"Unlike many of Blyton's female characters, Darrell is strong-willed, intelligent and charming, if unbearably pompous throughout. Darrell's many friends include Sally (nice), Alicia (sharp), Mary-Lou (sweet), Irene (mad) and Clarissa (ugly). Darrell's enemies include Moira (domineering), Catherine (sycophantic), Gwen (self-obsessed) and Maureen (wimp). Darrell's friends normally become Sports Captains, Head Girls or star in the school pantomime. Darrell's enemies either fail their exams or lose a close relative." - from a review of In The Fifth At Malory Towers.

After discussing childhood books with J^e this afternoon (how did we get to that? Who knows) I was hit by a sudden, absolutely violent urge to read Enid Blyton's Malory Towers again. I loved these books. Loved. Adored. Worshipped. Of course, discussing them with J^e I was struck by the conclusion that there must have been something kinky going on between Darrell and Sally. At the time I wouldn't have thought of it. I don't think I even knew what a lesbian was. And Alicia? With all those spanking threats? Vixen on the rampage!