Or as the millennials say, “childhood ruined”. The new books will see the Famous Five grappling with parenthood, alcoholism, and gluten. Many fear this will hurt Blyton’s legacy, whose works transported readers to simpler times — picnics in the English countryside where sandwiches were aplenty.

The series of five books is being published by Querkus with the blessings of Enid Blyton Entertain­ment. Anne McNeil of Enid Blyton Entertainment said, “we are certain Enid Blyton would have delighted in the gentle parody of her characters — characters which have helped to create a multi-million-selling global brand.”

The books, written by Bruno Vincent, are expected to be released in November.

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, July 24th, 2016