Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton

Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really appreciated what Bruton did in No Ballet Shoes in Syria so was delighted when the publisher sent me a copy of her new title, Bird Boy. The first thing to note is that this is a breathtakingly beautiful cover and one that I genuinely loved from the moment that I saw it. I’m always here for books that have their identity stamped into every inch of what they do and this is something that Nosy Crow really do very well.

Bird Boy tells the story of Will who, following the sudden death of his mother, goes to temporarily stay with his Uncle Ian in the Lakes with the intent for him to ultimately move to Australia with his grandparents. Will and Ian barely know each other and their relationship is distant at best. As Will settles into his new life in the Lakes and discovers the glories of the natural world about him, he must also come to terms with his grief and somehow, learn to live again.

There’s some points of connection here to things like Kes and also, for me, people like Joyce Stranger and I think a little bit of Richard Adams as well. Bird Boy is a story of humanity and hope and aching, deep sadness at how awful the world can show such a dark side and an utter faith in the people and things who bring back the light. It’s all awfully good stuff and, I felt, grounded on such a precise and acute knowledge of the issues facing young people in a variety of circumstances. Bruton is such a kind, sympathetic and genuine writer.

I cried. I found much of Bird Boy deeply moving. The ending, in particular, is a tumble of emotional chapters that just kind of wrap you in this great, overwhelming tumble of loveliness and riches.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

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