The English Eagles : Book review



Title: The English Eagles
Author: Nigel Slater
Genre: Fiction

This book was recommended to me by a runner friend. 

Set in a place called Lake District at the border of Scotland, The English eagles is a story about a man and his quest to fiercely protect the breeding of a pair of golden Eagles.

Robin leads a simple life of a headmaster until the arrival of a pair of eagles. He takes up the responsibility of protecting them and is supported by two women in this mission.  At the same time he faces opposition from the local farmer who detests the presence of the eagles. Seeing them as a threat to his livestock, he vows to kill them. Will Robin succeed in his mission? 

The author's vivid style of writing transports the readers to the picturesque English countryside. It’s interesting to note how the eagles are represented as a symbol of freedom and flight- something that the protagonist is yearning for. Robin is struggling to break free from his dark past. 

A couple of action sequences described in the book are gripping and high octane. Especially the part where the eagle fights the vixen trying to attack her young ones. Or the part where Robin wrestles the wicked farmer trying to shoot the eagles. Tends to remind one of Jack London’s ‘The call of the wild’ where John Thornton resolves to to save Buck’s life. Both aspects showcase a sort of parental instinct. 

The English eagles is a compelling and a thought provoking read.  It makes one wonder if protecting one form of species comes at the cost of putting the lives of other species to risk.  It's bound to be enjoyed by nature and animal lovers!

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