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Frogs for Watchdogs
After years of moving from place to place, a young family finds shelter in an isolated house in the Irish countryside. Their father is missing, Mum is a healer and B a formidable big sister. In his strange new territory, a wild little boy gives voice to his experience.
Jerry Drain, a local famer, is stealing hay from the barn, someone is making nasty phone calls to the house at night and darkness is gathering at the edges of their lives. With his ferocious imagination the boy will do everything in his power to protect his family. But Jerry will not go away and Mum seems to be falling under his spell. It will be a year of major wins and baffling defeats for the boy, as Jerry's true nature insists on revealing itself.
Dark, funny, tender and raw, Frogs for Watchdogs thrums with the intensity of childhood. Above all, it is an ode to the blended the bewildering joy, wary safety and profound new bonds of love.
Jerry Drain, a local famer, is stealing hay from the barn, someone is making nasty phone calls to the house at night and darkness is gathering at the edges of their lives. With his ferocious imagination the boy will do everything in his power to protect his family. But Jerry will not go away and Mum seems to be falling under his spell. It will be a year of major wins and baffling defeats for the boy, as Jerry's true nature insists on revealing itself.
Dark, funny, tender and raw, Frogs for Watchdogs thrums with the intensity of childhood. Above all, it is an ode to the blended the bewildering joy, wary safety and profound new bonds of love.
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Published February 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 14, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉
Absolutely brimming with all the charm of an impish child. Frogs for Watchdogs is an absolute masterpiece, written in a beautifully executed script, we journey with a little boy whose world is changing in front of his very eyes. So he does what all children do, he escapes to fairytales, but not all tales come alive like the boys do and not all little boys know how to get rid of a man like Jerry Drain.
A stunning insight into the mind of a child learning to accept a step parent, the reeling against it the slow acceptance and ending with the nearest thing to family you can get.
I particularly loved the little snippets from Jerry himself. We forget that it’s equally hard on the new adult.
Touching, heartfelt, darkly funny and lyrically beautiful! I loved it!
The narration was first class.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Absolutely brimming with all the charm of an impish child. Frogs for Watchdogs is an absolute masterpiece, written in a beautifully executed script, we journey with a little boy whose world is changing in front of his very eyes. So he does what all children do, he escapes to fairytales, but not all tales come alive like the boys do and not all little boys know how to get rid of a man like Jerry Drain.
A stunning insight into the mind of a child learning to accept a step parent, the reeling against it the slow acceptance and ending with the nearest thing to family you can get.
I particularly loved the little snippets from Jerry himself. We forget that it’s equally hard on the new adult.
Touching, heartfelt, darkly funny and lyrically beautiful! I loved it!
The narration was first class.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
February 17, 2025
ALC review
Told from the perspective of a young boy, a family lives a simple live in the Irish countryside plagued by looming threats. One being a local farmer Jerry Drain who the boy detests for stealing hay, and his mother refuses to take this threat seriously. As the story unfolds Jerry becomes closer to the family and the bout feels compelled to protect them at any costs in the absence of his father.
This book offers a unique narrative perspective which is a lot of fun and I think the author did a great job of observing the world from that characters lens. There is also an occasional Jerry POV chapter which weren’t totally necessary but I enjoyed some of them. I think it contrasted well against the unreliable narrator but I could take or leave it. Audiobook note - multiple narrators is all well and good (and they both did a great job) but pleaseeeee make sure all narrators speak at the same pace, I hate having to constantly change playback speed when I’m in the zone and then one narrator talks significantly faster than the other.
This book does a great job of building the environment through the eyes of a child and it definitely gives you a rural vibe. All characters had interesting traits and there were was great suspense that you don’t always see in literary fiction. This book just took a long time to grip me and I even considered not finishing a couple times throughout the first half. I was engrossed by the end but I wish it didn’t have such a slow start.
Told from the perspective of a young boy, a family lives a simple live in the Irish countryside plagued by looming threats. One being a local farmer Jerry Drain who the boy detests for stealing hay, and his mother refuses to take this threat seriously. As the story unfolds Jerry becomes closer to the family and the bout feels compelled to protect them at any costs in the absence of his father.
