Reviews
A review of SWIFTLY as featured in 'Houndsight' the news magazine for
Adopt-A-Greyhound of Central Canada.
Swiftly By
Michael Maguire
Publisher: The Book Guild, Ltd. £10-95 UK, $34.95 Canada, $23.00 US
Reviewed by Joan
Dillon
Enchanting!
Magical! Unforgettable! These are just a few of the impressions that come to
mind after reading the new English greyhound novel Swiftly. Aimed at the young
adult market, Swiftly is a wonderful read for children as young as ten and just
about anyone else (no matter what their age) who loves greyhounds.
The story takes place in England. Horsethieves are operating in the Devon
area. When they steal "Mr. Rafferty," a horse belonging to an Irish
gypsy, they find themselves with a most unexpected adversary - Degsey, the
gypsy's greyhound. Injured in her first encounter with the horsethieves, Degsey
joins forces with the staff and volunteers of a local animal shelter. The action
continues non-stop until the horsethieves are caught in a most surprising and
imaginative ending. Mr Maguire is an artist with words and I could visualise
every twist and turn of the plot as it developed.
Swiftly is an enchanting story and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I
also understand that a sequel is in the works and can hardly wait. Although
Swiftly is published in England, greyhound lovers in other countries have
managed to track it down. Following are a few comments left on an UK website:
"It was a classic read and I had trouble
putting it down. Now I cannot wait to share Swiftly with my class this
year." Kate Fulton (teacher),
Calgary, AB, Canada "My
mom bought this book on a visit to England. It had "mistry" and
enchantment and we've now named our new rescued greyhound Degsey."
James Langton (age 11), Reno, NV, USA "I
know the story is meant for young people but I enjoyed every clever twist and
turn of the plot. My grandson got his book, albeit 2 weeks late!" D.S.
Stafford, Aberdeen, Scotland "Parents,
students and teachers alike will derive pleasure from reading this book. Read it
aloud to your kids. They will thank you for it when they get older and probably
read it to kids of their own."
Peter Jacobs, Chicago, IL, USA "It
is fun. It is wonderful. Read it!" Sandra
Evans, Coventry, England