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The Nipper
The Nipper (Puffin Books) Catherine, Cookson
1 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
About the author
Catherine Cookson
452 books697 followersCatherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, who Catherine believed was her older sister. Catherine began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular contemporary woman novelist. She received an OBE in 1985, was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.
For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 4, 2020
I didn't read this book about rural poverty and coal mining in northern England while I was a child, because I was reading the Flicka and Silver Brumby books which seemed a world apart.
We're left in no doubt that during the days when the British countryside is being Enclosed, which meant that a rich landowner could prevent others from grazing animals on the land he was now claiming, labour was needed but worth little. Human or animal labour.
This is more a book for boys, but a strong woman character is present as the lad's mother. The hardy pony the Nipper, which is rideable or driveable but ends up as a pit pony, is a good character, a lot bigger and sturdier than the Shetlands you might have in mind. For this reason we learn that small children had to tug cartloads of coal along tiny tunnels to the higher-roofed chambers where the ponies could take over the work.
This is an involving and exciting story which would give a young reader a taste for reading Catherine Cookson and other social history authors. I recommend Vian Smith to see what life used to be like in Dartmoor for horses and their owners. He has also written about the Enclosures.
This is an unbiased review.
We're left in no doubt that during the days when the British countryside is being Enclosed, which meant that a rich landowner could prevent others from grazing animals on the land he was now claiming, labour was needed but worth little. Human or animal labour.
This is more a book for boys, but a strong woman character is present as the lad's mother. The hardy pony the Nipper, which is rideable or driveable but ends up as a pit pony, is a good character, a lot bigger and sturdier than the Shetlands you might have in mind. For this reason we learn that small children had to tug cartloads of coal along tiny tunnels to the higher-roofed chambers where the ponies could take over the work.
This is an involving and exciting story which would give a young reader a taste for reading Catherine Cookson and other social history authors. I recommend Vian Smith to see what life used to be like in Dartmoor for horses and their owners. He has also written about the Enclosures.
This is an unbiased review.
August 15, 2021
The Nipper is one of my all time favourites of Catherine Cookson. Everytime I read it I fall in love with it all over again. A beautiful read ☺️
February 19, 2024
One of Catherine Cookson’s best
The Nipper, written by Catherine Cookson is a wonderful tale of a boy named Sandy and his efforts to save his pony. With the mines as a backdrop, Cookson has woven a tale of intrigue and the hardships of the young and old living and working in the mines. This is truly one of her best books.
The Nipper, written by Catherine Cookson is a wonderful tale of a boy named Sandy and his efforts to save his pony. With the mines as a backdrop, Cookson has woven a tale of intrigue and the hardships of the young and old living and working in the mines. This is truly one of her best books.
April 21, 2024
I might have liked this as a kid, but it's too ameliorative for me now. Reminds me strongly of Dickens' Hard Times: the union men are extremists, all was needed was to secure the ears of the nice aristocrat.
January 25, 2026
short but sweet. exciting action, enjoyable characters, great climax and satisfying resolution. this book was one of my Christmas gift to myself, and I'm so glad of it. cookson's talent is ubiquitous in her novels.
September 11, 2010
Sad Story
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews