The Blurb for A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines

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The Blurb for A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines

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I don't think the blurb for the novel "A Kestrel for a Knave" by Barry

Hines gives you an accurate idea of what the book is about. The blurb

is over-simplified and makes it seem like there is no hope for Billy.

In this essay I will show the writer's skill in creating believable

characters; how the writer creates a realistic family life for Billy;

Billy's relationship with the hawk; the writer's use of contrasts and

description; the structure of the book e.g. Flashback.

I don't think that the blurb for the novel "Kes" gives you a good

description of Billy or of his character. It tells you that Billy is

"Too young to know anything about the outside world" which I don't

think is true. For example when doing his paper round he steals

himself some food, as there isn't anything in the house that morning.

Although this isn't maybe a good thing -as he's stealing- it still

shows his resourcefulness. The blurb also gives no mention to Billy's

determination, especially when it comes to his hawk. For example, the

time he stands up to his teacher-who seems to bully him- Mr Sugden to

try and get him to let him away to feed his hawk. "How can I stop to

second dinners when I've got to get home an" feed my hawk?" Billy also

has a huge interest in nature and the world about him e.g.

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