Birdie

This is a beautifully observed story of a lonely, troubled girl who has suddenly been relocated and her bond with an abandoned pit pony living in the depths of a murky mine. Inspired by J.P Rose’s own experiences as a child of mixed heritage in the foster care system and her adoption by a Yorkshire family, it is emotive and heartfelt, highlighting the ill treatment of ponies working in coal mines.

Meticulously researched, the book is fuelled by the author’s love of the Yorkshire Dales and her affinity with horses. Birdie is an engaging character who speaks in a recognisable dialect. The reader is sympathetic to her throughout as she travels from Leeds to the small village of Barrington Dale where she encounters challenges, hardships and friendship. As her mood plunges so does the font, reflecting good natured Birdie’s bewilderment and hurt at the reception she receives. Heart in the mouth moments occur as the stakes are raised, perceptions change, and she risks everything to save a life.

Themes include prejudice, racism, false assumptions, disrespect, the nature of grief, loss, the ravages of war, courage, determination, empathy and resilience.

With believable characters from caring foster mother Mrs Dudley to Birdie’s conflicted great aunt and understanding great uncle, to the villagers with an array of opinions and the inestimable, loyal Mr Duke at the centre of it all, the Birdie will tug at the heart strings and appeal to fans of Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo. Juxtaposing a nuanced look at 1950’s attitudes towards ‘brown babies’ with an insightful study of the perils of coal mining as an industry, it is a book to be treasured.

Informative historical notes are available at the back for readers who wish to research more.