Book Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
This is a wonderful book that is filled cover to cover with wise words that mean so much.
Yes okay, I know, this isn't strictly a textbook or a self-help book, but it offers a treasure trove of therapeutic value, encouraging gentle introspection and emotional growth in an accessible and gentle format.
I first came across it during my training, when a friend gave me a card which had a quote from the book in it:
> "Sometimes" said the horse.
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> "Sometimes what?" asked the boy.
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> "Sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent".
Essentially, the book tells a heartwarming story of four characters - the boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse - journeying together through a landscape of life's challenges and joys. Each character represents aspects of human experience: vulnerability, curiosity, fear, and strength. Their interactions are filled with conversations that are as tender as they are insightful, offering perspectives on themes such as self-worth, kindness, and the importance of connection.
The simplicity of Mackesy's words is what makes them so powerful. Phrases like, "What do you think is the biggest waste of time?" and "Comparing yourself to others," resonate deeply and can be a gentle nudge for individuals grappling with self-esteem or social pressures. Similarly, "When the big things feel out of control… focus on what you love right under your nose," is a comforting reminder to ground oneself in the present.
The illustrations, drawn in Mackesy's loose, expressive style, add another layer of therapeutic benefit. The gentle lines and soft tones create a sense of calm, making the book ideal if you might find traditional self-help literature overwhelming.
This book is particularly valuable if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation. It encourages a sense of hope and self-compassion, gently reminding readers that they are not alone in their struggles. For younger people or perhaps those who struggle to articulate their feelings, it provides a language of metaphor and imagery that can unlock conversations.
In summary, this is so much more than a book - it is a tool for emotional connection and healing. It is something that I am going to bring into my therapy space when it feels appropriate, it won't be something gathering dust on one of my many bookshelves.
And as I am greatly in favour of the suggestion that cake can help to solve any worries, I shall leave you with another of my favourite quotes from the book:
> "I've learned how to be in the present".
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> "How?" asked the boy.
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> "I find a quiet spot and shut my eyes and breathe".
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> "That's good, and then?".
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> "Then I focus".
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> "What do you focus on?".
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> "Cake" said the mole.
Featured image credit: Charlie Mackesy