No Way But Gentlenesse: A Memoir of How Kes, My Kestrel, Changed My Life

Hines was raised by a doting father and reserved mother in a blue-collar mining town that bordered England’s bucolic moors. He failed to thrive in the English school system, but he grew up filled with a self-taught love of reading and writing. Through his love of birds and passion for falconry, he was able transcend his humble beginnings and learn that there is more for him than being a miner like his dad and granddad. As his understanding of falconry grew, so did his confidence and sense of self-worth. Despite being overshadowed by his brother Barry’s literary success, Hines went on to be a successful documentary filmmaker and a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. He tells his story chronologically, interspersing autobiographical sections with tales of the birds he trained. Taking the reasons he loves hawks so much—“They have no understanding of hierarchy, of social subservience; it’s not in their make-up to be herded or controlled”—and applying them to his own life, Hines improves his standing in increments through hard work, education, travel, and love. This journey of self-discovery is captivating and inspiring, making it easy to see why Hines’s brother Barry based his classic book, A Kestrel for a Knave, on Hines’s early years. Hines sprinkles his fine narrative with quotes and lessons from Shakespeare and centuries-old falconry books. His story is grounded and uplifting, accessible yet aspirational—a pleasurable blend of conflicts that demonstrates the power of nature and the good that comes from nurturing one’s passions. (May)