642 pages - a bit of a slog at times. Reminded me of Thomas Pynchon in the themes and asides into history and magical realism. Also, had a dash of "Lo642 pages - a bit of a slog at times. Reminded me of Thomas Pynchon in the themes and asides into history and magical realism. Also, had a dash of "Lonesome no more" by Kurt Vonnegut. Some great passages, where the reader is swept along. So overall, well worth the effort....more
Nice doffing of the cap to The Hitchiker's Guide", cleverly plotted and witty with important ecological undertones.Nice doffing of the cap to The Hitchiker's Guide", cleverly plotted and witty with important ecological undertones....more
Very interesting collection of ideas. Using, a trespass, an animal, a landowner, a pinch of history and some discussion of aspects of the right to roaVery interesting collection of ideas. Using, a trespass, an animal, a landowner, a pinch of history and some discussion of aspects of the right to roam. Most of the time it works brilliantly, only occasionally does it feel like shoehorning....more
This is a thought-provoking read Whilst I agree with much of what is written about in terms of the environmental harm, it seems like a tirade to make This is a thought-provoking read Whilst I agree with much of what is written about in terms of the environmental harm, it seems like a tirade to make me give up because it is so overwhelming. Also the stuff on XR misses an important point - the people don't have the power to do what they want. OK, blockading city centres gets publicity, but so what? I don't see many real changes. My suggestion is to employ positive campaigns where people can join in. For example, air miles in food supplies - boycotts of long distance food and buy local alternatives promoted. XR got a lot of publicity butalienates the people it wants to support it....more
A good balance between the personal and the more general really makes this investigation into the land ownership of England much more engaging. This uA good balance between the personal and the more general really makes this investigation into the land ownership of England much more engaging. This underlines how this country lags behind what should be expectedin a modern state. Soundtrack was provided by Dick Gaughan, who covers many of the same issues....more
Macfarlane chooses the places and people very carefully so that the personal journey, reflections and descriptions of people/places have a strong ecolMacfarlane chooses the places and people very carefully so that the personal journey, reflections and descriptions of people/places have a strong ecological undertones about the current strains on the world....more
Decent British post-Brexit dystopian novel. Good attempts to use "found footage" and move through the perspectives of different characters.Decent British post-Brexit dystopian novel. Good attempts to use "found footage" and move through the perspectives of different characters....more
A really great opening swept me into this. I started wondering if it was easier because, although it is taking stuff from Nigerian folklore about whicA really great opening swept me into this. I started wondering if it was easier because, although it is taking stuff from Nigerian folklore about which I know nothing, it is based on something from our world, rather than completely created. Very skillfully choreographed as the stories from the past and present ebb and flow. Looking forward to part 2....more
Taking a famous folk song and updating it in fictional form is not an easy task. Yet, Andrew in a swirly novel takes us on a journey through a young wTaking a famous folk song and updating it in fictional form is not an easy task. Yet, Andrew in a swirly novel takes us on a journey through a young wild urban carefree woman in which for most of the time, when I was tut tutting in a parent -way, I was gripped....more
Not a book to get you into the festive spirit. Great beginning and good swirling post-apocalyptic parts if that's not a contradiction.Not a book to get you into the festive spirit. Great beginning and good swirling post-apocalyptic parts if that's not a contradiction....more
The author won me around in the end with the memoir, history, ecology, geology, literature memoir of visits to the wildest places the UK has to offer.The author won me around in the end with the memoir, history, ecology, geology, literature memoir of visits to the wildest places the UK has to offer. I was won over by the acknowledgement that wildness can be found close at home and that pilgrimage may not be necessary....more
Straightforward and honest overview about the state of nature in the UK. The more you read, the more hopeless the future seems, despite some instancesStraightforward and honest overview about the state of nature in the UK. The more you read, the more hopeless the future seems, despite some instances of minor successes....more
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