Running with horses by Jason Cockcroft

Rabbit is traumatised after watching his father die in the woods and he and his mum have moved to a caravan park near the coast which she manages. Helped by his counsellor Louise, Rabbit is no longer mute but Joe Fludd, who befriends him, says he is “quiet as a rabbit” and the nickname sticks. Joe’s family are outsiders, associated with local thefts, vandalism and fires, especially Joe’s older brother Billy, but Rabbit is irresistibly drawn to Joe, with his smile "like daytime lightning”. "Me and Joe, we’re closer than mates. Close as you can get without being brothers.” p17. Rabbit’s internal life is soaked in dreams of impending doom, often featuring a white horse, a great, beautiful creature, so when Joe asks Rabbit if he wants to see a dead horse the two set out on what proves to be a dangerous mission.

The sensitive, stilted first person narrative, with its short sentences and staccato feel cleverly communicates Rabbit’s vulnerability and the intimacy of the boys’ relationship. Rabbit’s courage and bravery in the face of  trauma is somehow redemptive, helping him make sense of the world he has been thrust into. The text is beautifully supported by atmospheric ink and wash pictures and page borders, a thoughtful book with a special feel to it. This is the sequel to We were Wolves but it does stand alone successfully.

Themes: Personal/social issues, Bereavement, Friendship.

Sue Speck