A Kestrel for a Knave: Barry Hines: 62 (Penguin Essentials, 62) Paperback – 4 Aug. 2016

I remember this being read out to us as a class in school and then later seeing the film, Kes - both a very long time ago.This book came back on my radar a few months ago so I purchased it out of sentimentality.It's so much better than I remember. I was clearly too young to grasp the nuances and the dark humour when I was first introduced to this marvellous book. Billy's childhood is shockingly harsh with a loutish older brother and a neglectful mother but he still finds something that gives him light throughout his dark days.As a Yorkshire lass I also enjoyed how it was written in the Yorkshire vernacular.Highly recommended.

Took me right back to 1969 when I first read the book, I'm now going to watch the dvd!!! Absolutely brilliant and very relevant to the time period!

Very well written by Barry Hines. His use of language is simple and direct but skillful and hits home hard. The character of Billy, his circumstances, his bleak future and his love of flaconry all blend together powerfully. It is a sobering read at times and a telling piece of social commentary. I look forward to watching the film adaptation by Ken Loach. A Kestrel for a Knave is an excellent read.

As a Barnsley lad it felt it necessary to read a book embedded and representative of my community. I did not read book at school, like many have, nor have I watched the motion picture.The book has a deeper meaning, about the struggles and realities for young norther lads where opportunity is sparse particularly in highly academic roles. It primarily focus on Kasper, who is a kid who is not necessarily academic, mum appears distant, and has an absence of passion. He does not necessarily fit into social norms, such as playing football. He’s a bit of a ‘weird kid.’ But, he finds a love for something, a Hawk.It demonstrates, how a passion can change a child for the better and help in almost all their daily life.It’s a heart warming story that is distant from other books. It follows a different narrative, a narrative that is relatable, it is a simple story in essence but one in which many can relate to.Ultimately, this book is an excellent short read, likely to hook the reader from start to finish. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

A Kestrel for a Knave (KES)One of my favourite films in the 70's. I have just read the book over 30 years later and its as fresh as ever. In fact the story in the book is even better. A brilliantly written novel about a young lad from a broken home growing up in the north of England. Amid the back drop of a mining industry landscape and hard times. A boy 'Billy Casper' who finds it difficult at school with little hope or care for the future. His escape from the harsh realities of life is his passion for the Hawk (KES) which he trains. The lads interest ignites and highlights his strength and intelligence. A real masterpiece by Barry Hines. The Ken Loach film version is fantastic as well.

After recently watching a programme about the author and main actor , I decided to re read the book " kestral for a knave " I was not disappointed. You could feel the poverty and the toughness of the characters, the hardship in home life the cruel, hard, unhhearing behavour of the teacher's , one teacher shone through though , with his genuine interest for Billy and this Bird . The respect for the kestrel from Billy the way he cared for and trained it through a short time in his tough young life .....And the story unfolds .... Brilliant

Timeless classic, takes you away to the world as seen by Billy Casper. Sad, enchanting, nostalgic, funny and just a good read.

I knew of this book growing up but didn’t read it, I am glad I didn’t as the child I was wouldn’t have appreciated it. The writer shows you Billy’s world and from the first few lines you are there, you can see it, smell it, experience it as tho you were him. It’s beautiful in its sense of hopelessness.