This book offers a unique narrative perspective which is a lot of fun and I think the author did a great job of observing the world from that characters lens. There is also an occasional Jerry POV chapter which weren’t totally necessary but I enjoyed some of them. I think it contrasted well against the unreliable narrator but I could take or leave it. Audiobook note - multiple narrators is all well and good (and they both did a great job) but pleaseeeee make sure all narrators speak at the same pace, I hate having to constantly change playback speed when I’m in the zone and then one narrator talks significantly faster than the other.
This book does a great job of building the environment through the eyes of a child and it definitely gives you a rural vibe. All characters had interesting traits and there were was great suspense that you don’t always see in literary fiction. This book just took a long time to grip me and I even considered not finishing a couple times throughout the first half. I was engrossed by the end but I wish it didn’t have such a slow start.
January 14, 2026
After years of moving from place to place a young family finally finds peace in an isolated home in the Irish countryside.
With his father missing, his big sister B is at boarding school, the boy narrator is oftrn left to his own devices. But now his mother (known locally for her natural remedies) has struck up a friendship with "Jerry Drain", who rents fields to farm next to their home and the boy needs things to change.
This wild little boy narrates the novel as he tries to come to terms with Jerry's sudden arrival in their lives. He is positive Jerry is the one stealing their hay and terrorising his mother. But, if that's the case then why does his mother keep inviting Jerry into the house? It is up to him to "deal with" the problem of Jerry Drain.
It is the story of a child coming to terms with his mother's new relationship and his reactions are quite shocking to begin with. And whilst the narration by the boy adds a new dimension to the novel it fell a little flat for me in the final third. A good premise that lost its way a little.
Thankyou to Netgalley and John Murray Press for the digital review copy.
With his father missing, his big sister B is at boarding school, the boy narrator is oftrn left to his own devices. But now his mother (known locally for her natural remedies) has struck up a friendship with "Jerry Drain", who rents fields to farm next to their home and the boy needs things to change.
This wild little boy narrates the novel as he tries to come to terms with Jerry's sudden arrival in their lives. He is positive Jerry is the one stealing their hay and terrorising his mother. But, if that's the case then why does his mother keep inviting Jerry into the house? It is up to him to "deal with" the problem of Jerry Drain.
It is the story of a child coming to terms with his mother's new relationship and his reactions are quite shocking to begin with. And whilst the narration by the boy adds a new dimension to the novel it fell a little flat for me in the final third. A good premise that lost its way a little.
Thankyou to Netgalley and John Murray Press for the digital review copy.
December 7, 2025
A short book which I enjoyed.
I’ve recently read this for Netgalley though it’s already available in my local library.
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age novel. Sean Farrell captures the young boy’s voice beautifully. It made me laugh but also anxious for his mum and sister. Jerry Drain (brilliant name) cut a menacing figure in the story. Brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I’ve recently read this for Netgalley though it’s already available in my local library.
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age novel. Sean Farrell captures the young boy’s voice beautifully. It made me laugh but also anxious for his mum and sister. Jerry Drain (brilliant name) cut a menacing figure in the story. Brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 13, 2025
i’m not usually drawn to stories from the perspective of children, however this one was a very good book
it feels heartfelt, tender and full of curiosity
it feels heartfelt, tender and full of curiosity
July 17, 2025
"Frogs for Watchdogs" is a fantastic book about a young boy using his imagination to understand his world and deal with family changes. Sean Farrell really draws you in with his narrative style and the perspective he takes.
February 16, 2025
If you go just by literature, Ireland is one of the worst places to be as a child. Probably the weight of history, but Sean Farrell's Irish village story has a sense of disaster all through despite having the heart in the right place.
The story set in the farm house has only a handful of characters. Told from the POV of the youngest wild boy who is trying to protect his family after his Irish father disappears on them. There is a neighbor Jerry Drain, whose intentions he doesn't trust and marks him his enemy. The mother is a healer and the sister is in boarding school. And there is an old neighbor who is the boy's confidant.
