The author returns to her natal Orkney and writes about her new life there ... she describes the birds there in a way that reflect her love of ... or perhaps her need for ... wild places as a way of feeding her addiction to extreme and powerful experiences ...
... she does not romanticise these wild places where she lives and explores ; rather, she describes them in an honest straightforward way ...
... this same straightforwardness is how she relates her earlier years in London with growing alcohol dependency and the misery that results from using alcohol in excess as a way of finding fulfillment ...
The writing style is lean and has a beautiful simplicity and clarity ... she talks about the mental health problems of her wider family and links this to her own struggles while not seeking to excuse her mistakes ...
As I read her recounting the bird experiences that she had I thought about some other 'nature writing' and how it has often grated on me through its inaccuracies and sentimental overtones ... this book never left me feeling that way ... nevertheless the high value that she places on her wildlife experiences comes through strongly ...
I found it a great and compelling read and a work of great beauty despite its often harsh and grim content ... but more than that it is one of great intelligence and eloquence
No comments:
Post a Comment