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A review by katykelly
Brock by Anthony McGowan
5.0
Tense, sweet and brief. It reminded me of one of Roald Dahl's short stories for older children, 'The Swan' (from 'Henry Sugar') when a boy is bullied into wearing a swan's wings. It's the same realistic, everyday story that could affect a young person, with well-drawn characters and meaning bullies.
Our well-drawn heroes here are Nicky and Kenny. Teenage Nicky is drawn by his 'simple' (his words) younger brother into a meeting with local bullies, out with their dogs to bait badgers. Kenny soon sees that it isn't a game, as dogs are sent into the sett.
The baiting scene is quite intense and well conveyed. The story afterwards switches completely to Nicky and Kenny back at home with a secret to care for... Their single dad, on bail, unemployed and despondent features in he second half, and the half-forgotten bullies don't fade away. It ends with excitement, a lovely epilogue and threads tied together.
I've loved McGowan's longer novels for young people in the past (Henry Tumour showed he was willing to cover quite dark topics with humour). This short Barrington Stokes entry is a departure, theme-wise, but is a cracking little tale that suits the short-chapter format, is well-written and characterised, and will keep interest.
This would be great as a class read as well as one for individuals.
Our well-drawn heroes here are Nicky and Kenny. Teenage Nicky is drawn by his 'simple' (his words) younger brother into a meeting with local bullies, out with their dogs to bait badgers. Kenny soon sees that it isn't a game, as dogs are sent into the sett.
The baiting scene is quite intense and well conveyed. The story afterwards switches completely to Nicky and Kenny back at home with a secret to care for... Their single dad, on bail, unemployed and despondent features in he second half, and the half-forgotten bullies don't fade away. It ends with excitement, a lovely epilogue and threads tied together.
I've loved McGowan's longer novels for young people in the past (Henry Tumour showed he was willing to cover quite dark topics with humour). This short Barrington Stokes entry is a departure, theme-wise, but is a cracking little tale that suits the short-chapter format, is well-written and characterised, and will keep interest.
This would be great as a class read as well as one for individuals.