The book is scarily dark and yet funny and tender in places. A child who thinks he is a grown-up is such an universal truth. What does a child do when he thinks the adults don't get it? We have been there and the author gives voice to the thought process. Except he also does act on it giving you a thriller and mystery as well.
Interspersed by the POV Mr.Drain, we also see the intent and the evolving dynamics. A nicely written book that joins the long list of Irish tradition. The narrator too has done a fantastic job in building the mood for the book.
Thank you Netgalley and Bolinda audio for the ARC of this book.
The story set in the farm house has only a handful of characters. Told from the POV of the youngest wild boy who is trying to protect his family after his Irish father disappears on them. There is a neighbor Jerry Drain, whose intentions he doesn't trust and marks him his enemy. The mother is a healer and the sister is in boarding school. And there is an old neighbor who is the boy's confidant.
The book is scarily dark and yet funny and tender in places. A child who thinks he is a grown-up is such an universal truth. What does a child do when he thinks the adults don't get it? We have been there and the author gives voice to the thought process. Except he also does act on it giving you a thriller and mystery as well.
Interspersed by the POV Mr.Drain, we also see the intent and the evolving dynamics. A nicely written book that joins the long list of Irish tradition. The narrator too has done a fantastic job in building the mood for the book.
Thank you Netgalley and Bolinda audio for the ARC of this book.
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July 23, 2025Told from the viewpoint of a seven-year-old boy this is a wonderful look at rural Irish life. There are some real laugh out loud moments & plenty of heartfelt scenarios too. Clever, witty & realistic, I didn’t want this lovely novel to end.
April 4, 2025
The boy's voice is done exceptionally well,but the story drags a lot,and ends up being very boring.
July 13, 2025
I'm not really sure what to write about this book.
While it's undoubtedly cleverly written from the point of view of the child, it's very slow going, and I found the first half a struggle to get through.
I know this book has received excellent reviews, but I don't think it was for me.
While it's undoubtedly cleverly written from the point of view of the child, it's very slow going, and I found the first half a struggle to get through.
I know this book has received excellent reviews, but I don't think it was for me.
March 6, 2025
What a strange little book. A young boy is growing up in Ireland. He watches his mother and older sister go about their lives. He watches the people in the village. He picks up the phone, and hears the threats.
The boy, who is wild and angry and sad narrates his story, shocked by the changes that are happening around him. It is hard to be young and to see your family dynamic shift when all you want is for everything to stay the same.
At first I loved this book, then I struggled, then I loved it again. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. It's hard to describe without spoiling things, but I think if you're looking for a short read then you should give this a go. The audio is also great, with two narrators, one for the boy and one for Jerry, the boy's enemy who is changing everything about his family. I think they both did a great job. Children can often find it hard to accept a new parental figure, and the brief chapters from Jerry's perspective also show how hard this can be for the adult as well. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The boy, who is wild and angry and sad narrates his story, shocked by the changes that are happening around him. It is hard to be young and to see your family dynamic shift when all you want is for everything to stay the same.
At first I loved this book, then I struggled, then I loved it again. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. It's hard to describe without spoiling things, but I think if you're looking for a short read then you should give this a go. The audio is also great, with two narrators, one for the boy and one for Jerry, the boy's enemy who is changing everything about his family. I think they both did a great job. Children can often find it hard to accept a new parental figure, and the brief chapters from Jerry's perspective also show how hard this can be for the adult as well. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2025
Frogs for Watchdogs, follows a single parent family of 3 , over a year or so I. 80's rural Ireland. The story is told through eyes of a 7 year old boy and a man Jerry/Gearoid as their lives crossover.
I am a bit conflicted about this Audiobook it was almost a did not finish for me , but I persevered and I did love the ending.
The writer had a meandering style and it did well to capture how a young child thinks especially when things aren't really explained to them, but it was over done. This was emphasised by the narration. The small snippets from Gearoid's point of view were a nice juxtaposition to the child's. More from Gearoid would have improved the book for me.
The final two-thirds of the book were beautifully done, and told a very common story that's not touched upon often in fiction.
Worth persevering with
I am a bit conflicted about this Audiobook it was almost a did not finish for me , but I persevered and I did love the ending.
