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’…(‘hundred 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 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.
by Brian W. Fisher
Another great read following the adventures of Billy Clark – this time as a soldier in the jungles of Malaya during the early- to mid- 1950s. We see Billy’s journey from boy to man as he fulfills his National Service to do battle against the hateful Corporal Wyatt, though it is not until he reaches the sweltering heat of the jungle that his real battle begins.
His promotion to sergeant is justly earned after surviving an ambush and he has to kill for the first time. Yet it is his fight against the egoistical and murderous Heng, the communist Chinese leader of South Johore, that has the most impact. Befriending locals, not least a village chief, helps him in a do or die situation, again emphasizing his childhood memories of floppy necks.
A brilliant story giving the reader another snapshot into a time in history that should never be forgotten.
Well done…looking forward to the last in the trilogy.
by Brian W. Fisher
The Politics of Billy was worth the wait.
The cover alone tells us what’s coming and it’s not a disappointment. Weaving through the corruption that surrounds his hometown, Billy’s mission is clear and we cannot help but champion his cause.
With the help of his friends, not least the likable, if sometimes exasperating, Chalky, we watch as Billy battles his way with indomitable force. Wonderful!
Billy Clark – a hero we desperately need in today’s tragic world.
A great end to a fabulous trilogy.
A recommended read for everyone.
Dear Mrs Powell,
Please accept my thanks for your critique of ‘The Billy Trilogy’. It is good to know that inexperienced and aspiring authors like myself can be read, understood and, certainly by you, praised.
Once again, thank you…you’ve given me the boost needed to spur me onwards (and upwards?)
My latest novel, ‘Just Justice’ is a million miles away from Billy and Chalky…full of mobile phones, listening devices and other ‘miraculous’ gadgets. So far, folk who have read it have said pleasing words like, ‘couldn’t wait to get to the last page’, so I must be on the right track eh?
My current work flips between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UK – an up-to-date look over the shoulders of British troops and their adversaries and the ‘spill-off’ from it in the UK.
Perhaps one day, you will find the time to read them an post more kind words?
Sincerely and with kind regards,
Brian W Fisher