Set in the 1920s, this is the second book in Brent-Dyer's lesser-known 'La Rochelle' series for teenage girls. It features the decidedly difficult year faced by Rosamund, head girl of St Peter's school. Accidents, serious illness, and various other problems beset those around her, but she copes well, on the whole, and matures considerably.

Not just the style and language but some of the concepts seem remarkably dated ninety years later; in particular the great contempt shown for any hint of 'sentimentality'. An essay at the start of the book by a modern writer examines this, along with an apparently callous attitude to child mortality.

While I've read others in the 'La Rochelle' series, at least thirty years ago, I don't recall ever having read this book, which was long out of print until 'Girls Gone By' re-published it in 2008 with the original text and some of the original illustrations. As well as the introductory essay, there is a short and moving related story at the end.

It probably wouldn't appeal to most of today's teenagers, but it's a nice piece of nostalgia for anyone who has enjoyed the lengthy 'Chalet School' series by the same author. ( )