"The Ship of Adventure" has been the first one of Enid Blyton's books I read and has easily kept me interested in the other ones as well when I've still been a little child reading about adventures and great mysteries leading to happy-ends. I know this series will always have a special place in my heart, as it is the first one I ever started to read, but this book seems kind of outstanding in comparison to the other novels. The cruise was used to create an interesting atmosphere, and I remember I caught myself falling in love with young monkey Mickey and his special bond to Philip. The greek island landscape has included a wonderful setting Enid Blyton could not have chosen better to let the story culminate in its turning point. The book is still written for children, which is why the language is kept comparatively simple. The characters of the four children are only allowed to.have some major attributes rather than being more full-layered, but they are still very likeable, and the book absolutely succeeds in its attempt to create an intriguing story. ( )

De nuevo, los cuatro amigos están de vacaciones y la señora Mannering, reserva para estos un crucero por el que pasarán por Lisboa, el sur de España, el Marruecos francés y las islas griegas del mar Egeo. En estas últimas descubren un mapa antiguo escondido en un barco que parece indicar un tesoro escondido.

It is years since I have read any of these books but I am having a big sort out at home and decided to reminisce a little - i was an Enid Blyton-aholic when I was younger. I don't believe the distinction between children's books and adult books, they are all books, in fact children's books have the best stories.

This particular book was first published in 1950 with this addition published in 1975. I assume therefore that most of it is the original text before the PC-brigade have made changes. And indeed it is true that some of the passages and attitudes do make you blush.

The four kids (and their parrot) are taken on a cruise to keep them away from any adventures during the summer holidays. Of course events conspire to create one after the 'fortunate' coincidences of meeting a child on board who knew about an ancient story of missing treasure, Mrs Mannering being called away and the cruise ship having engine trouble. A Ship in a Bottle leads to a treasure map, danger and adventure.

Did not really like the introduction of Phillip's latest monkey pet though of course it provided an important plot device later on.

Lots of stretching of incredulity but a swash buckling adventure, excitement, treasure maps and danger in the Mediterranean. A romantic setting for the tale. I still have plenty of old EB books on my shelf and will gradually read through them.

Having read other reviews it appears this was meant to be the sixth and last installment of this series, which was surely one of the best series by Enid Blyton. It seemingly ends with Bill and Mrs Mannering agreeing to get married and Bill agreeing to adopt the children as his own. ( )

Match found in the German National Library.