Skallagrigg [Paperback]

William Horwood successfully converts a complex idea into a readable format by breaking the novel into five parts each containing its own driving force whilst maintaining the central thread which runs throughout the book, namely, the Skallagrigg theme.

In part one we are introduced to Arthur a young boy with cerebral palsy. Set in the North of England in 1927 we accompany the vulnerable seven year old as he is taken from the bosom of his family into an institution. Labelled a congenital idiot he is sentenced to a lifetime of abuse by staff and inmates alike.

Horwood has done his research well, so well in fact that you forget it is fictional. His power of description is so vivid you can almost smell the fear as the despicable orderly Dilke walks into the terror filled wards brandishing a window hook and exerting his power over the helpless victims.

Arthur's physical being is protected by Frank a fellow inmate who is able to understand Arthur's strangled speech. When Frank isn't able to come to his aid Arthur gains strength from Skallagrigg, a seemingly mystical entity which gives Arthur the courage to survive many ordeals.

In part two we meet Esther Marquand, a young girl with cerebral palsy who having had the advantages of modern developments in the field of caring and educating disabled children has experienced a very different yet strangely similar life-style to Arthur.... Esther's life is not without trauma, throughout the book we see her struggle with the confinements of her disabiliy, death, love, relationships and rejection to name but a few.

In the final three parts of the book we accompany Esther on two journeys the first tracing the source of the Skallagrigg stories - Arthur, and the second a journey of self discovery. Throughout the remainder of the novel the emphasis see-saws between the two journeys and this sustains the momentum until the concluding pages.

When we discover the meaning of Arthur's Skallagrigg one is surprised yet the scenario is so realistically portrayed that you don't feel cheated. The author manages to find the balance between giving one enough clues without spoiling the conclusion. One important thing you learn whilst reading this book is that we all have our own Skallagrigg some call it faith, ambition, even a crutch but the label we give it is inconsequential as long as it gives you the strength to get through life.

William Horwood starts out with a fistful of loose threads and as the story unfolds you watch the threads weaving together to produce a rich, colourful tapestry of people, places, relationships, secrets, ambitions and memories. An unexpected yet entertaining denouement brings the story to a satisfactory conclusion tying up all the loose ends.

Horwood is best remembered for his Duncton Wood novels a series of books following the antics of anthropomorphised moles and even though these books have received a higher profile one shouldn't underestimate the quality of Skallagrigg. Despite being a formidable 728 pages long once you have dipped your toe into the powerful story line you are engulfed in the plot, enticed to grow with the characters and taken on a stormy journey full of discoveries. A "must read" novel, I feel certain that you won't be disappointed! Read more ›