A Fortunate Term

"A Fortunate Term" by Angela Brazil is a captivating story set in the picturesque town of Durracombe, Devonshire. The narrative follows the experiences of two sisters, Mavis and Merle Ramsay, who are sent to stay with their great-uncle, Dr. Tremayne, in hopes that the mild Devonshire climate will improve Mavis's health. The sisters enroll at a small private school, The Moorings, where they encounter a new set of challenges and friendships. Mavis, the more delicate and dreamy of the two, finds herself caught between her loyalty to her sister and the overtures of friendship from Opal Earnshaw, the school's head girl and favorite. Opal, accustomed to being the center of attention, initially resents the newcomers, especially Merle, whose strong-willed and outspoken nature clashes with her own. Despite the tension, Mavis's kind gesture of providing a new display case for the school's natural history collection helps to ease some of the friction. Throughout the term, the sisters navigate the complexities of school life, learning valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. The story beautifully captures the essence of schoolgirl camaraderie and the charm of the Devonshire countryside, making it a delightful read for young audiences.