favorite book read superbly!

My favorite of all the Ransome books! So entertaining! Read very well. I recommend this book highly.

The kids

I love the kids in these books . One more to go , I will miss the kids terribly.

Ransome & Larkin, Just Divine

My family absolutely adores this entire series. Ransome has written wholesome adventures with spirited but thoughtful free-range children of an era now generations past. Allison Larkin is a magical narrator. As a professional singer, I appreciate her ever authentic and clear voice. Without forcing or pushing her voice I am able to discern the tone and pattern of each character clearly. As such, I feel as if I know each character personally. Larkin is my all-time favorite narrator.

this i think is the best of the story's

This story is funny and real. This is a book for all ages and even if you do not know much about sailing or camping it makes you feel like you understand it.

So many wonderful memories of childhood

Alison Larkin has a pleasant voice, her reading is nicely paced and she is able to capture a flavour of the north-country accents. This all makes for easy listening while avoiding any hint of monotony. Having owned and loved the Ransome books for 50 years hearing them read to me has been a real treat! The Picts and the Martyrs is one of my favourites. Thank you Alison.