A beautiful and quaint love story is always appealing, and so much more so if it is speckled with humour and the main characters are two sparrows.

A retired professor and zoologist of Makhado (Louis Trichardt), Dr Jacques van Heerden, has surprised with a romantic story from his pen, published in January by AuthorHouse in the United Kingdom.

With humour and a delicate touch the author explores the meaning of life through the eyes of the sparrow, called Billy. He adores his wife, Sally, who always seems to understand the big English words some other bird species use and brings perspective on issues, her wisdom imparted with love and humility. They raise their children, whom they have given grand, long names, so that they can “live up to their names”. They interact with the community of birds, some friends, some foes, some giving the impression that they are high flyers. The reader finds that birds are not unlike humans (called “hue-mans” by Billy), and they have similar trials and tribulations, albeit in different forms. To experience the full extent of their experiences and how it all ends, our readers will have to read the book. 

When asked whether his zoology background had any bearing on the story, the author laughed and said “No, rather my marriage of 44 years to my darling wife, Elza. I identify with Billy and Elza is Sally. Of course, I hope nobody throws a stone at her,” Jacques adds with a twinkle in his eye.

AuthorHouse publishers told Jacques that his love story among the feathered friends has real potential for an animation film. “But they said I have to produce R64 000 to have it screen written. So, for now, we shall stick to the book,” Jacques said.

“It is a very relaxing book to read. Still, there is a message and it is not superficial. Jacques’s fine sense of humour shines through,” says Elza.

Because of the numerous puns on English words, the book will not be translated into Afrikaans, which is Jacques’s mother tongue.

The cover page was illustrated by Jacques’s sister, Wannia Marais. The illustrations inside were done by two 14-year old girls,Yani Steyn, the eldest child of Koos and Riekie Steyn of  Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Yani's cousin, Jo Spoelstra.

The title is an association with the famous novel A tale of two cities by Charles Dickens. Young readers will also enjoy the book, as the 14-year-olds did who read the book before illustrating it.

“It was such a pleasure to write this story. Perhaps I will pursue writing other humorous stuff as well, when the inspiration comes,” said Jacques. Out of his pen has also come Skepping en evolusie in Afrikaans, which will soon be available in English.

A tale of two sparrows indeed makes for a delightful read for young and old. This 102-page soft-cover book (ISBN: 9781491890806)  can be obtained via the internet from AuthorHouse or Amazon, as well as at major book stores such as Exclusive Books and CNA and will be showcased at the publishing house’s London book show in April this year.