There is a new book published this week from a winning combination of author and publisher that I have been looking forward to reading for a while. In 2020 Anthony McGowan won the Carnegie Award for Lark, the final book in his The Truth of Things quartet and the series had a lasting impact on many. The Beck, his new novella with Barrington Stoke, although lighter in tone possesses many of the qualities that made his award winner both acclaimed and popular.

Kyle is irritated at being dropped off to stay with his eccentric Grandad for a couple of hours while his parents attend an important appointment in town. He is prepared for boredom and the fact that since his Granny has died Grandad has let both himself and the house go a little. However today is different. Kyle is greeted at the door by ‘the ugliest dog’ he has ever seen, with only three legs and the somewhat incongruous name of ‘Rude Word’. Then Grandad, accompanied by Rude Word, takes Kyle to visit the beck at the bottom of his garden. The beck is just recovering from years of neglect and pollution and has in effect been ‘rewilded’ and has now become a nature haven for fish, slowworms and crayfish in this urban setting. However Grandad and Kyle discover that the beck is under threat by a new development and together with Grandad’s new young neighbour, Karthi, they resolve to do what they can to save it. Then a dramatic turn of events results in Kyle being left to take on the task on his own and he wonders if he is up to it.

There is so much great humour in this story to balance the occasional poignancy, particularly in the pitch perfect dialogue between the three main protagonists. There are some laugh out loud moments, including several involving Grandad’s Elvis impersonator wig, but there is warmth and wit throughout the whole story.

Alongside the humour there are several important themes touched upon within this short novella. The heart of the story is the inter-generational relationship of Kyle and his Grandad intertwined with the value of discovering and appreciating nature on our doorstep, particularly in urban settings. The many different threads could have been incorporated into a much longer novel but the concise nature does not detract from the reader’s appreciation of how Anthony McGowan handles anxiety, bullying, prejudice and immigration. There is no sentimentality or manipulation of emotions in his direct and spare prose and yet it is thoughtful and affecting. The scene setting is excellent and is based on the Wyke Beck in the author’s native Leeds which strengthens the authentic feel and gives it added relevance to the reader.

Grandad is a superb, well-drawn character who comes to life on the page. I really could hear his voice in my head complete with the Yorkshire dialect. The narrative voice of young Kyle is well done too. In a similar way to in The Truth of Things the author captures that particular mix of awkwardness and attitude found in some teenage boys. Despite Kyle’s outward appearance of coping he is in fact troubled by worries and a lack of self confidence. His gradual development and growth is so heartening for the reader and may reassure youngsters of a similar disposition. I would really like to read another story featuring Karthi and learn more about her family’s background too.

The story does feature mild swearing so is probably more suitable for lower secondary than primary pupils and is marketed as aimed at the 11+ age group with a reading age of 9, its length and accessibility make it appealing for those who feel overwhelmed by longer novels. However, just like The Truth of Things, I can see this being enjoyed by a larger reading audience going up to YA and adult. I must mention the great cover and interior illustration by David Wardle which fit the story perfectly.

Huge thanks to Poppy McLean and Barrington Stoke for my review copy as I simply loved this. Published on 13th March and highly recommended