The Hawkman by Jane Rosenberg LaForge

Unfortunately, the title of this novel will most likely keep it out of the hands of many readers. “The Hawkman” is far more likely to be associated with the DC Action Hero than with the protagonist of a literary novel, even if they have a shared background in fairytales and myths.

Title aside, The Hawkman is a memorable tale of love, loss; heartbreak, and tragedy, set against the turbulent backdrop of the early 20^th century. World War 1, the “Great War,” decimated a generation of young men and left survivors maimed in body, spirit, and mind, struggling to find their place in a vastly changed world.

This is not a novel you can race though. Rosenberg frequently shifts character perspectives and timelines as she deftly weaves her plot. Additionally, there are long narrative passages which create the dreamy feeling of a lost fairytale.

Many of the chapters delve into the suffering of soldiers during WW1; trench warfare, German POW camps for British soldiers, discrimination against the Irish, and the anguish of the unknown, untreatable “shell shock.”

Photo source: cityssm.on.ca/library/WW1_POW.html

Fans of WW1 historical will want to watch for the release of The Hawkman.

Three out of five stars: I liked it.

 

 

The Hawkman by Jane Rosenberg LaForge

Paperback, 318 pages

Expected publication: June 5th 2018 by Amberjack Publishing

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley for review. 

#TheHawkman #NetGalley #AmberjackPublishing

Description from NetGalley.com

A great war, a great love, and the mythology that unites them; The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War is a lyrical adaptation of a beloved classic.

Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.

Too soon, reality shatters their serenity, and they must face the parochial community. Unbeknownst to all, a legend is in the making—one that will speak of courage and resilience amidst the forces that brought the couple together even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.

 

 

Historic Libraries: Chained Books in the St. Walburga’s Church Librije

 

The Librije is a classic example of a lectern system gothic library. This public library was a 16th century addition to the 12th century St. Walburga’s Church in Zutphen, Netherlands. The building and the interior of the library, which looks like rows of pews in the chapel, have remained largely unchanged since their inception.

Image Courtesy of Jim Forest via flickr

 

The Librije is one of only five intact chained libraries in the world, complete with original books, chains, rods and furniture. Chains may seem an odd accoutrement to contemporary library patrons, but were a strong impediment to medieval thieves. During the middle ages, more and more people wanted to read, but lacked the necessary resources to buy books of their own. Chained books allowed libraries to open to the public while still locking valuable books in place.

Image Courtesy of Jim Forest via flickr

 

Metal clasps secure each book, usually on the back cover. A metal rod was slipped through the book chains and then secured to the lectern.

Image Courtesy of Jim Forest via flickr

The lecterns were carefully positioned in a near perpendicular line to the windows, to maximize viewing in the natural light.

The Book That Changed the World

Darwin’s Study. Image Courtesy of English Heritage.

 

Charles Darwin unleashed his groundbreaking work “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” on an unsuspecting public in the mid 19^th century. Seldom has one book so rapidly changed the face of our collective and personal identity. His work provided compelling evidence that all species of life have descended from common ancestors. Darwin’s book shook the Victorian world, and has influenced our thinking ever since.

Darwin’s Journal, also known as the Beagle Diary. Image Courtesy of English Heritage.

Visitors to Down House in Kent have the opportunity to stand in Darwin’s Study where he developed his landmark scientific theories. “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” was written in the book filled library on the authentic Darwin desk.

Down House
Image Courtesy of English Heritage.

Down House was the home of Charles Darwin for 40 years. He, his wife Emma, and their 10 children made Down House a family home; flair and fashion were not important considerations. Most of the furniture was chosen for its comfort and durability rather than style. Much of the rest was inherited.

The stair slide made by Charles Darwin for his children shows the whimsical side of family life. Image Courtesy of English Heritage.

Charles Darwin’s life and career is also represented by the extensive array of personal artefacts and scientific paraphernalia. These include an assortment of instruments and notebooks from his Beagle voyage, various specimens from his studies at Down, and correspondence between Darwin, his family and friends. All of these help to form a valuable insight into a fascinating individual and his family.

Picture of Charles Darwin enactor in the conservatory. Image Courtesy of English Heritage.

During half-term, students have a wonderful opportunity to join the man himself – Charles Darwin – and explore evolution at its birthplace as they delve into the mysteries of science during a Discover with Darwin workshop. Ever wondered why giraffes have long necks? Why a penguin can’t fly? Why a monkey has a tail? Discover all this and more as you grab your lab coat and dust off your craft kits at Down House.

Each Discover with Darwin workshop will take approximately 45 minutes and will involve storytelling and hands on activities of a Darwinian theme.

 

Discover with Darwin

Date: Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May 2015

Time: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

Location: Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)

Suitable: Children

Home of Charles Darwin – Down House

Luxted Road, Downe, Kent, BR6 7JT

To learn about this and other programs visit: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/home-of-charles-darwin-down-house/things-to-do/#Section1