I thought you came over very well in the discussion. I don't know whether the viewers were expecting you to tear into Blyton's oeuvre, but she did know how to spin a yarn and hold a child's attention, so whatever criticisms people may have of her style -- and there were plenty even in the late 50s/early 60s when I was a child -- you have to give her that. Not that our mum let us read much Blyton once we got too old for Noddy.
My experience was similar. Not that books were forbidden, but neither were they actively made available. Although I didn't care them much, as it happens.
I actually preferred pony books and devoured everything the library had. I wasn't a fan of school stories so never got into Mallory Towers. I actually had a fear of being sent to one when I was still at junior school. Not that that was every going to happen, of course. I hadn't understood just how expensive they were and that even if my parents had thought they were a good thing (which they didn't), it would have been impossible financially.
Blyton is so predictable, which makes her very safe for beginning readers. My granddaughter, who's 6, has enjoyed The Magic Faraway Tree, which I don't recall ever reading as a child, or having a copy of when her mother was. Some things are just cultural osmosis, I suppose.
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I'm rather in awe of the way you spent Sunday morning.
Portillo obviously spotted you for a dangerous woman.
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That would be my preferred reading!
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You were great. And made your point, at least a little. And I think this is the first time I've heard your voice.
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Blyton is so predictable, which makes her very safe for beginning readers. My granddaughter, who's 6, has enjoyed The Magic Faraway Tree, which I don't recall ever reading as a child, or having a copy of when her mother was. Some things are just cultural osmosis, I suppose.
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