The writer had a meandering style and it did well to capture how a young child thinks especially when things aren't really explained to them, but it was over done. This was emphasised by the narration. The small snippets from Gearoid's point of view were a nice juxtaposition to the child's. More from Gearoid would have improved the book for me.
The final two-thirds of the book were beautifully done, and told a very common story that's not touched upon often in fiction.
Worth persevering with
February 12, 2025
Wasn't sure what to expect but a hugely satisfying read now that I'm done. Almost the entire story is in the ragged little voice of the son, the boy who has landed up in a farmhouse in Ireland with a disappeared dad and a mother who makes ' cures' and is loving if a bit distant. His mind is full of suspicion and fear which really comes across, and then there's Jerry / Gearoid who he sees as the neighbouring interloper. We hear little bits from Jerry, which add a different dimension to the narrative, indeed to the truth.
As time goes on, the voice alters as the plot develops - so clever. You read other voices, but through our boyo's head. Loved it!
As time goes on, the voice alters as the plot develops - so clever. You read other voices, but through our boyo's head. Loved it!
March 6, 2025
Picked this up in Dublin because I wanted an Irish book from Ireland and so glad I did. Really lovely charming writing. Loved it being from the young boy’s perspective (Douglas Stuart vibes) and the prose with the lack of speech marks/bad grammar etc. Probs a 3.8 ⭐️, not quite 4 but definitely closer than 3.
February 20, 2025
This is the best book I have read in a while. I love that there is no distraction of sub plots; the world is limited to the everyday reality and concerns of a child. The child's voice is utterly convincing: the best child POV I have read since Room by Emma Donoghue.
Reader: do not delay.
Reader: do not delay.
January 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
I had the audiobook of this debut rural Irish literary fiction of a young boy telling the story of his family’s life. Read by Ciaran O’Brien and Brendan Dempsey who do a good job.
We get the story told from the 7 year old boy’s perspective and also get little snippets from Jerry, a farmer who enters their lives.
The language used mixes the boys own stilted matter of fact language, with sentences that he has obviously picked up and regurgitated from adults which made me smile. We get the family history in the form of stories told to the boy from his big sister B.
It’s heartwarming even if it had a slightly dark undertone to it at one point, but I couldn’t help but like our nameless boy with a wild streak. I’m not sure why he was left nameless.
I really felt for Jerry who is so hard working, and really trying, what a lovely guy, he melted my heart.
It’s a lovely quick easy listen, I recommend giving it a try. Although do try the sample first in case you don’t gel with the writing style.
I still don’t know the relevance of the title, and not convinced about it. There was a minor point that wasn’t addressed (unless I missed it)
I had the audiobook of this debut rural Irish literary fiction of a young boy telling the story of his family’s life. Read by Ciaran O’Brien and Brendan Dempsey who do a good job.
We get the story told from the 7 year old boy’s perspective and also get little snippets from Jerry, a farmer who enters their lives.
The language used mixes the boys own stilted matter of fact language, with sentences that he has obviously picked up and regurgitated from adults which made me smile. We get the family history in the form of stories told to the boy from his big sister B.
It’s heartwarming even if it had a slightly dark undertone to it at one point, but I couldn’t help but like our nameless boy with a wild streak. I’m not sure why he was left nameless.
I really felt for Jerry who is so hard working, and really trying, what a lovely guy, he melted my heart.
It’s a lovely quick easy listen, I recommend giving it a try. Although do try the sample first in case you don’t gel with the writing style.
I still don’t know the relevance of the title, and not convinced about it. There was a minor point that wasn’t addressed (unless I missed it)
February 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up
I absolutely loved the premise of this book as it's rare to read / listen to something in a fictional sense from a child perspective unless it involves abuse, sadly.
This book manages to give the view of a young boy who is trying to understand life and who and why this man has appeared in their family life along with all that growing up entails. He really doesn't like Jerry and just wants his dad back, with his mum being a healer and making various potions for people to help their ailments he is often sent on errands to deliver them living in the countryside.
