Vesper Flights
by Helen Macdonald
Narrated by
Helen Macdonald
Grove Press
Recorded Books
8/25/2020
288 pages
10H21
Nonfiction/Essays
Science/Nature
Goodreads
I was very impressed by Helen MacDonald’s previous book, H is for Hawk, even though I never took time to write a full review back then.
As I received Vesper Flights through Libro.fm (check for ways to get free audiobooks and support independent bookstores – excellent app!), here is my humble effort to convince you to listen to this one.
And indeed I did listen to Vesper Flights, just as I listened to H is for Hawk. The author herself narrates her own books, and she’s very good at it. Her intonation conveys nicely either the urgency of issues or the calming benefit of nature. She tends to have the same intonation at the end of most of her sentences, it may bother some listeners, but I ended up finding it calming.
H is for Hawk was very personal, as the author presented how her time and experience with a goshawk helped her overcome her grief at the sudden death of her father.
This present collection of about forty essays has some personal dimension, for instance when she relates about her childhood experience, but I found it opening broader horizons, on our current world, on the situation of the environment, or even on the political sphere.
Almost all essays deal with nature, birds for sure (do you know what a Vesper Flight is?), but not only (mushrooms, woods, goats, etc). They are short, easy to read, and yet they offer deep wisdom. Even though some show how alarming our environmental situation is, I found in them as a whole refreshing outlook on life, quite welcome these days. The following passage illustrates this point.
In many essays, MacDonald highlights the fact that animals exist and need to be considered in their own rights, and not as mirrors of humankind. She invites us to take time to observe truly, and change our perspective.
And obviously, I learned a lot, even on birds which I thought I knew well. I was actually aware of murmurations, but not of Vesper Flights!
VERDICT: Highly recommended for all lovers of nature, or simply for anyone eager to expand their horizon and read nourishing passages with a refreshing outlook on life.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?
Any other great book focusing on nature?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE
In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this audiobook free of charge for review through Libro.fm. And as an ebook through Netgalley. I was in no way compensated for this post as a reviewer, and the thoughts are my own.
I definitely need to give this one another try! Lovely review!
LikeLike
You tried and it didn’t work for you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I just couldn’t concentrate on it. It was over the summer and maybe just too much else on my mind, and it’s kind of quiet and meditative, that might be why? I also think I’m not quite as interested in birds as might be necessary here. But your praise for it makes me want to give it another go!
LikeLike
It’s definitely on the meditative side, but not just about birds, so I encourage you to give it another try
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Emma, H is for Hawk was such a timely read for me. I thought her writing was just exquisite so I’m interested in this one. Thanks for the review. 🙂
LikeLike
I think you will love it
LikeLike
Sounds perfect for a birder like you. I may give it a try.
LikeLike
And there’s so much more than just birds
LikeLike
I’m half way through this & really enjoying the meditative nature of each essay. Personal yet universal. Lovely.
LikeLike
Exactly. So glad you are enjoying it too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Nonfiction November: My Year 2020 in Nonfiction | Words And Peace
I was pretty sure you would love this one, too!
LikeLike
Yes!
LikeLike