A Kestrel for a Knave

Name: A Kestrel for a Knave
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780141184982
Price: 24.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Barry Hines

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

0.0 (0 reviews)

4.07

( 7,819 ratings, 704 reviews)

Summary

A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines is a poignant story set in a bleak mining town in northern England. It follows a young boy named Billy Casper, who struggles at school and home but finds a sense of freedom and purpose in training a kestrel he names Kes. The novel explores themes of social class, education, and the transformative power of nature.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$24⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$26⁰⁰~~

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

A Kestrel for a Knave

$24⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$26⁰⁰~~

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to powerful stories of resilience and change. Set in Northern England, it explores the harsh realities of working-class life through the bond between a boy and a kestrel, offering a poignant and realistic portrayal of hope amidst adversity. The narrative's deep emotional impact and vivid socio-political commentary make it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven stories.

A Kestrel for a Knave

Life is tough and cheerless for Billy Casper, a troubled teenager growing up in the small Yorkshire mining town of Barnsley. Treated as a failure at school, and unhappy at home, Billy discovers a new passion in life when he finds Kes, a kestrel hawk.

With prose that is every bit as raw, intense and bitingly honest as the world it depicts, Barry Hines's A Kestrel for a Knave contains a new afterword by the author in Penguin Modern Classics.

Description

With prose that is every bit as raw, intense and bitingly honest as the world it depicts, Barry Hines's A Kestrel for a Knave contains a new afterword by the author in Penguin Modern Classics.

Life is tough and cheerless for Billy Casper, a disillusioned teenager growing up in a small Yorkshire mining town. Violence is commonplace and he is frequently cold and hungry. Yet he is determined to be a survivor and when he finds Kes, a kestrel hawk, he discovers a passion in life. Billy identifies with her proud silence, and she inspires in him the trust and love that nothing else can.

Intense, raw, and bitingly honest, A Kestrel for a Knave was first published in 1968 and was also made into a highly acclaimed film, 'Kes', directed by Ken Loach.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

View all

East of Eden

By John Steinbeck

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

In Stock
The Origins of Totalitarianism

By Hannah Arendt

Paperback

$22⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

In Stock
The Grapes of Wrath

By John Steinbeck

Paperback

$26⁰⁰

In Stock
A Month in the Country

By J L Carr

Paperback

$20⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
The Fountainhead

By Ayn Rand

Paperback

$25⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

In Stock
The Trouble With Being Born

By E. M. Cioran

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

In Stock
Storm of Steel

By Ernst Junger

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

In Stock
On the Road

By Jack Kerouac

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

Available
Ships in 3-4 weeks
The Haunting of Hill House

By Shirley Jackson

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$26⁰⁰~~

Available
Ships in 2-3 weeks
The Myth of Sisyphus

By Albert Camus

Paperback

$27⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$30⁰⁰~~

Available
Ships in 3-4 weeks
The Fire Next Time

By James Baldwin

Paperback

$22⁹⁹

In Stock
Steppenwolf

By Hermann Hesse

Paperback

$26⁰⁰

In Stock

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines is often praised for its poignant depiction of working-class life in Northern England. The story of Billy and his kestrel, Kes, resonates with readers due to its emotional intensity and realistic portrayal of a young boy's struggle against a harsh environment. Critics commend Hines for his vivid storytelling and the book's exploration of themes such as alienation, hope, and survival. Overall, it is celebrated for its gritty realism and remains a powerful narrative that captivates audiences.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141184982

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 May 2000

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 159g

Pages: 208

Collections

Barry Hines Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Barry Hines was born in the mining village of Hoyland Common, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Educated at Eccelsfield Grammar School, Hines then worked as an apprentice mining surveyor and played football for Barnsley before studying Physical Education at Loughborough Training College. He taught for several years in London and Yorkshire before becoming a full-time writer. Hines has written 8 other novels and television scripts.