He decided that he could just amend the dose he is to tell Jerry to take and see what happens, this is just one example of how a child's mind works in trying to navigate having someone around that they can't understand or voice anything about although there were no actual problems with Jerry infact he was extremely helpful to his mum with the lambs etc however Jerry wasn't his dad and he was someone who was coming into the family that simply seemed to just appear and not leave!
I usually always love the Irish accent however the narration on this one I found a little harder than most I think it was a timing thing tbh just trying to get my head in the space of putting together the plot with the understanding this was effectively a child (although it wasnt)
With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ELC. Best wishes for publication. I'm sure this will do well.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book as it's rare to read / listen to something in a fictional sense from a child perspective unless it involves abuse, sadly.
This book manages to give the view of a young boy who is trying to understand life and who and why this man has appeared in their family life along with all that growing up entails. He really doesn't like Jerry and just wants his dad back, with his mum being a healer and making various potions for people to help their ailments he is often sent on errands to deliver them living in the countryside.
He decided that he could just amend the dose he is to tell Jerry to take and see what happens, this is just one example of how a child's mind works in trying to navigate having someone around that they can't understand or voice anything about although there were no actual problems with Jerry infact he was extremely helpful to his mum with the lambs etc however Jerry wasn't his dad and he was someone who was coming into the family that simply seemed to just appear and not leave!
I usually always love the Irish accent however the narration on this one I found a little harder than most I think it was a timing thing tbh just trying to get my head in the space of putting together the plot with the understanding this was effectively a child (although it wasnt)
With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ELC. Best wishes for publication. I'm sure this will do well.
November 19, 2025
I fell into this book, charmed by the small boy narrator, my head making his Irish accent. I loved the countryside life, the single mum struggles, the wise older sister, and the elderly neighbour friend of the boy. And the boy felt real, which is always difficult to capture I think, but I totally believed in his character. I also enjoyed the darker side to the story (and felt very anxious for many chapters), and that added mystery/suspense side added a lot to the story, making the final, gentle slow approaching finale hit home with a bigger impact. It does meander, as a tale, and it doesn't get anywhere quickly, but if you're in the right mood for that then it's just perfect.
With thanks to the publishers, and to Net Galley, for my copy.
With thanks to the publishers, and to Net Galley, for my copy.
January 8, 2026
Frogs for Watchdogs is an engaging coming‑of‑age story told through the eyes of a spirited seven‑year‑old boy. The child's narrative voice is distinctive. Farrell captures the unfiltered stream of consciousness of childhood - the playful perspective, naivety and leaps in logics - which is at turns endearing and infuriating. The characterisation is equally effective; even though the adults appear larger than life in the child's eyes, the reader still picks up on the strong emotional undercurrents.
It's a small story, but a thoughtful one, with a quiet emotional pull. Charming, well‑observed, and told with confidence, Frogs for Watchdogs is a memorable read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
It's a small story, but a thoughtful one, with a quiet emotional pull. Charming, well‑observed, and told with confidence, Frogs for Watchdogs is a memorable read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 6, 2026
I went into this completely blind and listened to it on BorrowBox not knowing the storyline at all. At first I found the concept genuinely interesting as the story is told through a young child’s understanding of adult conversations & phrases he overhears. The misunderstandings of these are clever & made me smile at times But honestly… I struggled. There’s only so many misunderstandings you can hear before you start to roll your eyes. A whole book filtered through a young child’s perspective is a lot. At times it felt endless and I kept waiting for it to shift or mature but it just keeps going over & over. While I did eventually come to care & I can absolutely appreciate the skill involved this way of telling a story just isn’t for me over a full novel.
March 2, 2025
A coming of age story told from the perspective of a young Irish boy.
Having grown up in the countryside surrounded by only his mum and sister, we watch as the main character strives to find a variety of methods to stabilise his life amongst a whole host of change.
Moving from childish innocence and belief in magic to murderous intentions, we see the young boy slowly come to terms with the most threatening of changes, ahead of the largest one...joining his sister at boarding school.
Excellently narrated, the audiobook captures the tone and pacing of the novel perfectly.
