| August 14, 2015 – Evie M says: Went to a bookstore today and got a new EB book I have never read, called "The Family at Red-Roofs". It was really weird because I read the back of the book, where it said the names of the four children, and I had a strange feeling the one called Michael would be my favourite and he was! Even though he's quite obscure he's my third ever favourite ever character after Philip Mannering and Snubby. I think I like him because he's misunderstood, not taken seriously and teased a bit, which I can relate to on a certain level. And he's like an Enid Blyton version of Hiro Hamada, because he loves inventing things and I like that about him. And Peter's hilarious, giving Michael a black eye and threatening to knock his head off just because he touched his microscope! I like Molly a lot as well because she wants to be a teacher like me, and it's nice having a girl as the oldest in the family as in EB books the oldest is often a boy. And Shirley. As some of you know I have a thing about little girls in EB books, the little boys are all cool (Snubby, Yan, Wilfrid and Tinker were all awesomely awesome for example) but the little girls tend to be irritating (Lucy-Ann, Bets) although there were a couple I could cope with (Aily was on the borderline of becoming annoying but Penny was good) for now I think Shirley is on the list with Lucy-Ann and Bets but from what the blurb says I think they all go through a lot of character development so who knows I could end up liking Shirley! Anyone else read this book? (And please, no spoilers, I'm only about a quarter of the way through it!!!!). |
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Fatty says: A lovely book, Evie. You can see original illustrations and read a review here which although giving some of the plot away, doesn't contain spoilers as to how the book finishes! |
| August 15, 2015 – Evie M says: Finished it last night (due to the fact that I couldn't put it down! ) and it was great. I loved Michael's idea of making money by fixing things, and even though the others laugh at him about it, he ends up making more money than they do! And I know I said I could end up liking Shirley, but I honestly didn't. Molly is great though. There were a few things happened that I just didn't expect, like I knew something would happen to the dad (death or injury- probably not death because in EB books parents tend to already be dead) but I definitely didn't expect it to happen in the way it did. I totally recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Daisy says: Glad you enjoyed it, Evie. There are many stand alone novel by Blyton that are worth reading. |
| August 16, 2015 – nvcowgrrl says: Where can you get this book from?? I looked but can't find it anywhere. |
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Buster says: Normally Ebay, or Abe Books. It's not in print now. |
| August 17, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: So Evie, does the dad die then?? |
| August 18, 2015 – Sam says: Read it ages ago. I still don't like Prudence even though she changes a bit. My fave character is Michael for the same reasons as you Evie! Have you read Hollow Tree House?? |
| August 18, 2015 – Evie M says: Hi nvcowgrrl, I found it in a bookshop in Buxton, it was a second hand bookshop so there was only one copy. But after reading your question I checked on ebay and you can get it there. Tom, I can't post a spoiler! Hi Sam, I don't like Prudence either although I do like her a bit at the end when she changes. And I'm glad your favourite is Michael, I also like Molly a lot though. And no I haven't read Hollow Tree House, but if I see it anywhere I might buy it. Is it good? |
| August 20, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Oh come on be a sport Evie, just put a huge 'SPOILER ALERT' before you say if he dies or not. I'm not reading it if I don't know because I'll decide if I should or not read it from what you say Evie. |
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Fatty says: We don't like plots given away, so no more spoilers please. |
| August 20, 2015 – Sam says: Yeh Hollow Tree House is good, it's a bit like Secret Island but without the island and there's this girl who brings them food, oh and there's a dog to. I don't really like Molly she's a bit bossy. |
| August 20, 2015 – Evie M says: It sounds great Sam, will definitely read it sometime!
Plot details removed |
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Fatty says: No plot revelations please, if you want to know how the book ends, READ IT! |
| August 21, 2015 – Evie M says: Fatty, are you cross with me, or Tom? Because he really did pressure me into putting a spoiler. |
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Fatty says: Certainly not! |
| August 22, 2015 – Evie M says: Although I guess I shouldn't have blamed Tom, as I was the one who posted the spoiler. (sorry, Tom!) |
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Fatty says: Yeah, it's all Tom's fault—can't be bothered to read the book, yet wants to know the outcome! ;-) |
| August 24, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Well if no one dies then it's borrrring!! Anyway I didn't get to see the spoiler, can't you just put it on for a couple of days, if no one wants it spoiled then they just don't have to look!! Its ok Evie but I didn't pressure you, you know.! |
| August 24, 2015 – Haibara Ai says: Suit yourself Tom, don't read it and you'll never know what happens. I've read it but I'm not telling you either. |
| September 16, 2015 – lillyb says: Tom it is about a nice family not blood and guts!! I hope you read it one day! |
| September 17, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: No chance lillyb, your comment means no one dies. |
| September 17, 2015 – Evie M says: Why do you want someone to die? lol. |
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Daisy says: Quite! |
| September 21, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Because that makes the book more interesting, no EB character has ever died and from the sound of it, the dad nearly dies. You're a girl Evie so you probably don't like them kind of books though. |
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Daisy says: If you've not read the book, you can't say 'he nearly dies', nor can you spell properly! |
| September 21, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: I said 'from the sound of it' he nearly dies Daisy. |
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Daisy says: Why don't you read the book, it's a lovely book. |
| September 21, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Okay fine, I'll try it. One of my friends siblings has loads of EB books, so I'll ask. |
