A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines

This was not an easy read for me and rather, a disappointment. The vernacular was more distracting than inspiring and I can usually “hear” voices clearly while reading. I suppose, if I liked every book I read, I’d be considered dull.

Bullied by family, classmates and teachers, a young boy seeks purpose in a world that has already deemed him unworthy. Shunned by his fellow man, he seeks fulfillment training a kestrel he comes to love and respect.

Billy Casper has nothing going for him yet has no intention of ending up like his brother working in the mines or like his drunken mother who seeks comfort in the arms of her fellow bar patrons. As his work with his kestral evolves so does his determination and confidence to rise above his place in life.

Older brother to Billy, Jud Casper is mean and selfish. He accepts his lot in life and takes his frustrations out on his brother. Liquor and gambling are his coping mechanisms.

Mr. Farthing is the only teacher that sees Billy’s worth and encourages him to cotinue on his quest for self fulfillment. More of his character would have been very welcome, but was lacking.

The kestral hawk named Kes by Billy represents the strength, will and determination missing from his trainer. Their mutual respect is evident whenever they are together.

I would love to talk with Mr. Hines over a pint or a cuppa, but might need to lean on an urban dictionary. Perhaps we could discuss all of his works and his methods.

My rating for A Kestrel for a Knave  is a 6 out of 10.

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Next up, Mikhail Lermontov’s A Hero of Our Time…