A Kestrel for a Knave (1968) by Barry Hines

On Thursday 7th November 2019, Hove’s finest gathered to discuss Nigel’s themed choices...

Summat or Nowt? - Searching for Yorkshire’s Dark (He)art

Reading: A Kestrel For a Knave (1968) by Barry Hines
Listening: Pulp - Different Class (1995)
Watching: Happy Valley series 1 (2014) - ep 1 + ep 2 (Netflix)

READING: A Kestrel for a Knave (1968) by Barry Hines

After much chin stroking and a frank exchange of views we all agreed that although only 197 pages, A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines packs a huge emotional punch.

People tend to remember the heartbreaking ending however it's the clear eyed depiction of young Billy Caspar's deprived life that will touch even the hardest of hearts. The killer section happens in the middle of the book, when Billy has to write a piece called 'A Tall Tale' for his English teacher. Essentially a highly improbable fantasy story. Billy's effort is tragically mundane as he relates a world in which his father comes back into Billy's world, they go out for a meal, and their house is warm and carpeted. All a million miles from the reality of Billy's life.

That said, it's not all misery and deprivation: Billy's escapes into nature, his interactions with a sympathetic teacher and a farmer, his passion and self-taught skill for training his Kestrel, are all heart warming and convincing moments of hope which describe a rich inner life at odds with other aspects of his world.

In the Penguin Modern Classics edition, Barry Hines has contributed a fascinating afterword written in 1999 in which he discusses Ken Loach's film adaptation, how the book became a modern classic, its place on the GCSE English curriculum, the characters, his inspirations and more.

A Kestrel for a Knave is 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.

Nick 9.5 / Tristan 8 / Nigel 9 / Keith 8 / Roland 7 / Robin 8

LISTENING: Pulp - Different Class (1995)

After years of obscurity, Pulp shot to stardom in Britain with 1994's His 'n' Hers. By the time Different Class was released at the end of October 1995, the band, particularly lead singer Jarvis Cocker, were superstars, with two number two singles and a triumphant last minute performance at Glastonbury under their belts.

Different Class delivered on the feverish anticipation, blowing away all their previous albums, including the fine His 'n' Hers. Grandly theatrical, synth-spiked pop with new wave and disco flourishes with catchy and immediate melodies

Different Class is an appealing album  with Jarvis Cocker’s clever lyrics tackling sex and social class

The best moment on the album is - of course - the hit single 'Common People' about the rich girl who slums it with the lower classes.

WATCHING: Happy Valley series 1 (2014) - ep 1 + ep 2 (Netflix)

Acclaimed by HBG, one cineaste notwithstanding, we all embraced the wonderful Catherine Cawood - the determined, respected, hard-working police sergeant officer for the West Yorkshire Police. A divorced 47 year old woman with an ex drug-addict sister, a daughter who is dead and a son who doesn't speak to her. Despite this backstory Catherine is still able to show humour while on the job. Both series are compelling and refreshingly female-centric.

The writer’s ‘Last Tango In Halifax’ also comes highly recommended by members of the HBG.

ENDORSE IT

Spotlight on the Troubles (iPlayer)

Guilt (iPlayer)

This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay (book)

The Crown (Netflix)

Seaham Beach, Durham

Sofia, capital city of Bulgaria

His Dark Materials (iPlayer)