| September 24, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Read the book, it was O. Kayish I suppose. |
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Daisy says: Can you give us more of your thoughts than, okayish, Tom? |
| September 25, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: Ok, so Molly is too bossy to me, Michael and that Jackdaw boy are the best characters. Shirley was okayish, I liked the dog Bundle but he's not as good as the other EB dogs. Prudence is such a spoilt little brat, she shouldn't even be in the book. Even though she does change I still hate her. Oh and the way Michael tries to make money, that bit was funny. But the dad ending, lame? There is that enough of my thoughts, Daisy? |
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Daisy says: It's nice to discuss these books, Tom. That is what this site is all about. |
| September 25, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: I know Daisy, that book just isn't my type thats all! |
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Fatty says: I think we've gathered that! |
| September 25, 2015 – Evie M says: Were you disappointed that the Dad didn't die, Tom? :) I didn't like the way they said the mum was weak just because she was in denial, I mean it's someone she loved it's natural to be in denial. Also, I think the point of Prudence is that you hate her : -D. I personally didn't mind the ending, yes it was lame I guess but it was still a pretty good plot twist. : -D. |
| September 25, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: I guess so, Evie. But the ending was a bit lame, not all of it just the dad bit. |
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Daisy says: Please could you not use slang words, Tom. I have deleted the constant yeah and yer know!!!! |
| September 26, 2015 – Evie M says: What would you rather have happened? (I have a feeling I know the answer). |
| September 26, 2015 – Tom.C.G says: You know the answer so I don't need to say it! Oh and I don't have anything against girls, but if you lived with five sisters and were the only boy you'd think the same. It would have been better if Prudence was kicked out the house too! |
| June 22, 2017 – Paul says: I liked this book. Shame that a certain Anecdotage had to claim that this book foresaw the creepy American singer. |
| August 15, 2017 – KawaiiArtist says: What do you mean by that Paul? |
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Fatty says: Paul is referring to a book full of speculation (often fantastic) about Enid's writing, The Famous Five: A Personal Anecdotage, by Stephen Isabirye. |
| April 25, 2018 – Paul Austin says: I'm forty in a couple of years and I read this when I was twelve. |
| February 11, 2020 – June Johns says: Why isn't this in print anymore? Is it because of fear that parents' groups today will try to link Enid's "Michael Jackson" to the disgraced real life one? |
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Daisy says: There are a number of Enid's books out of print these days, June. I guess you can still buy one from either Ebay, or find one in a second hand book shop. |
| February 13, 2020 – Joanna says: I have seen Family at Red Roofs at our local library it was only a few years old and only last Christmas I got a new copy of The Secret Island. Just ask your bookstore to order it. |
| February 13, 2020 – June Johns says: It's hard not to think of the Beatles lyrics with Enid and her Prudences - "Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ". |
| June 16, 2020 – June Johns says: The lesser-known Enids like this need more appreciation! |
| October 26, 2020 – Lisa says: I like this story very much. It was a heart-warming family story. As long as a family is united with each and every member standing by each other, the family is able to cope with whatever problems faced. Molly and her siblings were there for each other and together they managed to cope with the problems encountered. They were lucky that Jenny Wren was there for them, giving them advice, moral support and caring for them. Jack Daw too was there as a friend helping them out in the garden. I like the Family at Red Roofs a lot. Just as much as I like the House at the Corner. |
| October 26, 2020 – Tanya Cameron says: To Lisa: Some of Enid's best work like this is overshadowed by her more famous series. |
| October 27, 2020 – Lisa says: I love reading The Family at Red Roofs, The House at the Corner, The Six Bad Boys, The Six Cousins at Mistletoe Farm and The Six Cousins again. Have read them numerous times. The stories were touching and heart-warming and they truly tugged at my heart strings. The pain and worries Molly and her siblings and Jenny Wren had to go through made me cry. I cried too upon reading about Robert Kent's and Tom's troubles in the Six Bad Boys. I think Enid Blyton's family genre stories do somehow or other impart heartfelt lessons (pertaining to family dynamics) to the readers. |
| January 26, 2021 – S-Dog says: I re-read this book again today for the first time in many years - and although the Find-Outers series will always be my favourite - I can't help feeling warmly drawn to the little, hard-working family at Red-Roofs! |
| April 28, 2021 – Tom C G says: Oh my days! I've been reading a lot of Enid Blyton books to my younger siblings, getting rather nostalgic and then I remembered this website! I'm dying at my old comments. I was so blunt and rude - and it's fair to say I had terrible taste in what I enjoyed in a book. I hope everyone (Daisy, Fatty and the rest of the gang) is keeping well in these strange times? I'd like to think my spelling has improved too haha! I do apologise for my rudeness Evie M, and hope you are doing well too! I wonder, did you end up pursuing becoming a teacher?! I'll probably be up another hour trawling through the site, cringing at the odd comment here and there, but for the most part, enjoying the nostalgia and discussions! |
| October 9, 2022 – June Johns says: Such a heart-warming and life-affirming ending. *raises a glass of champagne in appreciation*. |
| October 14, 2022 – Arka says: Ohh June Johns, at least you are there! There has clearly been no good talk here recently. No arguments, no debates nothing. Just everyone writing anything of their own interest. I do wish there could have been a series of arguments of view again! |
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Fatty says: For more livelier discussions, why not head over to the Enid Blyton Society Forums? Many topics and threads of interest over there. |
Enid Blyton
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