In an interview with the Guardian last year, author Charlie Mackesy says that each of the four characters in his bestselling novel represent different elements: “the inquisitive boy, the mole who’s enthusiastic but a bit greedy, the fox who’s been hurt so is withdrawn from life, slow to trust but wants to be part of things, and the horse who’s the wisest bit, the deepest part of you, the soul.”

What we have then, is a series of linked vignettes between the four characters as they muse about life, love and in Mole’s case: cake! Being really honest, I’m a plot fiend so this set up caught me off guard as we have a series of moments, rather than a plot driven story; these moments often revolve around a question, a meeting between characters, and so on. Once I got used to that, I found it to be a really easy breezy type read, it didn’t take me long at all and it’s accompanied by some beautiful illustrations!

As the narrative is more a collection of moments, what I found was that I was definitely drawn to and affected by some sentiments moreso than others: my favourite was all four characters together watching the moon with the caption be curious. That just really spoke to and struck a chord with me, making me smile! That being said, I understand completely how others might find themselves drawn to others, especially those exchanges between the horse and the boy, for example:

“What’s the brav>est thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy

“Help,” said the horse”.

I know many, including people in my life that will find strength and solace in Mackesy’s words and the world he’s created for these pages here, and I definitely took some time to reflect on instances in my life where the horse’s wisdom has touched on truths, even if it didn’t have quite the evocative, emotional resonance with me as it may offer to others. I suppose that’s the power of books like this and more generally: we all take different things from reading and within how we interpret things. If I was feeling especially low, this book is one I’d turn to if I needed a “comforting hug” of a read (the world could always do with more kindness and optimism!) but I know that it’s not one I see myself returning regularly to: I prefer plot and being able to invest myself in characters and relationships over longer periods.

That in mind, the characters also struck me as a bit of a mixed bag. I loved Mole’s humour – his quips made me smile, especially the time when he brings the boy cake but has eaten all of it, and adored Fox who actually doesn’t get to say much but when he does contribute it really got to me – I think I see a lot of myself in Fox, I sometimes find it hard to open up to people and definitely prefer to listen, rather than talk! Otherwise, I felt as though there was potential wasted: horse seems to have an interesting backstory we never fully hear about – what made him so wise? Was Fox always so jaded, and so on. When they all come together, you definitely appreciate what the author wanted to achieve, but on their own they feel sadly underdeveloped, and don’t really distinguish themselves from each other because the writing style never changes, and I think a trick is missed by the fact the boy feels very “adult” in his responses given that he is seemingly supposed to represent curiosity and innocence.

For my first foray into the graphic novel genre, I’d definitely say that my appetite has been whetted and I’d like to try more. It was also great to have finally read something I’d been hearing so much about, even though ultimately it just wan’t my cup of tea!