"For a hundred generations the badgers of Cilgwyn had lived in harmony with nature, digging their setts and reciting their ancient lays to the young amongst the nodding bluebells and flowering blackthorn of their ancestral valley home - until a dying stranger limped into their midst.

Bamber told of the coming of men to his own home many miles away, men whose scent had inexplicably terrified him, men armed with rifles and poison gas, who had slain his beloved Dainty and were advancing yet, destroying without mercy every badger colony in their path..."

I don't usually read fantasy, preferring more down-to-earth, believable fiction. (Which is not to say that there is not quite lot of science fiction which I enjoy!) There is a lot in this book which is totally unbelievable, but there is a lot which is very lovable and much which is poignant. I shed tears a few times. I did find myself asking, quite early on, "why badgers?" and "would I enjoy this more or less if the central characters were human?" I couldn't really give myself a satisfactory answer to either question!

It is a very topical read at this time when the culling of badgers is very much in the news again. Certainly thought-provoking.

The badgers are undertaking another long journey, right round the globe to another BookCrosser who has this book on her Wishlist and was wise enough to sign up at www.RABCK.com.

Thank you jalna, what a lovely surprise!
I know what you mean - "why badgers?". I don't know anything about them really, which makes them interesting. I'm picturing it as being like Watership Down, and if it made you cry then obviously I'm right! I'll look forward to this.

Having a clear-out and trying to be realistic about what I'll ever get around to reading. Passing this on for someone else to read.