An awful lot of sequels don't measure up to the original story, but this is one which does.
This serial takes up Matthew Gore's story a year or so after the end of "Chocky". He is now 13, though still much more the bright child than the adolescent. I don't know if anyone else has ever commented on it, but the actor (Andrew Ellams)bears a remarkable physical resemblance to the boy shown in Harry Willock's cover picture on the original (1968) Penguin edition of "Chocky" itself. Over that year, he has concentrated on his artistic talents, carefully avoiding anything which would interest the sinister forces who kidnapped him, and who, it emerges, are still keeping him under discreet surveillance.
Staying with an aunt in the country whilst his parents and sister are away, Matthew comes into contact with Albertine, about his own age, who is the genius daughter of a reclusive scientist living nearby. They discover that they are able to communicate by telepathy, and Matthew becomes convinced that Albertine must be another child like himself, who has been visited by Chocky. Albertine is at first unconvinced, but has an enforced rethink when the same bunch who kidnapped Matthew now come after her. This compels Chocky, who apparently never went too far away, to re-enter Matthew's life so the two of them can see to Albertine's rescue. This is accomplished with the aid of numerous other superkids (the "children" of the title)whom Chocky has contacted all over the world, and who have some strange mental powers.
All in all, and though written long after his death, this sequel stays pretty faithful to Wyndham's original story, and even has echoes of his other work. Indeed, it could be seen as a sort of counterpoint to "The Midwich Cuckoos", but this time with the Children as the good guys rather than the bad
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There are some jarring notes, mainly a result of the series' age. Matthew's wide-eyed excitement at the discovery that Albertine's Dad has (wait for it) his own computer - is bound to raise a smile in 2005, as, in a different way, does the trouble the family had over his insistence on educating her at home. At one stage, it appears, they had to barricade themselves in the house to stop the authorities taking her away to some "third rate school". Today, of course, she would just be one more homeschooled kid,arousing no comment at all. But for anyone with enough imagination to read it as a "period piece", this really shouldn't be a problem. I you liked Chocky, you will like her children too. Enjoy.
