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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
The book delighted me by being an intertwining of ravens, the Tower of London, and the author's own life. I had been expecting the first two elements, but had rather unconsciously assumed science would be the third; I'm glad that it wasn't. Because the author wove in his own life experiences we get something uniquely intimate. I especially enjoyed the parallels he draws between his life as a soldier and his life as a carer for ravens, the similarities were completely unexpected and enlightening.
Ultimately this book feels exactly like a great conversation with a favorite uncle down at the pub one long and relaxed evening.
Ultimately this book feels exactly like a great conversation with a favorite uncle down at the pub one long and relaxed evening.
informative
lighthearted
This is the autobiography, narrated by the man himself, of the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London.
It is said that the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. There are seven ravens at the Tower today — the required six, plus one spare!
This is the story of the man that take care of them. Where do these ravens come from? What do they eat, where do they sleep, how do they interact with visitors and staff? Everything will be revealed to you with the usual British humour.
It is said that the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. There are seven ravens at the Tower today — the required six, plus one spare!
This is the story of the man that take care of them. Where do these ravens come from? What do they eat, where do they sleep, how do they interact with visitors and staff? Everything will be revealed to you with the usual British humour.
Highly recommend the audiobook version of this, his voice is simply delightful. You can tell how much respect and affection he has for not only the birds in his care, but all Ravens. While it's not a scientific study (which he is very clear about) he does give a lot of information taken from scholarly sources. There's also some great history of the tower, the tower Ravens, and Ravens in cultures around the world. I enjoyed the look at his everyday routines with the birds, and what it's like to live inside such a historical tourist attraction. I hope to one day visit the tower and get to see him and his birds in person!
It was very interesting to learn about the ravens at the Tower of London and their history and legends. This author can really tell a story and that made it delightful to read this memoir.
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
I didn't know anything about ravens being kept at the Tower of London and that there is an actual position, appointed by the Queen, of Ravenmaster. Interesting information, charmingly written, but a little long-winded.