Having grown up in the countryside surrounded by only his mum and sister, we watch as the main character strives to find a variety of methods to stabilise his life amongst a whole host of change.
Moving from childish innocence and belief in magic to murderous intentions, we see the young boy slowly come to terms with the most threatening of changes, ahead of the largest one...joining his sister at boarding school.
Excellently narrated, the audiobook captures the tone and pacing of the novel perfectly.
February 1, 2025
I know a lot of kids, and now I'm wondering are they all this wild in their own heads?
This guy is funny, smart, a little bit dark, and a bit of a worry.
It's one of those books that work so well as audio. I felt I got to know our guy far better having him talk to me.
I had a lot of sympathy for Jerry... he seemed like a good honest hard working guy.
I have a lot of warmth for the whole family.
An excellent listen.
This guy is funny, smart, a little bit dark, and a bit of a worry.
It's one of those books that work so well as audio. I felt I got to know our guy far better having him talk to me.
I had a lot of sympathy for Jerry... he seemed like a good honest hard working guy.
I have a lot of warmth for the whole family.
An excellent listen.
January 4, 2026
As a child of a fatherless childhood I can relate to some aspects of this book especially seeing a new man entering it and changing the dynamic within the house where me and my sister were in. I liked the perspective of a child because it makes it a lot more fun and innocent which makes it more interesting than an older person going through something like this. This was a delight to experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
If you want something different, this is the book for you. Written from a child's perspective, a coming of age story based in rural Ireland and set in the late 80's.
I enjoyed this book, although I kept waiting for something to happen and it didn't. It was funny and I liked the writing style but would have liked some more drama
I enjoyed this book, although I kept waiting for something to happen and it didn't. It was funny and I liked the writing style but would have liked some more drama
July 3, 2025
when we harp on & on about childhood trauma and injustice how refreshing to listen to frogs as watchdogs. We all could do with a Jerry Drain in our lives…..
October 21, 2025
Can be a little hard to follow at times as written from tgr perspective of a young Irish boy
November 22, 2025
Honestly just so so special. Such an incredible achievement to write so convincingly from the perspective of a child. Loved.
January 19, 2026
lovely read, with a great warmth to the characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
3.5
Charming and well-written, overall I very much enjoyed this book. I think it was a great approximation of the mind/lived experience of a child. Plus a great portrait of life in Ireland for this family at the time.
For me, sometimes the narrator’s voice became frustrating, as children often are for adults. And the persistent hatred for Jerry became tiresome for me after a certain point. However, this is a matter of preference rather than a reflection on the author’s ability.
Charming and well-written, overall I very much enjoyed this book. I think it was a great approximation of the mind/lived experience of a child. Plus a great portrait of life in Ireland for this family at the time.
For me, sometimes the narrator’s voice became frustrating, as children often are for adults. And the persistent hatred for Jerry became tiresome for me after a certain point. However, this is a matter of preference rather than a reflection on the author’s ability.
July 6, 2025
I was in a writing group with two authors who write books that are aimed at children. Their skill at transforming words into rhythms, and shapes that sound fun when spoken aloud is dazzling. I never really know what feedback to offer them when they read because I don’t have kids and have no idea what they want or need.
With this in mind, I came to Frogs for Watchdogs by Seán Farrell a little dubious because the book is written from the perspective of an 8 year old boy. His Irish father has abandoned the family and the lad lives with his English mother and older sister in insecure accommodation. The trio move to an idyllic and isolated farmhouse in rural Ireland which the mother (who is also a healer) takes as a challenge to prove that she can survive and the children take as the start of an adventure.
Far from being a Swallows and Amazons type tale of derring do and middle class manners, Frogs for Watchdogs breaks digs into the details and obsessions that can rattle around a young mind. As grown ups we dismiss the thoughts we had as kids and and reject them as silly. Like a book that you reject after the first chapter these ideas are reduced and cast aside as incomplete and foolish. The fullness of what was thought is forgotten and Farrell’s writing reminds us how, as children, we craft detailed, multi-faceted stories to explain the world.
