Author Charlie Mackesy On Why His Book, ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse’ Provides Comfort in a Time of Turmoil

1. Your book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” was immensely popular when it was first released in Oct of last year. Now it’s having its second wave of popularity. Why do you think that is? Does the pandemic have something to do with it?

It was a huge shock that it was popular in October at all. Genuinely, I didn’t think it would have the reaction it did. I think it had the reaction in October mainly because it’s a vulnerable and honest dialogue about what’s important in life and maybe people felt drawn to that. I’m very flattered that they did. To be truthful I haven’t been aware of the second wave and I didn’t know it had reached some sort of cult status. The fact that I’m unaware does not mean that I am in anyway ungrateful. I think it’s lovely that people in this time are seeking solace in it. The idea that you can write a book, and it then goes on to help people in a crisis of such proportion, really moves me. We really obviously had no idea what was to come, but I’m so glad that some of these pages have managed to bring comfort in a truly frightening time.

2. Are you surprised that it’s taken on such a cult following? Why do you think that is?

I’ve been continually surprised from day one that the book has been so well received. I hear from people; they write to me and email me with their stories and experiences with reading the book. Frequently, I hear from grannies reading the book to their grandchildren in lockdown or sharing pages with each other and, somehow, I think they can share vulnerability, because the book suggests that weakness makes you strong. So possibly, the book is catalysed and helps people communicate with each other about what they fear and how much they need each other, and sometimes when it’s said in a picture or by a third party, it’s easier somehow. For me it continues to be a monumental privilege that I could have helped anyone at all in such a way.

3. What’s the message of the story? Is it for kids, adults, both?

I think what I enjoy most is when I hear from people who have interpreted the book in a way that I had not intended. They find messages in it and understand it in ways that are unique to them. I would never say there is one singular message in the book. I think obviously there is an emphasis on kindness, connection, shared vulnerability, humor, that kind of thing, and I also hope that in these times it encourages people to worry less about the storm and the big things that are out of their control and focus more on the people they really love. So maybe the message is don’t worry, and love each other. I mentioned in the introduction that the book is for anyone, whether they are eighty or eight, and what I didn’t expect was that eighty year olds would be reading it alongside their eight year old grandchildren. For me this is the dream.

4. What’s it about?

The book is about four very different characters who journey together through landscapes and through their own emotions with each other. The narrative is really a conversation rather than a series of events.

5. What do you hope readers will take away from the story?

I really hope the readers enjoy it in their own unique ways. I hear from people who seem to take very different things from it than I would have expected. If I had to answer that question directly, I hope they’d feel kinder, braver, and more hopeful.

For more information and to purchase a copy of the book, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse,” click here.

This Q&A was featured in the June 14th edition of The Sunday Paper. The Sunday Paper inspires hearts and minds to rise above the noise. To get The Sunday Paper delivered to your inbox each Sunday morning for free, click here to subscribe.