The Balaclava Boy
Richard Parkyn
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Buy NowWhy I wrote this book
Matador author Richard Parkyn is celebrating after his self-published children’s book The Balaclava Boy scooped Cornwall’s prestigious Holyer An Gof children’s prize.
Richard was presented with a trophy by the Grand Bard Mrs Vanessa Beesman at an award ceremony, held at Waterstone’s Bookshop in Truro on Thursday 9th July. He also recieved a £50 donation to a Cornish charity of his choice – The Cornwall Children’s Hospital Appeal.
It’s one of a number of book prizes awarded by Gorseth Council, to promote an interest in ‘all things Cornish’.
Synopsis
‘I can honestly say that I was so scared I thought my legs had fallen off with fear. That thing was just too close, too big and too repulsive. And as for the smell…
I’m Jack - a farmer’s son from Cornwall. Not one of those huge rich farms, just a small one. Me, my brother and sister always had to help – mucking out the cowsheds, getting in the hay – that kind of thing.
I can be a bit of a dreamer sometimes; I’m into comic books, myths and legends, hero stuff and sci-fi. And of course Star Wars (I do a pretty good Lightsaber impression).
Anyway, like a lot of things, the reality of what’s happened to me was a whole lot different to the stories. I was tricked into it and next thing I know, there’s a bloody great giant standing in front of me. That’s when it all changed.’
Jack the Giant Killer for the 21st Century. As well as frenetic action and the humour of every-day life, The Balaclava Boy tackles themes such as bullying, the ridiculousness of the tabloid media and bad breath.
Reviews
Troubador’s Managing Director Jeremy Thompson said, “I’m thrilled that The Balaclava Boy has been selected for this award and offer Richard my sincerest congratulations. And of course, from Matador’s point of view it’s another feather in the cap for self-publishing, and proves once again that quality self-published books can more than hold their own against their mainstream counterparts.”About the Author
Richard Parkyn was brought up on a farm on Bodmin Moor, the youngest of five children. He wentto London to become a rock star and ended up working at a design and print company. After moving to Wiltshire and working in a bookshop for a year, he went back to London via Los Angeles. It was there that writing eventually took over from music, though he will probably never give up the rock star dream.
Book info
Genres
Format
Paperback
272 pages pages
Author
Richard Parkyn
Publisher
Troubador Publishing
Publication date
3rd November 2008
ISBN
9781848760158
