Michael Morpurgo's 'Down Burrow Lane' Highlights Kindness and Farm Charity

Michael Morpurgo's latest book, "Down Burrow Lane," offers a look into his personal life and the origins of his celebrated work, "War Horse." The memoir delves into his marriage, friendships, writing process, and the impactful work of Farms for City Children, an initiative he co-founded with his wife, Clare.

The inspiration for "War Horse" reportedly came from an encounter on Morpurgo's farm with a boy named Billy, who was selectively mute but found his voice when speaking to a horse. This interaction between "two sentient beings, both sensitive and intelligent" sparked the idea for the book's protagonist, Joey.

Farms for City Children was established in 1976 with the goal of providing urban and city children with rural experiences, such as farming and animal care. The charity has since grown, with over 100,000 children having participated in its programs. The book touches on the significant support the couple received, including assistance from locals, a connection to the Royal Family through Ted Hughes and patron Princess Anne, and financial support derived from Clare Morpurgo's legacy as the daughter of Sir Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books.

The review notes that the book is largely a tribute to Clare Morpurgo, highlighting her dedication to making each child's experience memorable. While acknowledging the success and life-changing impact of Farms for City Children, the review also points out that the narrative sometimes presents challenges and their solutions in a way that feels almost too seamless, potentially downplaying the struggles involved and the role of privilege and good fortune in their achievements.