Sold for a Farthing is a charming book by Clare Kipps.
In July 1940 Kipps adopted a house sparrow that had fallen out of the nest – or, perhaps, been thrown out for having a deformed wing and foot.
Clarence became her beloved pet, living for just over 12 years until dying of old age.
A former professional musician, Kipps served as an air-raid warden during the war; she and Clarence had a couple of close shaves and had to evacuate London at one point.
Clarence sang more beautifully than the average sparrow and could do a card trick and play dead. He loved to nestle inside Kipps’s blouse and join her for naps under the duvet.
At age 11 he had a stroke, but vet attention (and champagne) kept him going for another year.