Jackanapes, Daddy Darwin's Dovecot and Other Stories

A collection of children's stories written in the late 19th century. The book weaves together whimsical narratives that explore themes of childhood, social dynamics, and the impact of war on community life, centering around various characters, including young Jackanapes and the villagers of Goose Green. The opening of the collection introduces Goose Green, highlighting its unique inhabitants and the peculiarities of small-town life during trying times marked by conflicts and fears concerning the French. It reveals a collective anxiety among both children and adults regarding the looming presence of ''Bony,'' a feared figure representing the external threats of war, while touching on the idiosyncrasies of the elderly residents and their memories. The reader is guided through a colorful portrayal of village life, where war is an unsettling backdrop to daily activities, relationships, and the unfolding of youthful adventures, particularly regarding the story's young protagonist, Jackanapes, who embodies the spirit of a free and adventurous child amidst societal expectations and fears.