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mariannelwnicholson's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
itsneverbecky's review against another edition
5.0
This book is just beautiful. A couple of chapters of exploratory journalism, a few evocative shorts & a memoir, which is about the situation more than the author. There is so much in one book yet the style is faultless and it flows surprisingly well.
The author is in the book throughout yet her focus is unwaveringly to highlight the importance and urgency of what she has witnessed. There is nothing vapid or of self-importance. Powerful.
The author is in the book throughout yet her focus is unwaveringly to highlight the importance and urgency of what she has witnessed. There is nothing vapid or of self-importance. Powerful.
steventhesteve's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me stop. Just stop. And take my time to absorb every word of beautifully crafted prose.
Kathleen Jamie has built a wonderful view of the passage of time, which is bloody lovely to let wash over you.
Kathleen Jamie has built a wonderful view of the passage of time, which is bloody lovely to let wash over you.
veethorn's review against another edition
5.0
Astounding collection of essays. Absolutely beautiful and absolutely what I needed to read right now.
opal360's review against another edition
3.0
I was looking forward to reading more by Kathleen Jamie, having enjoyed her two previous essay collections, [b:Findings|895779|Findings|Kathleen Jamie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507565933l/895779._SY75_.jpg|880973] and [b:Sightlines|13818573|Sightlines|Kathleen Jamie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545014653l/13818573._SY75_.jpg|19177747]. However, this collection felt a bit flat. The main essays are about observing archaeological digs in remote locations, not so much about the natural world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pace was very slow and there were moments, especially in the Alaska section, where what she chose to include or comment on just seemed incredibly banal. That said, I am still very much open to reading her next book of essays when it comes.
honeybadger14's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Loved it. Bursting with imagery. Unique writing style. Total page-turner for curious minds with an affinity for nature.
uisge_beatha's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful writing, vignettes that speak to some of the anxieties of our times, and a satisfying conclusion.
ruthiereading's review against another edition
5.0
An astonishing book, Kathleen Jamie’s Surfacing is a collection of essays predominantly about our collective past and the objects which shape & bind us to our land and homes. Roaming from archeological digs on an Alaskan shore and a Scottish island, to travels through China, a woodland walk and thoughts on a train.
Overarching all this is a book about looking and seeing; examining space, light, nature, pondering history and the remembering of that which has been forgotten.
Jamie takes everyday objects, our own and archeological finds, she takes the quiet moments of her days, aging, the loss of parents, children grown, memories of youthful travels, fleeting moments of freedom, life and all its precious, transitory rush. Throughout is conveyed a deep rooted sense of connection and the weight and passage of time. Aware of our place in the world, Jamie holds both the fragility and resilience of humanity up to view with a clear eyed patience. Tactile, visceral, and grounded in place Surfacing is a kind of homecoming, fascinating, powerful and moving.
Overarching all this is a book about looking and seeing; examining space, light, nature, pondering history and the remembering of that which has been forgotten.
Jamie takes everyday objects, our own and archeological finds, she takes the quiet moments of her days, aging, the loss of parents, children grown, memories of youthful travels, fleeting moments of freedom, life and all its precious, transitory rush. Throughout is conveyed a deep rooted sense of connection and the weight and passage of time. Aware of our place in the world, Jamie holds both the fragility and resilience of humanity up to view with a clear eyed patience. Tactile, visceral, and grounded in place Surfacing is a kind of homecoming, fascinating, powerful and moving.