Reviews

I listened to the audiobook through audible . The narrator was engaging. The story and topics discussed important . I did feel at time it felt more like reading a diary than actual interesting information. This is the only reason why I gave it 3/5 instead of 4/5

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4.0

Diving into the heart of the Earth with "Underland: A Deep Time Journey," I found myself enveloped in an exploration that felt both intimate and expansive. Having navigated the paths charted in "The Old Ways," I was eager to immerse myself once again in Robert Macfarlane's unique narrative style—a style that intertwines eloquent prose with a deep, reflective connection to the landscapes it traverses. "Underland" enriches the landscape of contemporary nature writing, offering new depths to Macfarlane's exploratory endeavors.

It should be noted that I listened to this book, via the Alexa app, and as I wasn’t intending to take copious notes, I feel this was the best way to enjoy the book - ie. By listening to it, rather than reading it. It kept me excellent good company.

As a British writer, academic, and a Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Macfarlane is celebrated not only for his nature writing but for his keen ability to draw significant connections between the human spirit and the landscapes it inhabits. In "Underland," he ventures into the Earth's hidden spaces with a mix of curiosity, reverence, and a slight trepidation, presenting an intricate exploration of natural history, mythology, and environmentalism. The book invites us to consider the unseen parts of our world and the intricate links between life on the surface and the mysteries below.

Macfarlane's narrative is both lyrical and insightful, compelling readers to consider the concept of "deep time"—the immense scales of geological and environmental change that overshadow human history. His detailed descriptions and personal stories make these hidden places feel incredibly close and significant.

However, the book's richness in detail and philosophical reflections might not be for everyone. Some readers may find themselves challenged by the depth of Macfarlane's explorations. But for those who are drawn in, "Underland" offers a distinctive lens through which to view our world and our impact on it.

Beyond its literary achievements, "Underland" acts as a call to awareness—a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world and the importance of preserving these hidden places for future generations. It appeals not just to nature enthusiasts or history buffs but to anyone curious about the unseen corners of our planet and our role within its vast story.

Reflecting on my journey through "Underland," against the backdrop of my experience with "The Old Ways," I am left with a sense of awe and a renewed appreciation for the concept of deep time. Macfarlane has broadened my understanding of the natural world yet again.

"Underland: A Deep Time Journey" is a profound, thought-provoking journey into the depths, one that resonates with a sense of urgency and awe. Whether you're drawn to the mysteries of nature, the intricacies of history, or the challenges of environmentalism, "Underland" promises a journey worth taking

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