The Chalet School in the Oberland
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#1: The Chalet School in the Oberland Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:18 am

Fave scene Least fave Was it a good idea for EBD to give us such a different view of things?

 

#2:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:21 pm

Yippeee - a book I can contribute on again Smile Favourite Scene: I don't really have one - I like the whole book and there isn't any one scene that really jumps out it's all good. Least Favourite Scene: I'm not sure I really have one, although the rather odd change in Grace Nalder's Christian name (from Grace to Philis) and job (games teacher to music appreciation) is a little glaring (though on the latter count, there is reference to her still conducting remedials so that's not QUITE so bugging). I like the book as a change of pace. It's nice to see the more adult side of life, and I do think EBD was right to give that reflection. On the other hand, by doing it, she does take a character like Miss Wilson and most effectively dispose of her from the rest of the series (which is rather more disappointing). I am somewhat wondering whether or not she originally intended to write a dual series at this point - the adventures of both branches - and maybe her publishers advised her against it. Ray *thumbs up*

 

#3:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:38 pm

I love this book too, it was so nice to see a different, more adult side to things, and for more adventures in the mountains! One of favourite bits is where the girls are playing cards and smoking, totally shocking!! Wink It was also nice to see a bit more of Gillian Culver, though she dissapears as the book goes on. I don't think I disliked anything, though I agree with Ray that the Grace Nalder thing was very odd. I wish it hadn't been too easy to make Elma a better more CS girl, we had this discussion elsewhere that the older girls, new to the school, would have perhaps been more resistant.

 

#4:  Author: Ruth, Location: Lincolnshire, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:23 am

I really like this book. My favourite scene would have to be where Peggy finds the smokers and card players! I don't have any scenes that I dislike as I loved the whole book but I do agree with the others about the oddness of Grace Nalder's name and job change. I think it is nice to see a change in place and a chance to see the elder girls on their own without their juniors. I think it was too easy for Elma to settle in as being from a different school she would definately find Chalet rules and thinking different to what she was used too.

 

#5:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:24 am

On the whole I like this book although Peggy is far too Peggy-ish in it. It's certainly interesting to see how the older girls cope by themselves without the strong prefect system of the CS. My favourite scene is when the old CS girls are describing the Appreciation of Music lessons. For most of the book, I'm quite happy to forget that it's a pricey finishing school so it always makes me chuckle to read that bit because it seems out of place and rather ridiculous with how I view the rest of the book (hope that makes sense). Least favourite: It is this book where EBD completely forgets to resolve the mystery of the singer they go and listen to, isn't it? It irritates me every time!

 

#6:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:27 am

It's not so much that she forgets as she has a very natural conversation - they talk to someone, she tells part of the story and then wanders off which is fairly realistic and less bugging than SOME of EBD's mysterious people (the person at the play in Trials rather springs to mind!). Of course, it would be NICE to know who the singer was... Ray *foot in both camps*

 

#7:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:59 pm

Yes, the singer is a mystery, which bugs me. BTW: Nell Wilson says that when she sings 'Gretchen am Spinnradchen' she is too young to do it properly, but when a younger, presumably lesser trained Jo sings it, there is wild applause and appreciation for her.

 

#8:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 3:35 am

Yes, does someone have the lyrics for this? is that what gets Bill going? I remember when 'voice of an angel' was released (hope Xan doesn't read this, would hate to set her ranting) various newspapers commented I think that it was wrong to have an 11 year old singing a song like 'voi che sapete' and you can see the point when you read the English lyrics and hear the way the music goes.

 

#9:  Author: mohini, Location: india PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 7:39 am

can someone transcript this book and send me? then I will write my fave scene. Thisis really agonising trying to join bits and pieces from all discussion and forming the story in mind.

 

#10:  Author: Helen, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:00 am

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see something of the Millies. I can't really think of any part that I didn't enjoy except Peggy was a little prissy and I'm not sure that EBD is completely comfortable writing about Elma Conroy. I can't point at any particular thing, it is just a general impression. Though don't you think it is a pity that Bill ends up running a finishing school?

 

#11:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 1:34 pm

I like Oberland. It is one of the books I ahd to wait a long time for. I really enjoy it. Love the cards scene though it seems so out dated now. Think EBD was tring to be a bit more modern with Elma but as she was not used to writing about people like that it didn't work.

 

#12:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 2:24 pm

I like Oberland because it put a whole different perspective on some things, just a shame that Millies tended to fade into the background for the rest of the series.

