Last time I read this, I only had the much-abridged Armada version, and thought it rather run-of-the mill and a bit disappointing. In the intervening years I managed to acquire the ‘Girls Gone By’ full edition, and hoped it might be more interesting...

Unfortunately, despite some blurb that implies a good character-based book, it remains rather dull. There are lengthy explanations of lacrosse, about cleaning the chapel candles, and about the new uniforms which are to be introduced - all with far more detail than I cared about. The most interesting even from the point of view of continuity is Peggy Bettany's wedding, but it only gets a brief mention.

In addition there are prefects meetings, class incidents, and so on. I liked the forays into the staff room, which added some interest to what remains, in my view, a run-of-the-mill Chalet School book. It's a pity, as Ruey is a nicely developed character in the previous book - Joey and co in Tirol - which introduces her.

Still, the book begins with a fascinating introductory chapter about girls’ school uniforms, and how they changed in the early part of the 20th century. At the end is a story written by someone else, describing an incident mentioned in the book, and its consequences. It’s nicely done, and makes a good add-on.

Pleasant enough light reading, and good for continuity; but I wouldn’t really recommend this unless you're a fan and have read the preceding one. ( )