Six year old Billy Clark can hardly believe his father, Tom, has agreed to take him hunting. Jake the woodsman leads them into the mysterious world of dark forests and dangerous animals but it's his influence over Billy's future attitude to life that is fixed forever. The adventure over, Hitler then launches his Luftwaffe on Billy's hometown and it's then that Jake's influence is put to the test. This is the first in the trilogy.
Book two, MORE ABOUT BILLY and book three, THE POLITICS OF BILLY, are now available.
All three are inspired by memory.
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By Julie Powell
Aug 30, 2008
"About Billy" Billy's world is threatened by war...'whatever that meant'...but his six year old mind is filled with the excitement of his first hunting trip. The extended visit with 'Uncle' Jake and 'Aunt' Dolly expands his knowledge, not only of the practical but also self-reliance and confidence. Jake, the gentle giant, who can 'toss deers on his back and chop down trees without breaking into a sweat'...('undred a month')...helps Billy, amongst numerous things, discover the secrets of the forest, the wonders of carving his own totem pole and his talent for drawing. These adventures are the first of many escapades where we see how Billy faces the wrathful Miss Kirby when back at school, and puts to use his own bow and arrows (to mention but a taste) along with his 'pals', Chalky, Stinker and Squint, some other members of 'The Robin Hoods'. The meaning of war and 'floppy necks' become even more apparent to his young mind while on the hunt for shrapnel amongst the... More > devastation of whole streets and his father off to volunteer with the Home Guard. About Billy is more than a snapshot of this period of history but a superb album. It is a sensitive and informative story brought to life by 'real' personalities, particularly the tenderness and understanding between father and son. Getting to know Billy through the six-year time span was a pleasure and anyone reading the story would have to agree with Jake and Dolly, that he has the heart of a soldier and the soul of a poet. A wonderful read. Julie Elizabeth Powell, author of Gone.< Less
"About Billy" 28 Jan 2008 As a northern lass born and bred in a mining village, Billy's story reminded me of my own childhood. Life was tough in those days but kids like Billy and myself had the freedom to go out to play and have fun. Billy's escapades were typical of youngsters growing up in that era. It was quite refreshing to read a believable story about a little boy who had a very close relationship with his much loved and respected uncle. I look forward to reading about Billy's adult years. For his first novel. Well done Brian W Fisher. Ann Hays
