The last in the original series from Blyton (The Famous Five: Five Are Together Again - Enid Blyton)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	The Famous Five: Five Are Together Again - Enid Blyton
Date:	08/07/08 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A decent read

Disadvantages: Disappointing as a final to the original series

Five Are Together Again is the 21st in the series of 21 books by Enid Blyton featuring the Famous Five. Many view the books as the best children's literature ever, and they are incredibly popular, and have been since their original publications in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. I agree with this viewpoint as they were my favourite books as a child and I still read them now from time to time.

The Famous Five are Julian, Dick and Anne Kirrin, their cousin George (Georgina) Kirrin and her dog Timmy. Five Are Together Again is the last of the original books written by Enid Blyton, and it features the Five camping ocne more, this time near the house of a famous scientist. There is a travelling fair.circus nearby, and the Five make friends with them as well as getting a surprise addition to the tale in the form of their friend Tinker (from book no.19) and his monkey Mischief. Then, important papers are stolen from the scientist's secret impenetrable tower, and the Five are duty-bound to find out who dunnit!

The book is a disappointing end to the wonderful series, if I am honest. It is still a good read, but pales in comparison to the earlier books. The first dozen or so books were far better than the last lot, and although this has a great deal of excitement and adventure, it does not have the magical feel to some fo the earlier books. There are some marvellous characters, but an unfortunately over easy plot to solve. The writing style is smooth, and is naturally geared towards children.

The book was originally published in 1963. The copy I have was published in 1996, and it cost £3.50. Five Are Together Again is available from amazon.co.uk for £3.49.

Summary: Five Are Together Again - No.21