posted on 29 Jul 2019

Eagle Warrior by Gill Lewis

I very much enjoyed Run Wild which was Gill Lewis’ 2018 novel for Barrington Stoke and this comes from the same stable. However, where Run Wild had lots of really positive things to say about rewilding our urban areas, this story of the fight to save a Golden Eagle seems to come from an angrier place. And I don’t mean that as any sort of criticism because we should all be very angry about the way so many gamekeepers flout the law by seeking to eliminate any predatory wildlife they see as a threat to their stocks of game birds. As the author herself has pointed out:

“ A 2017 Scottish Natural heritage Report has unequivocally shown that grouse moor management is associated with the killing of eagles to such an extent that it limits their recovery as a breeding bird in Scotland.”

The evidence is distressing and damning as far as these nefarious practices are concerned and I’d just like to add in a word for the poor old grouse as well. The idea that we specifically breed birds to be shot by people with more money than sense is, in itself, a scandal as far as I’m concerned.

So I’m personally delighted that both author and publisher are brave enough to bring these issues to a younger reading audience and to pull no punches when it comes to explaining how this dirty business impacts on us all.

Bobbie loves the fact that an eagle is nesting near her home and, along with her feisty and eccentric Granny, they delight in following the bird’s comings and goings. But others, including Angus, the Duke’s gamekeeper, have less noble and charitable ideas about what should happen to the eagle they see as a menace to their grouse. When Hamish, Granny’s dog, is accidentally poisoned by bait meant for the bird, it’s obvious that Angus is out to get him. The big question is, can Bobbie help to save the Golden Eagle or will the unscrupulous gamekeeper get his way?

Running alongside the story of Bobbie’s fight to save the eagle is the issue of our young hero’s future. She’s quite happy living out in the wilds and attending the local school but when the chance comes for her to go to a prestigious private school in Edinburgh, what will she do? Is it possible to find the perfect mix between living the natural life and developing a more culture-conscious awareness of the world?

All these questions find their answers in the exciting and emotionally powerful tale that unfolds under Gill Lewis’ skilful guidance. Guided for children of 8+, this is definitely a book that will also appeal to environmentally conscious older children as well. The Public Lending Rights royalties from this book are being donated to Wild Justice, a new organisation created with the help of broadcaster, Chris Packham that will challenge people who break wildlife legislation.

There are so many good reasons to buy this book – so don’t hesitate.

 

Terry Potter

July 2019