First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson

It’s a new term at Fernside boarding school, and Robin can’t wait for fun in the dorm, playing games and maybe even winning the coveted Form Shield. But for new girl Linnet, Robin’s younger cousin, there are just too many new faces and strict rules.

Luckily, she has Robin for help and her very own hideaway. And when the adorable puppy Rudy disappears, it is Linnet who is determined to find him. Even if it means dragging Robin and all her new friends headfirst into danger.

There may be daring rescues, secret missions and adventures galore, but best of all are the true friendships to be made at Fernside.

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First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson is a nostalgic journey back to a 1920s girls' boarding school in Northern Ireland. Drawing inspiration from classic school stories by Enid Blyton and Elinor Brent-Dyer, Wilkinson has written a tale that intertwines mystery with the everyday adventures of school life. The girls rise with the bell, study their prep and play games, while learning life lessons and solving the mystery of their reclusive neighbour.

A simple look at the cover will be enough to bring the period to mind. The author masterfully evokes the era’s atmosphere, immersing the reader in the traditions, challenges, and camaraderie typical of a 1920s boarding school. The setting is brought to life through detailed descriptions of the school’s routines and the surrounding Northern Irish landscape. Fans of Blyton and Brent-Dyer will enjoy the emphasis on loyalty, friendship, and the simple pleasures of school life. Wilkinson’s attention to historical detail - one of the girls lost her father to the War, and the mystery of next door involves a survivor - not only enriches the story but also adds an authentic layer that grounds the characters’ experiences in a real and vivid world. The girls also note that the kitchen maid, Josie, is only about the same age as they are, and how different their experiences are - a nod to the class divisions so prevalent at the time. None of this is forced, however; children won't feel that they're reading a history lecture! It's all folded beautifully into the story and will simply be absorbed by the reader.

Robin, the seasoned boarder, navigates Fernside with the confidence and ease of someone who knows the ropes, while Linnet, her cousin and newcomer to the school, offers a fresh, often conflicted perspective. Linnet’s struggles with adapting to the structured life of boarding school after being an only child with a governess create a compelling contrast with Robin’s more assured outlook. This dual perspective allows readers to see the school experience from different angles—both the excitement and the challenges of fitting in. Robin is very much a 'jolly hockeysticks' type of girl, and the more sensitive Linnet is a complete mystery to her at first. Learning to enjoy each other's quirks is part of the story.

 The supporting cast of characters, including teachers and fellow students, adds depth to the narrative, each contributing to the school’s vibrant community. We don't meet many in this volume, but hopefully the story will continue! We have a strict teacher and Matron, the kindly Head Girl and the more law abiding prefect; in the lower fourth with Robin and Linnet, there's the nice girl, the animal lover, the bully, the school story lover and several others. The only girl I didn't see was the practical joker! But I'm really hoping this turns into a series and we'll get to meet plenty more girls and teachers.

The plot skillfully balances the excitement of a school mystery with the everyday routines and challenges of boarding life, especially with poor Linnet who struggles with the regimentation of boarding school life. The mystery of the reclusive neighbor adds an intriguing subplot that keeps the reader engaged, while the main focus remains on the personal growth and relationships between the characters. Themes of friendship, adaptation, and personal growth are woven throughout the story, as the girls face both internal and external challenges. Through their interactions, they learn valuable lessons about trust, perseverance, and the importance of understanding others.

Wilkinson’s writing is both engaging and evocative, capturing the spirit of the time and the timeless appeal of boarding school adventures. Her ability to weave in a mystery while maintaining the charm of everyday school life makes the book a delightful read. The narrative flows smoothly, with a good balance between dialogue and descriptive passages, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Fernside; the descriptions of the wild, overgrown garden beside the school were amazing and I could really picture myself there. Wilkinson’s nuanced portrayal of the girls’ experiences, from their triumphs to their struggles, creates an emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page; the girls have fights and differences of opinions but, apart from one character, no one is ever really in the wrong; they're simply expressing their own beliefs and understanding of different situations.

First Term at Fernside is a delightful blend of nostalgia and mystery, perfect for fans of classic boarding school stories. Sheena Wilkinson’s ability to recreate the charm of the 1920s with such vividness makes this a must-read for anyone looking to revisit—or discover—the magic of old-school tales. I expect to have readers looking for more in the genre after reading this! Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to the world of boarding school stories, this book offers a refreshing and engaging journey back in time.

First Term at Fernside publishes on the 23rd of September, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.