A gorgeous book of nature, human and wild

 

5 stars. The Place of Tides is the type of book I have come to rely on as proof of goodness in the world. It exemplifies a love and appreciation of nature and the efforts of a dedicated group to rediscover the delicate balance that used to exist. Here, James Rebanks joins Anna, a duck woman, and Ingrid, her protege, on a remote Norwegian island as they prepare nests and safeguard the island for wild eider ducks. The work is hard, the weather unforgiving, but the goal is to create a protected nursery for eider ducks to raise their brood and return to sea leaving eider down behind for collection. As green a pursuit as is possible.

This is a gorgeous book. Full of history, natural observations and a sense of purpose well worth pursuing. Anna's story is incredible as is her knowledge of the wild world put into practice on the island. Not only is this novel rich in wildlife but in finding joy in a simpler existence and a better understanding of human nature driven to exhaustion by the modern pace. I am in awe of the natural world and find much joy in this wonderful adventure. I am pleased to know I am not alone in wanting to appreciate and preserve old ways of caring for the wild world. So rewarding is this task, I would happily go and do this work for a season. Thank you, James, for sharing this story and opening our eyes to this difficult but rewarding way of life.