THE JUDAS DEER – a review for Berkhamsted Living by David Guest

With Judas in the title you expect a tale of treachery. A Judas deer, however, is a special case, as the story explains, and its vulnerability becomes a central theme of Berkhamsted author Sue Hampton’s 10th novel.

The hero, Jeth, is also vulnerable. Passed around fosterers in his extended family he has found adults unreliable; he expects little from them and doesn’t have much in common with his contemporaries either. Jeth is much more at ease with animals. His love of woodland creatures and his almost painful sensitivity unearth and finally resolve an intriguing story.

Jeth is an engaging character and his internal life adds humour and drama to the story. Jeth’s perception of – and frustration with – the world around him are marvellous. He has a firm belief in telekinesis, for example.

His difficulty with communication is reflected in an occasional deliberate lack of clarity in the story. Time is sometimes fluid and some episodes may or may not be dreams. In places, one idea stands in for another like a truth being evaded. At times, a form of confusion is the result. But if some things remain unexplained, the process gives a glimpse of how events must seem to Jeth.

In other words it’s a sophisticated book. Sue is best known as a writer of books for children but this one should appeal to readers of all ages.

On page 129, Jeth mentions a painting of deer by Franz Marc. If you would like to see it, use this link: