Elinor M. Brent-Dyer war eine produktive Autorin, die vor allem für ihre umfangreiche Chalet-Schul-Serie gefeiert wird. Ihre Schriften befassten sich mit der Welt von Mädcheninternaten und fingen die Bande der Freundschaft, akademische Herausforderungen und das Heranwachsen junger Frauen ein. Brent-Dyer verstand es meisterhaft, die Gefühle und Erfahrungen ihrer Charaktere darzustellen, wodurch sie sich die Bewunderung von Lesergenerationen erwarb. Ihre Werke schwingen wegen ihrer zeitlosen Erforschung von Jugend und Gemeinschaft bis heute nach.
Set in the picturesque Austrian Tyrol, the story follows Madge Bettany as she establishes a school, with her sister Joey being one of the first students. The narrative explores the challenges and triumphs of running a school in a beautiful yet demanding environment, highlighting the bond between the sisters and the impact of education on their lives and the community. Themes of growth, perseverance, and familial relationships are woven throughout the tale.
Bride is unexpectedly made head girl of the Chalet School when her predecessor fails to return. Initially she is reluctant to take on such a responsible job, but is persuaded into it, and is a great success.
Chalet School staff and girls alike are bemused by one of the oddest new girls the school has ever had. Prunella Davidson "talks like her own great-granny", to quote Betsy Lucy. She is prim and prissy in the extreme, sprinkles her conversation with proverbs and insists on calling her fellow pupils by their full names, which leads to a serious row between her and one 'Helena' Maynard. February brings a severe flu epidemic which affects around half the girls and but leaves only four fit mistresses to look after them. An expedition to Lake Lucerne nearly ends in tragedy. The annual Sale takes place this term and this time the theme is The Story Of The Willow Pattern. The Sale is followed by a pantomime, also based on the Willow Pattern, and written and performed by the girls at Welsen, the Chalet School's finishing branch.