Title: Underland: A Deep Time Journey Author: Robert Macfarlane
Links: Indiebound |Goodreads
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful, thought-provoking meditation on nature.
The only connection between sections of this book is that each has to do with things found underground. The author physically explores some incredible underground spaces. He simultaneously explores the way humans have interacted with the world beneath our feet and the sorts of meanings we’ve attached to what we find there.
This is some of the best nature writing I’ve ever read. The author’s style of descriptions really worked for me. His short, sentence fragments capture impressions and portions of scenes. I found this much easier to process than more holistic descriptions. It felt like I was really there with my gaze bouncing around the scene. His use of this technique occasionally felt repetitive, but it worked so well for me that I didn’t mind. I think the rapid fire of these sentences also made his experiences feel more immediate. I don’t think this style will be for everyone, but it was a perfect fit for me.
I liked the mix of historical information with the author’s own experiences. From the London underground to the interior of glaciers, he had some incredible adventures while writing this book! The author also used his exploration of nature to talk about more abstract concepts: love and community; what it means to be human and our relationship with nature; mortality and motivation. This made for a book that felt worth taking my time with, even though I typically struggle to slow myself down. I loved how much it made me think. It also brought a real sense of wonder and seriousness to the consideration of even common parts of nature. Reading it was a delightful experience.
whatsnonfiction
Oh I’m so happy to hear you liked this one so much, it’s been on my list for awhile. I’m especially intrigued because I also typically read quickly and struggle to slow down. That kind of book that really makes you want to is something special! I like your description of feeling like your gaze is bouncing around the scene. Makes me even more excited for this one, I’m going to have to bump it up my list 🙂
DoingDewey
Oh it was so, so good! I’d heard good things about it before I picked it up and it definitely lived up to the hype. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🙂
whatsnonfiction
I’ve read such glowing reviews of it too. You made me even more excited for it!!
louloureads
This sounds wonderful. I love it when an author can mix their topic with their own experiences successfully, without detracting from the tone of the novel.
DoingDewey
I enjoy that too! If an author can make something a memoir that deals with a significant topic or share their experience researching a book in a way that flows well with the rest and doesn’t feel forced, it can make for some of my favorite nonfiction writing. It can make me feel more of a personal connection to the topic.
Brona
I’ve been wondering about this book. It sounds like something I would like – you’ve confirmed that for me. Thank you
DoingDewey
Awesome! I’d definitely recommend it 🙂
Paul Cheney
It is quite some book, isn’t it, Katie? Have you read any of his others?
DoingDewey
This was the first book of his that I’ve read, but more are going on my to-read list now! I really loved this. Are there others you’d particularly recommend?
Paul Cheney
The Wild Places was the one that got me hooked. My favourite though is Landmarks
DoingDewey
Thanks Paul! I’ll bump those up my to-read list 🙂
Lory @ Emerald City Book Review
Robert MacFarlane seems like an author I would really love. I’ve been intrigued by his books before and this sounds like another great one. I’ve got to make reading him a priority.
DoingDewey
I could definitely see him being an author you’d enjoy 🙂
Helen Murdoch
What an interesting theme for a book. It reminds of a book I read years ago that was really fascianting. I don’t remember the exact title, but it was written by a guy who visited the hottest/coldest, highest/lowest, wettest/driest places on earth and got to know people who lived there.
DoingDewey
Oh, that does sound interesting! I thought this author did a really good job using his theme to talk about interesting concepts and interesting parts of history 🙂