 

#13:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 3:10 pm

Yeah, I would have liked more mentions of Millies. Couldn't EBD have told stories about both Millies and the school proper in the same book?

 

#14:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:16 pm

My copy of Oberland has arrived today I think! Have to wait until after dinner though before I can pick it up-am very excited! Laughing

 

#15:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:36 pm

mohini wrote:
can someone transcript this book and send me? then I will write my fave scene. Thisis really agonising trying to join bits and pieces from all discussion and forming the story in mind.
I'm not sure that there is a transcript of Oberland. Raya's policy is not to have transcripts of the books available for GGBP. But, maybe someone has one on their hard drive.

 

#16:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 6:53 pm

I'd love it if someone did. Very Happy

 

#17:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:29 pm

I think I do - will send it this evening Smile Is your email addy at the bottom of your post ok to send it to? Kat

 

#18:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:26 am

I didn't think there was one ever done. If you do have it please let me know Kat. Very Happy

 

#19:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 7:29 pm

Sorry everyone - there was one at some point, but I unfortunately don't have it - thought I did, so am v sorry! There is a transcript of it floating round cyber space somewhere though!

 

#20:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:26 pm

I've never seen one - there is one of joey goes to the oberland though so maybe you're confusing the two

 

#21:  Author: Annie,  PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:39 pm

My simple answer as to fave seen and least fave scene is that I haven't read it. Wish I had though and I am still looking to buy it somewhere.

 

#22:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:32 pm

Can you still get Oberland from GGBP?

 

#23:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:23 am

No, but its still available from dealers see here http://www.rockterrace.demon.co.uk/GGBP/OP.html

 

#24:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:29 pm

I liked Oberland, but I've only read it once, when I got the GGBP version, and as that was in the middle of reading almost the whole series, I am finding it difficult to distinguish all the books I hadn't read before, from each other!I also think that it should have taken more to make Elma a proper chalet girl, and it maybe would have been nice to see some of the main chalet girls being more influenced by the other girls, especially in the free-er atmosphere of Millies. I also thought it was a pity that Bill was the one chosen to run this branch - I remember being very disappointed when I read the books for the first time and realising that Bill wouldn't be in it much anymore (bearing in mind I hadn't read Oberland at that point!)I can't remember enough of it to pick a fave scene, but I was pleased to finally have some detail about what happened to Mollie Bettany! Bride was one of my favourite books, but the beginning didn't half confuse me! but now it makes sense!

 

#25:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 6:44 pm

Haven't read Oberland yet... Embarassed It's sitting in my drawer waiting to be read, am trying to read in some sore of order and I got Oberland when I'd gone past it in the series so it has to wait until I start going round again!

 

#26:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:27 pm

do you only read them in order then? i dip in and out

 

#27:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:04 am

I only read them in order

 

#28:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:35 am

Goodness, what devotion!

 

#29:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 8:14 pm

I tried reading them in order once - got halfway through the tirol ones and fancied reading one of the swiss ones - or i'll buy a new one and have to read that

 

#30:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 12:39 am

I'm re-reading in order at the moment, I got as far as HG (in pb) and bought a HB of School at, but it was too soon and I put it down halfway through and moved on to something completely different.

 

#31:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 2:21 pm

I've read the Tyrol books in order just before I went their on holiday, but I'm planning a grand read through this summer!!

 

#32:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:25 pm

I made myself read all the ones I have in order last summer except I kept getting muddled up as I'd have one in my bedroom, one in the bathroom, one in the living room and one in my handbag for reading on the train to work... Confused

 

#33:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 3:43 pm

I always re-read CS in order

 

#34:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:34 pm

I try to read in order, although I'm not always successful. I find it makes it easier to keep track of the characters that way! Smile

 

#35:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:59 pm

pim wrote:
I made myself read all the ones I have in order last summer except I kept getting muddled up as I'd have one in my bedroom, one in the bathroom, one in the living room and one in my handbag for reading on the train to work... Confused
Yes, I can see how that might get a little confusing...

 

#36:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 10:43 pm

Well I must have a very logical mind!!! I've never onece read the series in order and I've never gotten confused with any of them!! then agan by now I've read them (in pb at least) all so many times that it's not an issue. You better be looking to your laurels, KB! Razz Wink *keeps contemplating a proper reread* I agree with KB- it takes serious dedication to read them in order only. I managed it once with the Amelia series- at a point when there was only 15 books- and was quite relieved to come to the end. I don't know how I'd cope with 58! (since I no longer have any split books, heh heh)

 

#37:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:12 pm

Lisa_T wrote:
You better be looking to your laurels, KB! Razz Wink
I proudly retain my title as List Queen though!

 

#38:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:00 pm

You are the undisputed Queen of lists Very Happy

 

#39:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:14 pm

Thank you, thank you...

 

#40:  Author: LL, Location: Tottenham to Camberwell - The London Rollercoaster! PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:31 pm

no, never read in order. just read what i just got new or what i'm in the mood of. sometimes have a few on at the same time. i looked at the books next to my mum's bed the other day and saw a bunch of my chalet books she was in the middle of! and my sister took so long to give me back trials and theodora that i bought a new copy because i thought i didn't have them! the women in my family are always nicking my books... there's a point to why they call my room the library, i guess. Laughing

 

#41:  Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:05 pm

I try valiantly to read them in order every now and then but it never works - I always start questioning something and go to check it in another book and get caught up in that one Rolling Eyes I enjoyed Oberland - it helps make sense of the Mollie Bettany illness and it's interesting to see how they get set up in Switzerland. It's just a shmae that it marks the departure of Bill in such a leading role

 

#42:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:52 pm

I've got the HB of Oberland, but does anyone know whether it was cut much for the Amarda PB?Plus, I've been inspired to at least think about writing a Millie's drabble. Has anyone done one before do you know?

 

#43:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:25 am

Quite badly cut, according to the FOCS list.

 

#44:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:30 pm

I don't remember a Millies drabble Nicci. I'd like to read one.

 

#45:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:32 pm

I don't know of one either, though I did begin one after some disscussion a few weeks ago. However, I can't remember now what I wanted to write, I've been too busy Twisted Evil

 

#46:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:37 pm

Ally wrote:
I've been too busy Twisted Evil
You really ought to avoid such phrases - especially given your location!! )

 

#47:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:42 pm

*@?"£%$I should be more careful!!

 

#48:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:47 pm

and if you can't be careful . . . buy a pram.Dragging this thread kicking and screaming back on topic, CS in the Oberland is a book I haven't read in ages. I think it's a shame that EBD, after setting up the Millies so thoroughly, then ignores them more or less from here onwards. Yes, I know they crop up in panto etc, but we never again get to see the day to day running of the finishing branch. I would have thought some interesting plot lines could have been written from the Millies POV, perhaps with a whole group of seniors from the main CS moving up except one vital member of the group - or the other way round perhaps. In many ways, EBD does the same to Glendower House - sets it all up nicely as the "English" branch (in WALES!) and thereafter ignores it except for the rare occasions when some pupil or other comes to join the Swiss branch.I guess I am just plain greedy though and wish EBD hadn't wasted so much of her time on boring things like work, and had written lots more books instead!

 

#49:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:57 pm

Aren't we doing a pretty good job of filling in the gaps?!!! Twisted Evil

 

#50:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 3:12 pm

To get back to the book again, I'd never read it until GGB re-issued it, but it is now one of my favourite books.I like to see the more adult point of view, it makes quite a refreshing contrast to the other books in the series, but I think perhaps more could have been made of the non CS girls having their own ideas.Also, no - one else seems to have mentioned this so I suppose it's just me, but I kept getting Elma and Edna mixed up.

 

#51:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 3:44 pm

Elli, I get ALL charcters confused and mixed up!I have been known to read the name "Vi Lucy" and wonder what "Verity" is doing there!!! Then again, my little time share brain cell keeps telling me it isn't paid enough to do organisational things as well as reading.

 

#52:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:50 pm

Ellie, the first time I read it I got Elma and Edna mixed up too!

 

#53:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:24 pm

So did I! I can't stand EBD's penchant for similar names!

 

#54:  Author: Chickpea,  PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:46 pm

Quote:
I have been known to read the name "Vi Lucy" and wonder what "Verity" is doing there!!!
Embarrasing confession here, I've been known to get confused when they talk about form Vi and Vi Lucy. Many a time I've had a very confused picture in my head! Embarassed

 

#55:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:46 pm

I used to get confused by that as well Chickpea!

 

#56:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:55 pm

Definitely understandable!

 

#57:  Author: Nicki, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 4:40 pm

I'm reading this one now and I keep getting Elma and Edna mixed up too!I wish Elma hadn't reformed quite so easily - it gets a bit samey after a while (troublesome girl turns up - gets reformed, usually via the aid of a Bettany/Maynard/Russell). But it is great to see a different side of things and a more grown-up side. Smoking, cards and boys! Shocking! Wink Really interested to know other people read in order too. So do I. It's the only way I can remotely keep track of things - although it probably makes the EBDisms more noticeable!

