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  • Winter Holiday

  • Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 4
  • By: Arthur Ransome
  • Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (349 ratings)
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Winter Holiday cover art

Winter Holiday

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 twelve books are still eagerly read 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. The fourth book in Arthur Ransome's classic series, Winter Holiday takes intrepid explorers John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker, and fearsome Amazon pirates Nancy and Peggy Blackett to the North Pole. Joined by budding novelist Dorethes Callum and her scientist brother Dick, the children plan an ‘Arctic’ expedition. But unforeseen events separate the travellers and disaster nearly strikes in the exciting climax of their race to the Pole.

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 & Amazons series, Pigeon Post.

©2013 Arthur Ransome (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

“All the thrills of Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe" ( Daily Telegraph)
“Absolutely fantastic” ( Daily Express)

What listeners say about Winter Holiday

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As good as the book

I have been reading all the swallow and amazon books over and over again for the last 30 years and only now are they on audiobook. Winter holiday is how you imagine winters were when you were a child (some of mine were) and you get snowed in and extra time off school. The story is brilliant with a twist at the end that Arthur Ransome manages to achieve in many of his books. The characters are just as I have imagined them, and I still want to be there and be one of them. Although some of the books are about sailing this one is not but if you love winter wonderland and snow from the comfort of your fireside this is an adventure story for you.

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17 people found this helpful

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A magical story

Perfect listening for a long car journey in the middle of winter.

The ending was especially good. Real edge of the seat stuff. In hindsight Arthur Ransom is enlightened in his treatment of young women. strong assertive leaders. Even if Susan did all the cooking!

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6 people found this helpful

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Loved every minute of it!

if only my own childhood had been so idyllic and full of adventure. Even at 40, this series of Arthur Ransome books makes me want to get away on some adventure of my own fueled by tea and cake!
This is the fourth one I've listened to and will be completing the rest in due course :)

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4 people found this helpful

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Love it

Winter holiday is a real adventure story. Any child or adult who loves Arthur ransome stories will love this. Magical and quintessentially English.

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4 people found this helpful

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Another Great Story

This is one of my favourite Arthur Ransom books, having read them countless times.
Narration was good. I never tire of these wonderful tales.

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3 people found this helpful

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When A.R. had two cameo roles?

The audio narration is as good as, perhaps better than the earlier books, as he settles into the series. We meet two new children, who seem to me to embody two aspects of Arthur Ransome himself: the story-writer, and the inquisitive and scientifically focused brother and sister Dorothea and Dick Callum. There's much in these new characters that resonates with me, and I enjoy their experiences very much.

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loved it

great kids stories fab to listen together with the kids we have really enjoyed it.

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2 people found this helpful

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Spiffing!

We are loving these books. So refreshingly innocent but still exciting for my computer junkies.

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good ild fashioned children's adventure

great story, good driving narrative and building suspense. Great characters, amazing confident but falable children. fab all round book for most ages from say 6 and up.

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2 people found this helpful

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great classic

what a great classic a must listen and should be in everyone's book collection I'm looking forward to getting the rest of the series

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1 person found this helpful