The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society discussion

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A Kestrel for a Knave (1968) by Barry Hines

Inexplicably I have never read this before and only have hazy recollections of the Ken Loach film adaptation

Life is tough and cheerless for Billy Casper, a troubled teenager growing up in the small Yorkshire mining town of Barnsley. Treated as a failure at school, and unhappy at home, Billy discovers a new passion in life when he finds Kes, a kestrel hawk. Billy identifies with her silent strength and she inspires in him the trust and love that nothing else can, discovering through her the passion missing from his life. Barry Hines's acclaimed novel continues to reach new generations of teenagers and adults with its powerful story of survival in a tough, joyless world.Life is tough and cheerless for Billy Casper, a troubled teenager growing up in the small Yorkshire mining town of Barnsley. Treated as a failure at school, and unhappy at home, Billy discovers a new passion in life when he finds Kes, a kestrel hawk. Billy identifies with her silent strength and she inspires in him the trust and love that nothing else can, discovering through her the passion missing from his life. Barry Hines's acclaimed novel continues to reach new generations of teenagers and adults with its powerful story of survival in a tough, joyless world.

I'm already on page 88 (of 208)


Really evokes life on his Yorkshire estate with his selfish brother and neglectful mother - and his escapes into nature, and of course Kes.

Great book.

My grandpa taught Barry Hines English at Ecclesfield Grammar School!

How wonderful


Thanks Lucinda. Did he have much in common with young Billy Caspar? Did he have any anecdotes about Barry?

I've just finished...


A Kestrel for a Knave

...and it's a powerful and gritty reading experience, and it's easy to see why this book continues to attract readers 50 years after its first publication. Highly recommended.

Now to watch the classic film.

Here’s my review

5/5

Hi Nigeyb. Grandpa died in 2001 and I was probably too young and caught up in my University world at the time to remember anything he might have said about Hines. I did ask my mum if she remembered any specifics about his interaction with him but she couldn’t either. My grandpa wrote poetry but didn’t tend to record his thoughts in other ways as Grandma did, so I can’t add any more I’m afraid. It’s good to hear you enjoyed the book so much.

Thanks Lucinda, I love these personal connections


Do you know if any of Barry's other work is worth reading?

Any top tips?

I well remember Threads - as most people around at the time doubtless do too...


Threads is a 1984 British apocalyptic war drama television film jointly produced by the BBC, Nine Network and Western-World Television Inc. Written by Barry Hines, and directed and produced by Mick Jackson, it is a dramatic account of nuclear war and its effects on the city of Sheffield in Northern England. The plot centres on two families as a confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union erupts. As the nuclear exchange between NATO and the Warsaw Pact begins, the film depicts the medical, economic, social and environmental consequences of nuclear war.

Shot on a budget of £400,000, the film was the first of its kind to depict a nuclear winter. It has been called "a film which comes closest to representing the full horror of nuclear war and its aftermath, as well as the catastrophic impact that the event would have on human culture."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threads

I’m afraid I don’t know Nigeyb. I’m rather ashamed to say I’ve not yet read any. You’ll have to be our guide!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...

This might be of interest here.

Thanks CQM


Yes, I watched that Greg Davies: Looking for Kes programme and really enjoyed it

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