The Cricket Term (Puffin Books)

For someone who loves boarding school stories for girls I'm amazed it took me so long to discover Antonia Forest. I've never come across anyone who writes quite like her - she manages to avoid falling into the usual cliches of boarding school life (though I must admit I DO love those cliches) and you never feel quite certain that everything will work out smoothly for Nicola, the heroine. Since there is no review here I'll briefly describe the book for those wondering where it comes in the series: Twins Nicola and Lawrie return to school. Lawrie is obssessed with acting Caliban in the school play 'The Tempest' but has been given the part of Ariel instead. Nicola is focusing on cricket until some unwelcome news comes which makes her fear for her future at the school. Ginty is not given a part in the play but concentrates on her swimming/diving. Ann leaves the Guides as she is now too old to go on. Rowan is working on the farm. Karen (Kay) is married to an older man and a stepmum to 3 children. She is living in a farmhouse near the Marlows ... I was lucky enough to pick up this copy incredibly cheaply but I'm a bit upset to find that most of her books are out of print and incredibly expensive to buy. Still after completing my Chalet School collection I need a new challenge!

I love this book. Even though I have read the book several times, I get caught up in the tension everytime as the underdog lower 4th form cricket team, led by Nicola Marlowe, slowly fight their way to the final against the 6th form and her arch-rival, slimy Lois Sanger. There are not enough good stories written that really create great heroines, and playing sports at that. I wish I could get a hold of all of the Marlowe books. They are worth reading and rereading no matter how old you are.