Swallows and Amazons, first published in 1930, is the first book in the Swallows and Amazon series written by English author Arthur Ransome. The story is based on the Lakeland life and adventures of the Walker and Blackett children during the school holidays.

Do you find the setting of the book to be realistic or fantasy, or even a combination or both? What makes you think so? What are some of the everyday activities of the island life that reminds you of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe?

Ransome’s book has raised debates on gender roles, class and race. From your understanding, do the children in the story represent old-fashioned gender stereotypes or do they revoke it? What are some of the incidents and settings that lead you to this conclusion?

In the book, their mother appears playful and easy-going. What do you think is the effect of creating such a character? What sort of influence do you think she has on her children’s personalities? 

The children view Turner - or Captain Flint, as they call it - as the ‘villain’ in the story. At which point in the story is the conflict between Jill Turner and the kids truly resolved? How do you think their relationship will develop thereon?