Another new monthly series: The Book Edit. Reading has always been a favourite pastime of mine; if I am not listening to music or a podcast on the train, then it will be a book for the journey. Somewhere along the line of my love for the Harry Potter books and uni life, I fell out of love with reading. Over the past few years, I rediscovered my love for it. In this time, Kindle and eBooks have become more popular but nothing really beats the feeling of flicking through pages and pouring over printed words on paper! Especially this little beauty:
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
It’s rare to come across a book that is unforgettable, warm, funny, profoundly moving and all the while takes your breath away. This is a story about friendship, kindness, love, and self-esteem told in the most special of ways.
First, there is a boy. He is lonely. He comes upon a mole, whom it seems loves cake more than anything else. The mole becomes the boy’s friend and companion, his mentor and confidante. The boy shares his anxieties, the mole shares guidance and his love of cake.
When they meet the fox, it is caught in a snare. Instinctively, both the fox and the mole know if the mole frees the fox, the fox should then kill it; but if the mole leaves the fox in the snare, it will die. Sometimes you can disregard your natural instincts, and the fox becomes a (mostly silent) comrade on their wanderings. Then they meet the horse, who has hidden some of its extraordinary gifts for far too long.
The delicate illustrations in this book are gorgeous. They’re whimsical and magical and just perfect, especially when accompanied with the handwritten text. The text is stylized so beautifully, they almost become part of the pictures and a feast for the eyes.
All four characters represent different parts of the same person, the inquisitive boy, the mole who’s enthusiastic but a bit greedy, the fox who’s been hurt so is withdrawn from life, slow to trust but wants to be part of things, and the horse who’s the wisest bit, the deepest part of you, the soul.
The Author, Charlie Mackesy.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse isn’t as much a story as it is a book of guidance, comfort, and life lessons accompanied by exquisite hand-drawn illustrations. The advice and lessons are rich and meaningful, and the entire book is a heartfelt experience. It, perhaps, is one of the most charming and eloquent books I’ve read and I’ve already bought a few more copies to gift friends with for their birthdays.
This book is a must-have on any bookshelf.
You can purchase the book here, at Waterstones.
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