It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Barry Hines, the author of ‘A Kestrel for a Knave”. My copy is well thumbed and well loved and I have read it many, many times with classes of fifteen year olds who loved it as much as I did. The story spoke to my teenagers in Yorkshire and their eyes, like mine, would be full of tears when Billy finds that his beloved kestrel, Kes, has been murdered by his bullying big brother. If you have never read it, then I suggest you do. It is a remarkable piece of writing and made an excellent film, Kes, too.
A Kestrel For a Knave by Barry Hines
My treasures in the print case were lit up by rainbows from my Rainbow Maker today and I managed to catch a moment when the rainbow passed over my three wise monkeys. In the same shot you will see a heart stone. I was given this by a complete stranger when shopping in a mall in America. She came up to me saying, ‘My name is Sally and I feel a connection between us. I would like to give you this heart in remembrance of our fleeting friendship.” We chatted for a few moments and then she was gone……
Three Wise Monkeys caught in a flash of rainbow. I like how one doesn’t want to smell the colours and the next seems almost blinded by the brightness!
There is also a half-crown from the year that we were married and a little Mevagissey fisherman (one of a pair) that my Dad gave me when I was five or six and I have treasured ever since.
It has been a glorious day and the border outside our kitchen is looking lovely.
Fritillaria, Tete a Tete and Muscari
mybeautfulthings
March 22, 2016 at 11:25 am
From a friend
Penelope Zapata The film of the book was very moving as well. For me, It’s piercing heart felt poignancy speaks to how our deep and yet liberating relationship with nature and other creatures gives us a wonder-filled, greater sense of purpose which if embraced fulfils us with a reciprocal abundance unbounded ..with what nature provides us in return….unless of course while our backs are turned, unthinking, ignorant, greedy bully boys come in and crush and quash all that’s good in life…I can’t help but link this inspiring story to what is happening to our world.
mybeautfulthings
March 22, 2016 at 11:24 am
From an ex-pupil of mine.
Shiree Kerry When I heard of his death, you were the first person I thought of. I remember being fascinated by this book and the way you helped us to understand it and read between the lines. It was a pleasure to have had this book introduced to me by you xx
flowerpot
March 22, 2016 at 9:28 am
Thanks, Sally, for that reminder. I must re-read it! See you on Thurs XX
mybeautfulthings
March 22, 2016 at 11:29 am
Certainly worth reading again, especially with penny’s comments, below, in mind. See you on Thursday for a jolly good sing! 🙂
Donna Catterick
March 21, 2016 at 10:09 pm
Thank you for writing about Barry Hines. I remember the movie ‘Kes’ vividly. Maybe it’s time to read the book.
mybeautfulthings
March 21, 2016 at 10:21 pm
I think so! 🙂