The Albatross

by Susan Hill

Published 25 October 1973
Specially selected by Maura Healy, this series aims to offer an innovative and adventurous collection of texts that demonstrates the best of women's writing, both black and white. Complete texts reflecting a range of genres as well as different cultures and experiences are offered and the volumes contain study material and assignments at a range of levels to deepen pupils' enjoyment and understanding of literature. A reading log is also included with ideas for group and individual assignments to help pupils find their way around the texts. This text includes pre-reading activities, notes and coursework assignments. The story is centred on a bleak fishing vollage in East Anglia where Duncan Pike, mentally retarded and dominated by his sour, crippled mother lives. When his hero Ted Flint, drowns in a lifeboat accident no-one but the other village eccentric can understand the nature of Duncan's loss. The series is intended for 14-16 year olds sitting GCSE English and English Literature and adults taking English examinations and overseas students. It is suitable for those taking GCSE-LEAG, NEA, SEG and MEG examinations.