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We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
 
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We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (Paperback)

by Arthur Ransome (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
RRP: £7.99
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Frequently Bought Together

We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea + Secret Water + Pigeon Post
Price For All Three: £17.97

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  • This item: We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea by Arthur Ransome

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    This item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

  • Secret Water by Arthur Ransome

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  • Pigeon Post by Arthur Ransome

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Product details

  • Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Red Fox; New edition edition (6 Sep 2001)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0099427222
  • ISBN-13: 978-0099427223
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 21,570 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Review
"He makes a tale of adventure a handbook to adventure." -"Observer"
"There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating." -"TLS"

Product Description
'Now Susan,' Mother said, 'And you too, John. No night sailing...No going outside the harbour...And back the day after tomorrow...Promise.' But promises can't always be kept. Within twenty-four hours John, Susan, Titty and Roger find themselves fighting a night gale in the treacherous waters of the North Sea, adrift and in the main shipping lanes. Suddenly, it's real adventure and only their sailing skills can help them now...

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
75% buy the item featured on this page:
We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea 5.0 out of 5 stars (7)
£5.99
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8% buy
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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars No plain sailing but a great read nevertheless!, 6 Mar 2001
By A Customer
No plain sailing but a great read nevertheless! Arthur Ransome's seventh "Swallows and Amazons" adventure is set not long after the action of "Pigeon Post". The action occurs, this time, in the south of England, rather than in the Lake District, and with just the Swallows alone. They are passing the time on the Rivers Orwell and Stour, while waiting to meet up with their father - due, at any time, on leave from his overseas posting with the Royal Navy.

What starts out as a few days quiet sailing, though, quickly turns into something rather more frightening, with the children suddenly drawn into a terrifying and completely unexpected adventure, when they find themselves and their (borrowed) boat being swept out to sea by a fierce tide. For once, the Swallows face a very real and serious danger that is to test their combined courage, fortitude and seamanship to the utmost. It is fascinating (for grown-up readers, at least) to see each of the children's highly individual (and completely characteristic) reactions to their predicament. Younger readers, of course, are more likely just to be carried away by the pure nail-biting suspense of it all!

While this is a gripping and enthralling tale throughout, the tensions (arising from the danger and the worries of the older children) are lightened for the reader by the pure infectious glee of the younger pair. They, of course, are less aware of the seriousness of their predicament - especially Roger, who, as usual, is perfectly content so long as there is plenty of food around - and rather enjoy themselves!

As in all of the "Swallows and Amazons" books, Ransome's story-telling abilities are second to none, here. The narrative is at all times feasible and this book is a completely absorbing read for young and old alike. This is an inspired and an inspiring tale. Readers who have worked their way through the earlier volumes will also not be disappointed when they finally do get to meet Daddy in this volume!

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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A sailing classic, 17 April 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (Hardcover)
This is my favourite S & A book. The Walkers (no Amazons) are on board a yacht but aren't allowed to sail past the 'Beach End Buoy'. Set in the River Stour in East Anglia, events transpire which see the four children accidentally cross the North Sea in a gale. It is an exciting book which has the most 'sailing' content of all the S & A books.
It is inspirational in that the children triumph over the adversity of crossing to Holland in a small boat in shocking weather.
I have read this book countless times since receiving it as a child. It inspired me to sail and I could practically sail a boat for the first time, aged 12 years, having read this book.
Drag your children away from mind numbing computer games and role models who only want to look good - thrust this in their mitts and hopefully their imaginations will be inspired. If not, read it yourself and you never know, the magic of sailing will become a part of your live.
Jib-booms and bobstays, that was profound !
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The best of all the Swallows and Amazons books, 26 Aug 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (Red Fox older fiction) (Paperback)
I love this book most out of the whole series. The four Swallows spend a few days with an adult friend on board a real sea-going ship. However, while the owner is ashore the ship drifts out to sea in the fog. There is the same loving attention to detail as usual, but this is the first book in which the children face real danger. From the moment the Swallows realise they have drifted out to sea, it's non-stop action until the end.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent adventure story
I read this book when I was a boy. I have now bought it for my great nephew. It's an excellent adventure story suitable for girls or boys. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. P. W. D. Preston

5.0 out of 5 stars book of the century
We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
a thriller. i read it so quickly because it was so good!!!!!!!!!!!!
the best book i have ever read
Published 7 months ago

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly enjoyable book
I'm re-reading some of these as a 30-something adult, and find them as enjoyable now as I did in my early teens. Read more
Published on 15 Sep 2006 by Mosschops

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Arthur Ransome
This is the most exciting tale - even if it features only the Swallows and no Amazons - because the adventure told is real. Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2000 by ajk77

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