As grown ups we forget them and remember instead the stories that were told to us by adults - thunder is caused be the clouds banging together, the tooth fairy or Father Christmas. But what happens to the stories we create ourselves? Are they still tucked away dormant in our brains?
The young boy creates a detailed murder plans for local farm worker Jerry Drain who he sees capturing some of his mother’s affections.
If the crows call two times I'll kill him. But if they only call once then he lives. Crows don’t make birdsong, they speak out and if you listen hard it’s either a double or single call they end with. They’ll tell me if today is the day. When he comes his engine will be louder than the crows, but I’ll listen and I’ll know what to do.
The place to stab is in the neck straight away. I’ll land on the roof behind the cab. He won’t know I’m there, and when he climbs out, he won’t have time to look left or right afor I’m on top of him.
The plans fails and the last is discovered by his sister. It is this discovery that fixes the thought; when the story is remembered jointly it become a memory - ‘Do you remember when you were a kid and tried to murder Jerry Drain?’ Or maybe his sister (and Jerry Drain), will remember it more than the boy and when, as an adult, he is faced with their questions about his plan, he may no longer recall it.
There is a song by Argentinean singer Diego Torres called Donde Van which means ‘where do they go.’
Dónde van las luces que no duermen
Y las palabras que
Nunca llegaron al papel
Roughly ‘where do they go, the lights that don’t sleep, and the words that never make it to the paper.’
Frogs for Watchdogs could be considered a cautionary tale about the damage caused to young lives by careless adults. But more it is a celebration of the imaginative power we all have when we are young, the power to create stories that explain our world. Where does that skill go? Like the lights that don’t sleep and the words that never make it to the paper.
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With this in mind, I came to Frogs for Watchdogs by Seán Farrell a little dubious because the book is written from the perspective of an 8 year old boy. His Irish father has abandoned the family and the lad lives with his English mother and older sister in insecure accommodation. The trio move to an idyllic and isolated farmhouse in rural Ireland which the mother (who is also a healer) takes as a challenge to prove that she can survive and the children take as the start of an adventure.
Far from being a Swallows and Amazons type tale of derring do and middle class manners, Frogs for Watchdogs breaks digs into the details and obsessions that can rattle around a young mind. As grown ups we dismiss the thoughts we had as kids and and reject them as silly. Like a book that you reject after the first chapter these ideas are reduced and cast aside as incomplete and foolish. The fullness of what was thought is forgotten and Farrell’s writing reminds us how, as children, we craft detailed, multi-faceted stories to explain the world.
As grown ups we forget them and remember instead the stories that were told to us by adults - thunder is caused be the clouds banging together, the tooth fairy or Father Christmas. But what happens to the stories we create ourselves? Are they still tucked away dormant in our brains?
The young boy creates a detailed murder plans for local farm worker Jerry Drain who he sees capturing some of his mother’s affections.
If the crows call two times I'll kill him. But if they only call once then he lives. Crows don’t make birdsong, they speak out and if you listen hard it’s either a double or single call they end with. They’ll tell me if today is the day. When he comes his engine will be louder than the crows, but I’ll listen and I’ll know what to do.
The place to stab is in the neck straight away. I’ll land on the roof behind the cab. He won’t know I’m there, and when he climbs out, he won’t have time to look left or right afor I’m on top of him.
The plans fails and the last is discovered by his sister. It is this discovery that fixes the thought; when the story is remembered jointly it become a memory - ‘Do you remember when you were a kid and tried to murder Jerry Drain?’ Or maybe his sister (and Jerry Drain), will remember it more than the boy and when, as an adult, he is faced with their questions about his plan, he may no longer recall it.
There is a song by Argentinean singer Diego Torres called Donde Van which means ‘where do they go.’
Dónde van las luces que no duermen
Y las palabras que
Nunca llegaron al papel
Roughly ‘where do they go, the lights that don’t sleep, and the words that never make it to the paper.’
Frogs for Watchdogs could be considered a cautionary tale about the damage caused to young lives by careless adults. But more it is a celebration of the imaginative power we all have when we are young, the power to create stories that explain our world. Where does that skill go? Like the lights that don’t sleep and the words that never make it to the paper.
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