I never really get the idea that AF planned a story arc for her books (in the way that J. K. Rowling did, say), except at the end of Cricket Term, when we're told that Mrs Carter is leaving to be replaced by Mrs Lambert (for no apparent narrative reason within CT). Which makes sense because Attic Term was published only 2 years later, and I'm guessing that Forest wanted to move the Nicola-Patrick-Ginty situation forward. Has anyone picked up on other 'clues' from one book to another?

I just got my copy of Spring Term (thank you, Book Depository!), and posted a review here. Short version: some quibbles, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'd love to discuss it.

Many congratulations, Sally Hayward! I've just read Spring Term and I loved it. You catch the tone and style of AF extremely well and I was gripped from beginning to end. What a story! I was moved, and I also laughed out loud at Peter's 'offspring' commentary. The characters are just as real, subtle and complex as in canon,  and I think it's a great achievement!

I recently snapped up reasonably-priced copies of PR and CT and re-read them for the first time in quite a few years. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. The Bronte discussion in the library in PR is fascinating but are we really supposed to agree with Karen that Gondal and Angria were a complete waste of time? Charlotte gave up Angria but it's an obvious influence on the Rochester backstory in Jane Eyre. I seem to remember from Juliet Barker's biography of the Brontes that Wuthering Heights is much more of a Gondal story than it seems as the Gondal setting was similar to Yorkshire. If Gondal and Angria were essential to the published works, weren't they a necessary part of the Brontes' creative development? Has critical opinion changed on this in the decades since PR was published?

2. When Peter pins Nicola down and twists her arm behind her back, it seems cruel and out of character for him. It could just be that he hasn't quite realised that he is getting too strong to fight with her like they did as children - but then I remembered that Foley does something similar to Nicola in TMATT and I wondered if Peter was subconsciously copying him. Foley gets mentioned in PR (because of the treachery theme coming up again I guess) and it's stated that Peter doesn't remember all that happened. I wondered if the arm-twisting incident was something he internalised and is now acting out - so that, whatever he says, Foley is still an influence on him.

3. Cricket Term - how far ahead is Karen planning? She tells Nicola that Colebridge Grammar is one of her arguments for staying in the Tranters' cottage. I wonder if she is looking ahead to starting a family of her own, because if they save on school fees and/or her family waive the rent for the cottage it makes it harder for Edwin to say they can't afford any more children. I can't see him being keen on going through the dirty nappy stage again and maybe she is already thinking how to counter his arguments?

Otherwise, I'm not sure why Karen is so keen to stay near to Trennels. Edwin doesn't get on that well with her family and you would think they'd do better making a fresh start further away.

Not being English & having only the vaguest geographical sense of where the books are set, can anyone throw some light on exactly where Trennels is?  I've been to Hampstead but sorta thought Trennels must be along the south coast somewhere.  Anyone? 

I had the unexpected jolt of a fiction/reality clash today at work when I had to type out Eddi's Service. Couldn't really feed in Corporal Jones into the exercise though...Anyone else had to bite their tongue when Marlow-land overlapped with real life?

I just bought a copy of The Player's Boy - why is the apostrophe not after the s? Or is Nicholas somehow the Boy of one Player rather than of the company?

It looks as if Girls Gone By are publishing an Antonia Forest continuation novel, Spring Term by Sally Hayward.

I'm not affiliated with GGBP and don't know any more about it than what I read on the webpage, but it seemed like interesting news. Congratulations to Sally Hayward, and I'm sure lots of people will be eagerly awaiting a chance to read the book. :)

The Royal Wedding has made me reflect on some uncanny similarities between members of clan Windsor and clan Marlow:

Captain Marlow, bossy naval officer, high expectations of children, brisk, and often absent - Prince Philip

Mrs Marlow – emotionally distant, hands-off but tolerant mother of large brood – the Queen

Ginty – blonde, beautiful, needy, concerned with others’ image of her, lacking strong sense of identity and self-worth , with visions of herself as Mother Theresa of Calcutta– Princess Diana.

Patrick – takes himself too seriously, spends lots of time pondering theologicial/spiritual questions, overly indulged, involved with two sisters from the same family – Prince Charles

Nicola – practical, straightforward, honest, conscientious, sporty – Princess Anne

Giles – naval officer who seems to be doing really well in early career but with signs of arrogance and being too big for his boots that might bode badly later on – Prince Andrew

Peter – naval officer in the making, but character flaws and insecurities make it uncertain he will measure up in the event – Prince Edward

Ann – Girl Guide, keen member of the C of E, exceptionally conscientious, dutiful and family-minded – the Queen in her youth

Lawrie – err, too talented. Rowan? Karen? Mme Orly?