Gaffer Samson's Luck

In a style which makes excellent writing seem deceptively easy Jill Paton Walsh has created a dense, satisfying story. James, newcomer to the village, is rejected by both village and local estate children and becomes involved with his housebound neighbour, Gaffer Samson, as the best antidote. Gaffer and James strike up an immediate relationship and James is drawn into carrying out a very special request for the old man. James' only other new 'friend' is smelly Angey who lives in a caravan with her idiosyncratic Gran. Ms Walsh is uncompromising in her depiction of old and young in all their varied aspects. The story's density derives part from this; part from the strong sense of fusion between past and present; part from the enormous sensitivity to relationships. Angey and James' final conversation is just one example of the author's deftness at conveying that complexity. Brick Cole's illustrations are unobtrusive, but compelling. In all a joy.