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H is for Hawk
H is for Hawk
Author: Helen Macdonald
When Helen Macdonald's father died suddenly on a London street, she was devastated. An experienced falconer -- Helen had been captivated by hawks since childhood -- she'd never before been tempted to train one of the most vicious predators, the goshawk. But in her grief, she saw that the goshawk's fierce and feral temperament mirrore...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780099575450
ISBN-10: 0099575450
Publication Date: 2/26/2015
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 2

4 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

njmom3 avatar reviewed H is for Hawk on + 1389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As a way of dealing with the grief of her father's death, Helen Macdonald seizes upon the idea of training a goshawk she names Mabel. T H White enters the story because his memoir titled The Goshawk is one of her inspirations. This book is part memoir, part biography, and part naturalist guide. Even in a context unfamiliar to me, Helen Macdonald's beautiful writing captures the emotions in a familiar and recognizable way. Therein lies the appeal of this book.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/01/h-is-for-hawk.html
caffeinegirl avatar reviewed H is for Hawk on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I had high expectations for this one, and it was amazing. The contrasts that Macdonald manages to hold in balance! Grief and savagery, science and literature, singlemindedness and insanity, bravery and panic, memory and immediacy, studied technique and desperation, commitment and unravelling. Honestly, this book was breathtaking. Highly recommended.
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reviewed H is for Hawk on + 372 more book reviews
A bit tough to read. More of a prose of the womans feelings about her life and how it related to the taming of a Goshawk. Makes you wonder if keeping hawks it the right thing to do for these magnificent birds.
reviewed H is for Hawk on + 670 more book reviews
A very intense book that you'll love if you've had any obsession since childhood - even if you have no interest in birds. I thought the way the author brought in TH White's life and psychological problems was absolutely brilliant. White was her mentor at a distance - someone who shared her obsession and taught her much about herself and the world. I plan to reread this book as soon as I get to the end of it - it's that wonderful.


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