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A review by christinecc
The Goshawk by T.H. White
5.0
Now, I am giving this book five stars because it is no more and no less than what it claims to be--or ,indeed, what it should be. It is an odd tale, strange in its details grounded in reality and the art of falconry, and yet familiar with its elevating descriptions of an art and a creature that we cannot fully understand (especially as amateurs).
I particularly enjoyed White's insights and musings regarding Shakespeare and falconry, as would any Bard enthusiast who had no prior knowledge of falconry terms (at least, not in English). The post-script is rather fascinating and makes up a bit for a slower, more melancholy second half. But as I said, the book is what it is, and there is no embellishing such a story. I am glad someone frogmarched White into publishing this, even if a lot of it went over my head. Perhaps it would be worth finding some matching visuals to gain a fuller picture of the author's efforts and aspirations with the eccentric and princely Gos.
Recommended to T.H. White readers (since he brings to this book that same touch of gentle, tired humanity) or anyone with an interest in falconry or the art of taming wild animals. There's a debate in this somewhere (and an expert falconer might tear his hair out reading this, so best keep away if you're easily frustrated by someone mucking things up).
I particularly enjoyed White's insights and musings regarding Shakespeare and falconry, as would any Bard enthusiast who had no prior knowledge of falconry terms (at least, not in English). The post-script is rather fascinating and makes up a bit for a slower, more melancholy second half. But as I said, the book is what it is, and there is no embellishing such a story. I am glad someone frogmarched White into publishing this, even if a lot of it went over my head. Perhaps it would be worth finding some matching visuals to gain a fuller picture of the author's efforts and aspirations with the eccentric and princely Gos.
Recommended to T.H. White readers (since he brings to this book that same touch of gentle, tired humanity) or anyone with an interest in falconry or the art of taming wild animals. There's a debate in this somewhere (and an expert falconer might tear his hair out reading this, so best keep away if you're easily frustrated by someone mucking things up).