Peter's Room facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Antonia Forest |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Faber and Faber |
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Publication date
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1961 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 231 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | 0-571-11268-4 (paperback edition) |
| Preceded by | End of Term |
| Followed by | The Thuggery Affair |
Peter's Room is an exciting book written by the British author Antonia Forest. It was first published in 1961. This story is the fifth book in her popular "Marlow series." It comes after End of Term and before The Thuggery Affair.
Unlike many of Forest's other books, which are often set in schools, Peter's Room takes place entirely at the Marlow family's home. This makes it a unique adventure in the series!
What's the Story About?
The Marlow family is spending their first Christmas at Trennels. This is a large country estate they inherited. Their father and brother Giles are away at sea. The oldest sister, Kay, is home from Oxford University. She spends most of her time reading in the house's library. Rowan, another sister, is busy managing the farm.
The main part of the story happens in a special place called 'Peter's Room'. This is actually the loft of an old, unused building. Peter Marlow has been exploring it. He finds many interesting old items there. These include ancient farm record books.
The family gets snowed in at Trennels. This means they can't leave the house. Ginty has a school project about the Brontë sisters' fantasy writings. This inspires the children. They decide to create their own amazing adventure story. It is set in imaginary lands called Angora and Exina.
Main Events in the Story
The fantasy game is played by the four youngest Marlow children. These are the twins Nicola and Lawrie, Ginty, and Peter. Their friend Patrick Merrick also joins in. Their make-believe adventure fills three chapters of the book.
Things get very exciting during their game. Patrick, while acting as his character, picks up an old pistol. Peter had found this pistol earlier in the loft. Nicola gets worried and knocks the pistol from Patrick's hand. It accidentally hits a table and fires. This loud noise brings their sister Rowan to see what is happening. The adults now know about their secret game.
Peter's Room is also important for another reason. It shows the beginning of a special friendship. Ginty, who is known as the prettiest of the Marlow sisters, starts to like Patrick. Nicola used to be very good friends with Patrick. She starts to feel left out, especially at a New Year's Eve party. This party is hosted by Patrick's family.
