Review: Five Go To Smugglers Top: The Graphic Novel by Béja and Nataël

Enid Blyton once famously said that she was not interested in the opinions of any critic over the age of twelve. Blyton's books were written to entertain, not to be picked apart by grown ups. I know this. I have known this for a long time. And, yet, somehow, I find myself at my desk preparing to write a review of a graphic novel adaption of one of her books that is almost wholly negative. 

The Famous Five--siblings Julian, Dick and Anne Barnard, their tomboy cousin George (never Georgina) Kirrin and Timmy the dog, are on another adventure. It's the school holidays, so even though they've all been in boarding school for months, instead of spending time with their parents, they're off on a trip to stay with a friend who has never been mentioned in the series before. And then, it seems that something is off at Smugglers Top. Maybe it is the strange storms. Maybe it is the fact that Timmy isn't welcome. Maybe it is the secret passages. Or more likely it has something to do with the mysterious butler and another visitor to Smugglers top who tells the kids scary stories. In any event, the kids save the day when a few adults, along with Uncle Quentin go missing amid a few convenient plot twists. 

The illustrations are lively and entertaining and, unsurprisingly given that the book was originally published in France, have something of a European sensibility about them. In many ways, the graphic novel reminded me of Tintin, in particular the way that Timmy shared his thoughts with the reader, a trait that is shared by Snowy from Tintin. The plot itself lacks substance and credibility, and to be honest, there was an element of sexism in the narrative that just didn't need to be in there. (Then again, did Anne ever get treated fairly by the plot in The Famous Five? She was younger, smaller and more anxious than the others and generally considered to be a wimp. Despite this, she was often able to keep up with the others, and would face her fears even while the others mocked her, suggesting that she is actually stronger and braver than the others.)

Overall, this was a disappointing read. While younger readers might enjoy the adventure the novel doesn't have much to offer older readers apart from a hint of nostalgia. 

Not recommended.


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