 

#58:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:36 pm

Oh, its so much fun reading in order! especially knowing that you've got the next book! I always try to read series in order - chronological order anyway. The only problem with reading the CS books in order is that you can get attached to a particular group of girls, so when you reach the books without those girls in it gets a bit more depressing.I do also dip in and out - I'm not going to go and re-read the whole series again just because I've got a new book somewhere in the middle, and Exile has turned into my comfort book so that gets picked up quite often!

 

#59:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:11 am

So do you have the whole series in book for, Donna? It sounds like it.

 

#60:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:09 pm

KB wrote:
So do you have the whole series in book for, Donna? It sounds like it.
I wish!! But I have managed to read them all now, thanks to transcripts, GGB and Lisa_T! I will read out of order, I just find it more interesting and fulfilling in a way to read in order!

 

#61:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:38 pm

Whats the whole business of the mystery of the singer, that people were talking about at the start of this thread?

 

#62:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:08 am

Can someone please reply to my above post if you know the answer to my question, which I assume some of you people do. What was the mystery? Cuz I re-read it a couple of weeks ago, and there was no mystery to me. *or am I really thick?*

 

#63:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 6:53 pm

Is the scene with the smoking cut from the PB? I thought it was when they were playing cards, but I can't find mention of smoking.

 

#64:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 5:26 pm

Yes, I'm pretty sure it was cut from the PB.

 

#65:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:41 pm

Having read this book (thanks Catherine_B) I can have my say. I liked it. I think it would be a book I'd read now and again to give me a break from the normal school and people concerned with it. Even holiday books generally don't do that, as they have the Maynards and in Reunion most of the original school characters too. The thing that really annoyed me was the cuts made to the paperback. There's nothing in there about Elma smoking, though I know exactly where it was cut out because Peggy exclaims "You too, Muriel", which doesn't fit the text immediately before. There's nothing about the mystery of the singer either.

 

#66:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:50 pm

Just another thought when Miss Wilson asked Elma if she has got 'engaged' to Stuart Raynor do you think she actually meant if they had slept together yet?

 

#67:  Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2004 1:41 pm

Having just read this book, I found it really enjoyable and a nice break from the original school. Also felt it was a bit more up to date and realistic with the topics about smoking, make up and boys, which never seemed to be mentioned in the CS Confused One of my favourite characters in this is Dickie Christy...I have always liked her but think she gets some great one liners such as when she says to Peggy- 'Everyone's mad but thee and me and thee's a little mad!' One thing that bugs me is when Peggy is reminding Nell Randolph about an incident which happened last February- when one of the mistresses 'embraced' a telegraph pole. Isn't that when Biddy slid down the hill in Carola? In that case Peggy wasn't even there- it was Bride. Another EBDism I suspect Wink

 

#68:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2004 6:32 pm

Steph, it was in Carola and it happened to Bride and co - but she was in the Fifth - Peggy was Head Girl at the time. Therefore, for once, not an EBDism!

 

#69:  Author: Steph, Location: Blackpool, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon May 31, 2004 2:03 pm

I meant that it happened to Bride, not Peggy, and the way Peggy was telling it made it sound like it happened to her, but I could have misunderstood and read it wrong- very likely with me! Laughing

 

#70:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Wasn't sure to put this because I'm digging up and old EBDism about Grace Nalder and her return to the school. I know we have disscussed the change of subjects and a possible broken engagement. However, I have just spotted in Lavender that she married a Classics Master who was also a childhood friend!

 

#71:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:20 pm

maybe he was killed in the war, and subsequently she had a broken engagement?

 

#72:  Author: Dreaming Marianne, Location: Devon PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:25 pm

Has anyone received this from GGBP yet? Have never read it and can't wait!

 

#73:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 11:02 pm

It's out of print at the moment, Dreaming Marianne. There's a list of dealers on the GGBP website who may still have a copy on stock.

 

#74:  Author: Dreaming Marianne, Location: Devon PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 2:53 pm

*races away to check GGBP website, and then realises she has been referring to Joey Goes To The Oberland* Embarassed

 

#75:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 7:49 pm

I got my GGBP copy from the Haunted Bookshop recently so there are still copies available!

 

#76:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:14 pm

I just ordered my copy through work - I love getting staff discount on these things Very Happy

 

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