While some of us crave crime and violence or in depth factual books on politics
or finance as well as self help bibles, some of us feel enlightened and soothed
by human interest stories which follow relatively ordinary people and their life
experiences especially if animals are involved.
So if you want to take a side step and read about Wilf and his foxy friend
together with elaborate characterisations of many people vital in the story try
this novel which is a debut for Richard Tyrrell who has a degree in
Pharmacology and has worked as a book reviewer for mainstreet papers and
was a finalist in The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
The fox essentially has a dual identity in British life – often alone, often looking
like it is running scared with a thin framework and a nervous yet eye catching
disposition the fox can be found and seen both in built up areas as well as in
the country. This aspect of the fox is mostly likeable. Then the country fox can
raid chicken coops stealing eggs and killing hens and chickens and is hated for
this reason.
Our main character in this novel however is Wilf, with the fox a sidekick and
sub plot The power of community spirit is one of its aspects – flawed,
eccentric, struggling….people who look out for each other and all getting by in
their own way. Wilf enjoys taming the fox with meat he can garner through
the local people he knows and I would personally like to see more of the fox
but then he is there lurking in the background throughout with the mystique
which all foxes have.
It is not a long novel – 121 pages so you can read it in a flash. Enjoy and digest
this humorous and caring thumb nail sketch of a local London community and
its inhabitants written by a witty and observant scribe. Watch out for Richard’s
next book on the way to publication soon.

THE FOX OF KENSAL GREEN BY RICHARD TYRRELL. SALT PUBLISHERS
(established 1999) £10.99
Penny Nair Price