Barry Hines, creator of Kes, dies aged 76
Author Barry Hines, whose novel A Kestrel For A Knave was adapted for the classic film Kes, has died, aged 76.
Author Barry Hines has died aged 76
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a decade ago.
Poet and radio presenter Ian McMillan tweeted today: “Very sad news: the great writer Barry Hines, creator of Barnsley’s defining myth A Kestrel For A Knave, has died. RIP.”
Barry Hines was born in a small mining village near Barnsley, and his work put the South Yorkshire town on the map. He wrote nine novels over 50 years.
Very sad news: the great writer Barry Hines, creator of Barnsley's defining myth A Kestrel For A Knave, has died. Rest in peace.
— Ian McMillan (@IMcMillan) March 20, 2016
The author was born in a small village near Barnsley
His second novel brought him to prominence.
The novel follows a boy who escapes a troubled school life by training a kestrel.
Written in 1968, it was adapted for the Ken Loach film Kes, ranked seventh in the British Film Institute’s top 10 British films.
Kathy Burke called Hines 'our generation’s JK Rowling'
Hines was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a decade ago
Fans and authors paid tribute, with actress Kathy Burke calling him “our generation’s JK Rowling”.
Joanne Harris, who wrote Chocolat, said: “RIP, Barry Hines. I hated and loved him at the same time – for writing the world I saw every day, and giving me hope to escape it.”