I was first attracted to The Calling of Jackdaw Hollow by the cover; a young boy with large brown eyes, expressive, intelligent, and with just a hint of a smile around his mouth. I had to find out what story lay behind that beautiful, intriguing face.

Jackdaw was born to parents who had longed for a child. Sadly, when just a baby, he was orphaned when both parents were struck by lightning as they sheltered under a tree during a storm. He was taken in by the head mistress of Direleafe Hall, which was actually a school for girls.

As he grows up surrounded by her love and care, Jackdaw wonders why he was spared during that storm and often feels undeserving. But then he meets Angeline, who has been stuck in Threadneedle House, another place for orphans, ‘eating the gruel of life’ and now more than ready to eat ‘the pudding of life’. She tells Jack that she’s going to join a circus one day so she is practising the skills she may need. They become friends. Angeline is very aware of her own destiny but Jack is still trying to find his. The prose is beautifully written and, with the tale told though Jackdaw’s inner monologue, I was pulled in. But sometimes, I felt I had to reread parts to understand what was happening in Jackdaw’s mind.

This is such a different story and one I have found to be truly unforgettable.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 10+