A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry HinesMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the story of one boy’s attempt to take on the world. Trapped in a world where both his family and peers despise him; his only relief is taming nature in the form of a kestrel; affectionately named Kes. Here, Hines’s young protagonist excels and even wins over his classmates and teacher as he tells of the wonders of falconry which is his only escape from teenage life. However, the book soon tells of a Yorkshire dog-eat-dog world, where every effort made just results in rotten luck as the frustrations of adulthood are forced upon him. Although comic in places when the adults lay down the law; this is a true tale of heartbreak and despair as all of Billy’s efforts come to nothing and he is swiftly punished for failing to uphold his family loyalties. Eventually, he seems doomed to accept his fate without help or encouragement from his parents, friends or teachers.
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