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On Elizabeth Wein's "BGHB at 50: Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay" (from 2017)

by Kitty Flynn
Jul 10, 2017 | Filed in Blogs
I love Elizabeth Wein's appreciation of Hilary McKay's Saffy's Angel, a 2002 Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book for fiction. Wein, herself the recipient of two BGHB Honors (among many other accolades), treats us not only to her perceptive thoughts about McKay's masterful family stories but also to a glimpse into her own relationship with her now college-age daughter.

Here's a sample that makes me want to be a part of their family:

"As a result of countless repetitions of the audiobook of Saffy’s Angel (read by the actress Julia Sawalha, the 'Saffy' of Absolutely Fabulous), certain lines from the book have percolated into our everyday speech and we don’t even realize we’re quoting them:

  • 'Don’t call me darling, I’m a driving instructor!' (Used whenever anyone calls you 'darling.')

  • 'You can’t just go round killing people.' (Numerous useful applications.)

  • 'POOR FOX/SHE IS CRYING' (In the context of passing any roadkill.)"


I've read Saffy's Angel and the other Casson books, but it's been awhile. I think it's time for a family reunion.

Kitty Flynn

Kitty Flynn is reviews editor for The Horn Book, Inc.

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Kitty Flynn

On point, as always!

Posted : Jul 11, 2017 04:12

Roger Sutton

You only work in a shop, you know.

Posted : Jul 11, 2017 04:05

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