A review by raineachreads
The Meaning of Geese by Nick Acheson

informative slow-paced

3.75

Nick Acheson worked in South America and touring the world in conservationist and nature related work. Having decided to give up flying for environmental reasons and returning to the U.K. he found himself becoming fascinated by and studying geese. As the Covid lockdowns started, like so many people, his relationship with nature further changed and as everybody became isolated he explored the countryside looking for and learning about geese.

I enjoyed this book, it was a real mix of memoir, nature study and also literature reviews too. Mainly written as a diary of Acheson’s daily discoveries and sightings during 2020-2021 this format worked really well. I learned a lot of information (Egyptian geese it turns out aren’t really geese and the Slimbridge bird sanctuary in England is responsible for Hawaiian geese not becoming extinct) as well as being horrified at the dangers of lead pellets, shooting practices and difficulties geese face. While mainly fact and information focused there are some beautifully written lines throughout this and it’s a book that’s easy to read through in just a couple of sittings.

Next time I see geese fly over I will definitely be viewing them with more insight and interest.

Thank you very much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.