I wanted to thank all those who have sent letters and emails about ‘The Secrets of Making Swallows & Amazons’. These have come in from around the world. Many people have taken the time and trouble to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, which is hugely appreciated.
I have been asked to write about other classic dramas I’ve been involved with but before I move on, I thought I could post some of the feedback and comments that have come in:
‘It’s my favourite book!’ a little girl said on spotting ‘The Making of Swallows & Amazons’ on sale at Brantwood
‘It’s wonderful! (almost as great as reading the original book) Carl – USA
“Thank you” for writing that marvellous book, “Secrets of filming Swallows & Amazons”. I purchased it on my Kindle from Amazon thinking it would be my “summer holiday” read – but was truly unable to put it down so it only lasted a day or so! As a devoted Arthur Ransome fan (and proud dad to two daughters – 13 and 10 – who love the books and film also) your words really brought the film to life. Such wonderful stories in the book. How I wish that Claude had also made ‘Pigeon Post’ with the same cast! There are few films (and books) that evoke childhood in this way. ‘Swallows & Amazons’ will always take me back to being ten years old, and your film was one of the truly rare occasions when a film adaptation did justice to the book. I guess it’s because everyone involved truly loved the story – it shows. Thank you again for sharing those few weeks in 1973.’ Paul –
To read his review please click here.
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‘…I loved the movie when I was young. I only saw it once but was given the LP by my Godmother and played it — on my parents’ radiogram — until I knew it by heart. When I took my own children to see the movie (in the Aldeburgh Cinema a few years ago) I was still word perfect, much to their embarrassment! We now have the DVD and it was the movie of choice for my children a couple of summers ago so they are now pretty word perfect too! It’s great that the old film is going to be re-released at the same time as the new is coming out, though we are looking forward to that too.’ Lucy
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I’ve just read this delightful ebook – thank you so much for writing it! …Many thanks again for giving me such a delightful film to immerse myself in as a child.’ Helena
I have just finished reading ‘The Making of Swallows & Amazons’. Apart from your wonderful narrative, what a task you undertook, I especially enjoyed reading all the amazing credits you’d researched on the film makers! John
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Sophie Neville 
Although you were not involved in Tom’s Midnight Garden, I think you will find it repays research, especially as it is one of the great novels (whether adults or children’s) of the last century; and if there were a tie for first place in respect of a children’s novel, one between Tom’s Midnight Garden and Swallows and Amazons would probably emerge…
I wonder if they study it on the Open University Children’s Literature course. They ahve S&A on the syllabus.
Thank you for sharing these lovely tributes, Sophie.
It is lovely to get them – especially in letter form.
I’m sure it must be; and letters are something you can keep and treasure.
And some arrive with wonderful stamps.
It’s lovely to think that you must be getting fan letters from all over the world.