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gadrake 's review for:
H is for Hawk
by Helen Macdonald
This much lauded memoir by a British falconer is a pretty dry read. Readers will be led down three paths: grief, falconry, and the life of author/falconer T.H. White (The Once and Future King and The Sword in the Stone).
The grief for her father is not maudlin, but it is really drawn out. Working with a young goshawk provides her with an outlet. Readers will learn all about equipment, acquiring a bird, food, etc.
The sport of falconry is little known in the USA, but apparently is a big deal in Great Britain, especially among the gentry. This part could be a bit gory as we learn what these raptor birds eat and how they are trained. But they are fascinating birds with great strength and speed.
The third angle concerns revered author T.H. White who turns out to be one troubled man. He was apparently a closet homosexual, an agnostic, an alcoholic, and a sadomasochist. He was quite brutal with his goshawk. This makes for some uncomfortable reading.
Nature writing is normally soothing and lyrical. This was generally dry, not especially lyrical, and falconry does not seem right for these majestic birds any more than foxhunting is. There are interesting sections though and it serves to document the sport of falconry.
The grief for her father is not maudlin, but it is really drawn out. Working with a young goshawk provides her with an outlet. Readers will learn all about equipment, acquiring a bird, food, etc.
The sport of falconry is little known in the USA, but apparently is a big deal in Great Britain, especially among the gentry. This part could be a bit gory as we learn what these raptor birds eat and how they are trained. But they are fascinating birds with great strength and speed.
The third angle concerns revered author T.H. White who turns out to be one troubled man. He was apparently a closet homosexual, an agnostic, an alcoholic, and a sadomasochist. He was quite brutal with his goshawk. This makes for some uncomfortable reading.
Nature writing is normally soothing and lyrical. This was generally dry, not especially lyrical, and falconry does not seem right for these majestic birds any more than foxhunting is. There are interesting sections though and it serves to document the sport of falconry.