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  • Secret Water

  • Swallows and Amazons, Book 8
  • By: Arthur Ransome
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (204 ratings)

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Secret Water

By: Arthur Ransome
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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Summary

For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the 12 books are still eagerly enjoyed by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.

This book, the eighth in the series, follows the adventures of the five Walker children after their parents leave them on a "desert island" with provisions for a long stay - and a blank map to fill in.

Arthur Ransome was a prolific writer of children's books. Born in Leeds in 1884, it was his father, a nature-loving history professor, who inspired his love of the outdoors and nurtured a passion for fishing. As a child he enjoyed active, outdoor holidays: sailing, camping, and exploring the countryside. He used many of these holiday settings for his children's stories, notably the much-loved Swallows and Amazons, a book that sits comfortably in the category of ‘timeless classic’.

In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for the sixth book in the Swallows and Amazons series, Pigeon Post.

©2013 Arthur Ransome (P)2013 Audible Ltd
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Critic reviews

"Enchanting and escapist.” (Sunday Express)
"There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning, and fun which is delightful and stimulating." (Times Literary Supplement)

What listeners say about Secret Water

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Traditional tale

A step back in time to days when youngsters were free and shopping wrapped in brown paper.

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1 person found this helpful

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All seems lost, more than once!

I had forgotten about this one, but I’m jolly glad to hear it all the same. Different and yet…

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Sean Connery

Indian restaurant in my head is a client and a problem with the world cup and I think we have the world and a client base that reads as blue chip clients are going out

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Swallows and Amazons forever.

This is an amazing book in which you can always be sure nothing will go wrong - or that everything will be alright in the end.

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love it

very good i have really enjoyed listening to this, thank you very good job! Thanks

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Wonderful at Walton

As Ransome sailed the real Nancy Blackett aka the Goblin along the East Coast the accuracy of the landscapes is comparable with Google maps. Here the children camp just outside Walton on the Naze at Hamford Water. Great stuff.

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3 people found this helpful

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Lovely story and wonderful narration

Another excellent entry in the Swallows and Amazons series; a tale of explorers, sailing holidays, friends and adventure, set in the tidal coastal waters of the East of England. The story tells of the joys of childhood holidays, and the innocence of those bygone days, as well as the excitement of children's imaginations when shaping their own adventures. The excellent narrator expertly creates an entire cast, and effortlessly brings the listener along, to share in the always enjoyable time. 9/10 - Highly recommended!

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Explorers & Savages

Another brilliant book by Arthur Ransom. A bit slow to start with but gripping in the end

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Amazing

Good we liked it. Amazing to listen to. Hope others in joy this book as much as we do.

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a must read.....

A must read for lovers of high jinx and childhood adventure. Read brilliantly by Gareth Armstrong following on from previous books in the Swallows and Amazons series . The books stand the test of time and are full of friendship. Honour and adventure!

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