Chalet School World: 12 Brand New Short Stories Paperback – 19 Nov. 2013

Well, Helen Barber has certainly channelled her inner Elinor here! I didn't think I would like Chalet books by other authors, but risked one by Helen McClelland as I'd enjoyed her biography of EBD, and found her style very readable. I had also bought my mother "Mollie's Choice" by Helen Barber, and felt the same about that, so I decided to risk trying a Chalet book by her.The book comprises a series of short stories set throughout the Chalet School years; each story is complete in itself, but a short note at the beginning of each explains how (and where) it fits in with the original series. The storylines are lightweight and undemanding, but feel exactly the type of plot Elinor would have come up with; the characters behave perfectly "in character" at all times. And best of all, the style of writing is absolutely "spot on"! The book could have been written by Elinor herself. At no time did I come across a jarring, "Oh dear, Elinor would not have used that word / expression / etc" moment. It felt as though Elinor must have been sitting up there beaming her thoughts down directly into Helen's brain!Congratulations to Helen Barber for producing such a perfect fill-in book. I can unhesitatingly recommend it to fans of Elinor M Brent-Dyer's Chalet books in particular, and to school story fans in general. I look forward to reading more of Helen Barber's Chalet books (and that's not something I ever thought I'd say!).

Enjoyable stories very much in the EBD style

I started this book with a degree of scepticism but it was really enjoyable.

A gratefully received Christmas present for a Chalet School fan who spent a cosy day re-engaging with favourite characters next to a woodstove.

I really enjoyed this and felt that the stories could have been written by Elinor Brent-Dyer herself.

A delightful set of 12 short stories by Helen Barber, set throughout the whole Chalet School time period.I particularly liked the first story, as we get a never-seen before glimpse at the Bettany's parents. The second story shows us a little of Ted Humphries when he was younger too.Helen must have a soft spot for Grizel, as there were several stories showing Grizel in a favourable light.A must for any Chalet School fan. Will definitely read this more than once.