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Bracken
Jake Farrant, a terminally ill journalist, abandons his high-pressure career in London for a small cottage in Gloucestershire and learns to accept and appreciate nature, life, and death from Bracken, a mysterious gypsy boy
- GenresFiction
253 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Webster
71 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Want to read
January 5, 2015Just read the condensed version in Readers digest. My husband read it and said I would like. I started reading it last night and this morning I couldn't put it down until it was finished. It is absolutely wonderful and I'm looking forward to reading more of Elizabeths books.
April 12, 2010
This is an interesting story about a man with terminal leukemia learning how to live. A famous reporter, when Jake Farrant learns of his illness he leaves his job and retreats to the English countryside to see through the last of his days in peace and quiet. But in the rented Gloucestershire cottage, Jake finds new dimensions to a life quickly slipping away from him. With the endless enthusiasm of nearby Gypsy boy Bracken and the caring of a community he hardly knows, Jake finds a different peace than he expected, and very little quiet. Reminiscent of Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, the story is full of nature's small wonders and the beauty of everyday things, while culture clashes, a headstrong child, and a body's betrayal add tension to the mix. Though not always subtle, Webster manages to inspire and offer insight on a difficult topic. I found this a very pleasant read finished in just two sittings.
January 16, 2018
I have been searching for this book for years. It is very difficult to obtain, but if you can, it is so worth the read.
One day, Jake enters his office to resign from his position. His boss refuses to accept the resignation, but knows that there is more to the story than Jake is revealing. As Jake leaves, he is joined by his friends for a drink, but he reveals nothing more than he needs some time off. Bob and Manny notice the tell-tale pallor of their friend, but say nothing of it. Bob tells Jake he can stay at his sister's cottage. The three part ways, but Bob and Manny are more than concerned.
At the cottage, Jake meets Bracken, a gypsy boy, who changes his life. Together the unlikely pair forge a deep and meaningful friendship. Despite his youth, Bracken sees much deeper than even those closest to Jake know.
A wonderful story of friendship, love, life, death, and beyond.
One day, Jake enters his office to resign from his position. His boss refuses to accept the resignation, but knows that there is more to the story than Jake is revealing. As Jake leaves, he is joined by his friends for a drink, but he reveals nothing more than he needs some time off. Bob and Manny notice the tell-tale pallor of their friend, but say nothing of it. Bob tells Jake he can stay at his sister's cottage. The three part ways, but Bob and Manny are more than concerned.
At the cottage, Jake meets Bracken, a gypsy boy, who changes his life. Together the unlikely pair forge a deep and meaningful friendship. Despite his youth, Bracken sees much deeper than even those closest to Jake know.
A wonderful story of friendship, love, life, death, and beyond.
May 12, 2010
Very moving story about a man dying learns how to live.
April 7, 2011
Probably one of the top five books I've ever read. I loved it. Now was the season for me to read this book, thanks to my best friend Linda.
March 28, 2013
It was a book where you fall in love with the English country.
Gives you hope, that life ends, soul lives eternally.
Gives you hope, that life ends, soul lives eternally.
July 1, 2025
This book beautifully explores our forgotten bond with nature—the deep sense of oneness we often overlook in our busy lives. It highlights how simple joys, found in quiet moments and in the company of animals, can ground us and fill us with a happiness so genuine that it radiates outward, touching everyone around us. The book shows how being close to creatures beyond human company brings out the truest, most joyful version of ourselves.
I especially loved how Bracken, in his own quiet way, brings comfort and joy to the man in his final days. The sense of community in the countryside—the warmth, selflessness, and genuine care of people living close to nature—is beautifully portrayed. It's a kind of connection that feels rare in the modern world.
The ending was also deeply moving. I had expected a tragic, helpless death, but instead, Jake’s passing—while trying to save the kestrel’s mate—felt almost heroic. It gave a sense of closure and peace, turning what could have been a sorrowful moment into something meaningful and beautiful.
I especially loved how Bracken, in his own quiet way, brings comfort and joy to the man in his final days. The sense of community in the countryside—the warmth, selflessness, and genuine care of people living close to nature—is beautifully portrayed. It's a kind of connection that feels rare in the modern world.
The ending was also deeply moving. I had expected a tragic, helpless death, but instead, Jake’s passing—while trying to save the kestrel’s mate—felt almost heroic. It gave a sense of closure and peace, turning what could have been a sorrowful moment into something meaningful and beautiful.
May 4, 2024
A nuanced and thoughtful story very typical of Elizabeth Webster who writes with such care, compassion and understanding in her work, which is why I enjoy her books and collect them. In this story, Jake, a retired news correspondent facing a terminal illness leaves the frantic world of journalism to quietly reflect on his life and prepare for his final days. However, into his life arrives Bracken, an astute and wise gypsy lad who awakens in Jake a love and appreciation for the natural world and the beautiful wildlife of the English countryside that begin to fill his world and his days with wonder and joy. This is a beautiful read, full of the redemptive quality of the natural world and about the quiet tranquility of friendship and acceptance.
December 6, 2025
Can read in a weekend.
Fairly basic book - most of us know the beauty of nature - but always good to be reminded to appreciate it. Knowing our place in the role and how we fit in and friendship in the most unlikely of places.
I’ve read many times better books but it was quick and easy and you’ll probably remember it (which is more than a lot of books !)
Fairly basic book - most of us know the beauty of nature - but always good to be reminded to appreciate it. Knowing our place in the role and how we fit in and friendship in the most unlikely of places.
I’ve read many times better books but it was quick and easy and you’ll probably remember it (which is more than a lot of books !)
March 5, 2024
This id the first book-
A gentle story of the last few months of a man’s life and how he was befriended by a gipsy boy. ( Bracken)
There’s is mention of Bracken wishing to become a very, but it doesn’t seem likely. I will be interested to find the next book.
A gentle story of the last few months of a man’s life and how he was befriended by a gipsy boy. ( Bracken)
There’s is mention of Bracken wishing to become a very, but it doesn’t seem likely. I will be interested to find the next book.
April 7, 2024
Uma história muito bonita.
São estes os livros que nos ensinam muito.
São estes os livros que nos ensinam muito.
August 15, 2025
A heartwarming story by Elizabeth Webster in A Boy Called Bracken
More at
https://vramonline.wordpress.com/2025...
More at
https://vramonline.wordpress.com/2025...
July 3, 2012
Not bad. Well written overall. Good message and moral fiber. Requires some patience.
May 16, 2016
Just finished the condensed readers digest version. What a beautiful story of loss and acceptance. Loved it.
August 25, 2016
read the 'condensed version' in Reader's Digest. Poignant writing. The kind that is what I call 'best of British.' Beautiful descriptions, beautiful story.'
January 13, 2017
A lovely story, well written
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews