The Chalet School celebrates 21 years since its inception, with old girls returning, visits to Austria, group photos and fund-raising for two new chapels.

Ordinary school life continues, of course, with an influx of girls arriving from the Welsh branch. These include the twins Priscilla and Prudence who were quite badly behaved when younger; the way they start to grow up, and Prudence in particular fights against growing maturity, is nicely done. The school sale, on the other hand, with details of purchases and prize-winners, is typically rather tedious.

There are quite a few ‘old’ characters, in particular Joey Maynard’s closest friends. Probably the most interesting part of the book describes the weekend when this quartette and the sixteen prefects visit the original site of the Chalet School in Austria. It wouldn't be a good book for anyone new to the series, however, as there are so many names. Even as a fan of the books for over forty years, I didn’t recall every person who was mentioned.

I’m glad I re-read it as part of the series, but it’s not one of my favourites. Still, I’m delighted to have the Girls Gone By edition, not just for the full text but for the introductory sections, about the Chalet School in general and other interesting articles. At the end is a specially commissioned short story which outlines an event mentioned in the main text, but never actually described by Brent-Dyer herself.

Only really recommended if you're a fan of the series, or are reading the whole thing through, as I am (over several years). ( )

Enjoyed this. Excellent for mindless relaxation. Not one of my favourite Chalet School novels, but definitely mid- to high-table. ( )

Enjoyed it immensely. Brought back Pertisau ( )