A horse called Hero by Sam Angus
Macmillan Children's Books, 2013. ISBN 9781447235774.
(Age: Mid secondary) Having a familiar Second War War evacuation
theme, this novel involves diverse and interesting historical
elements within a complex but satisfying plot.
When Dorothy (Dodo) and her brother Wolfie are sent to the Devon
countryside to escape the German bombing, they are initially unaware
that their father (who holds a Victoria Cross from the First World
War) has been arrested on charges of desertion during the retreat at
Dunkirk. Having no mother, the children are billeted into the home
of a disinterested village woman yet life is bearable, especially
when Wolfie finds himself the primary carer for a newborn foal which
he names Hero. As details of their father's predicament become
public however, life becomes insufferable for the children when
local villagers, grieving over their own wartime bereavements and
hardships begin to persecute and victimise them. Luckily, the local
priest and his daughter Hettie offer their home and guardianship to
the children and they exist relatively happily against a backdrop of
foreboding invasion threats and fears regarding the treatment of
their imprisoned father who endures a drawn out court martial. The
children explore the countryside and develop knowledge and
understanding of the natural environment, wild and domestic horses
and human characteristics. Hero's role in the tale is vital but
further discussion would spoil the story. It is suffice to say that
qualities of horses and their masters are considered and the reader
can't help reflecting upon the odious aspects of human nature.
This story opens in a gentle fashion which initially appears to
follow a predictable formula. The introduction of a very nasty
documented war crime and depiction of the fate of local wild ponies
under harsh wartime restrictions soon alerts the reader that this is
no Blyton adventure however. I liked very much that the author chose
to depict the child characters over an extended period when evacuees
in other books would have been safely returned to their mothers.
Wolfie, who is introduced as a very immature little boy is still
under the care of Hettie when the war has finished and Dodo, the
understated heroine finds employment, which is in keeping with her
mature character. This device enables the story to conclude with the
inclusion of yet another historically accurate subject which is not
too implausible for young adult fiction. Whilst this novel contains
some untidy scene changes, it is a strong story and a worthwhile
read for mid-secondary students.
Rob Welsh