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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A remarkable book. The language is powerful and evocative. Macfarlane’s undoubted literary skill allows readers to see, hear, and experience the living world through which he traveled.
Some of the literary comparisons and analogies he makes, such as to Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, and other classic works, were difficult for me to grasp since I don’t have the easy familiarity with them the author clearly has. In the last chapter, I sat looking up unfamiliar words (apophasis, deixis, eidolon…I looked them all up and understood them for several seconds each…)
The answer to the question posed by the title is unequivocally answered by the book: yes. Yes, rivers are alive, as are lakes and habitats and endangered species and oceans.
Some of the literary comparisons and analogies he makes, such as to Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, and other classic works, were difficult for me to grasp since I don’t have the easy familiarity with them the author clearly has. In the last chapter, I sat looking up unfamiliar words (apophasis, deixis, eidolon…I looked them all up and understood them for several seconds each…)
The answer to the question posed by the title is unequivocally answered by the book: yes. Yes, rivers are alive, as are lakes and habitats and endangered species and oceans.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
This is such a beautifully written non-fiction book. I recommend it to everyone
adventurous
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This is nonfiction at its most poetic. It’s storytelling with reverence for the natural world, told through the powerful lens of rivers. It is as much about human connection and humility as it is about environmental wonder. Each chapter introduces us to people whose lives are shaped by rivers, and through Robert’s eyes, I fell in love with them, their stories, and the waters they fight for. I didn’t expect to be as moved as I was, crying through the Acknowledgements and Aftermath. This is the kind of book that shifts how you see the world. It weaves in Indigenous perspectives, environmental science, and philosophical inquiries about life itself, especially in his exploration of the Rights of Nature, a concept made so clear and urgent. He makes a compelling case that rivers are not just vital to life, but are life, challenging the narrow boundaries we place around what is considered alive. The book is beautifully sourced, complete with a glossary, index, and comprehensive references that had me checking out new books to read and organizations to explore. I am particularly reflective on the impact of hydroelectricity, including Hydro Quebec’s role here, and the costs to river ecosystems we so easily overlook from the city. This is essential reading for anyone open to having their perspective on the natural world expanded. I’m inspired, heartbroken, and motivated to do more. It’s a gorgeous, transformative book I can’t recommend highly enough.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada for access to this book.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced