I am probably guilty of overusing the word "exquisite' - it comes easily when dealing with nature - but this book and its author both deserve high acclaim.
The book is a novel, but if you have read Henry David Thoreau you will have no difficulty making the connections to the great naturalist. In fact the book is linked by a series of brief scenes that illustrate his life. They flow seamlessly; they enable us to get to know Thoreau in a unique and personal way. Not only was he a naturalist, but briefly a schoolteacher, repelled by the requirement to impose harsh corporal punishment on his students, whether they deserved it or not. It was a way to instill fear into them; fear translating to respect in the values of the day. Thoreau and his family were devout abolitionists, giving aid and comfort to those fleeing slavery and oppression on the Underground Railroad. Unusual for his time, Thoreau rejected religious dogma in favour of the universal connection to nature that links all of humankind.
One shares in the deep sorrow Thoreau endured when his brother, John, died of lockjaw, triggering in him a case of sympathetic lockjaw.
Thoreau's life shares many connections with contemporary existence. Forests were being felled, wildlife slaughtered on a massive scale, the countryside was being overtaken by urbanization, industry was disseminating pollution into the air, soil and water, and noisy trains belching smoke disturbed every quiet corner of New England.
He sought solace at Walden Pond - and the world has been enriched by that experience.
Thoreau counted Ralph Waldo Emerson among his friends, although he was disappointed and irritated at Emerson's lack of interest (verging on disdain) for field studies, the very essence of Thoreau's experience of nature.
There is a great deal more than I have outlined here, and Humphreys humanizes a great naturalist, with all his foibles and eccentricities. It is a fascinating and satisfying read, characterized by a splendid command of language to weave a story in so evocative a fashion. Let Helen Humphreys introduce you to Thoreau as never before.
You may rest assured that I will return to this work often.
Followed by the Lark - HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Helen Humphrey
Hardcover - 227 pages - ISBN: 978-0-374-61149-1
Published - 2024
...and I like the term, "on a lark!"
ReplyDeleteI've heard about him David, but I've never read anything he's written. I would have liked him as a person. The view of the time on the absolution of children and students seems rather distant. Humanism is the only "ism" I like. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteObviously, it’s highly unlikely that the book will be translated into Norwegian, but I have no doubt it is a book you would enjoy, Marit. Hugs and kisses - David
DeleteIt is a shame that the books of this writer and poet are not translated. I've been searching and haven't found any.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is very interesting.
Un abrazo amigo David
It sounds wonderful. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read, thanks David.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty confident that you and Shari would enjoy it, Bill.
DeleteSounds like an interesting book that I would enjoy too. Hope there's a kindle version?
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame it's not available in German. I would definitely like the book.
ReplyDeleteA hug to you.
Thank you David.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
🎄🎄
ReplyDeleteThank you for this recommendation, dear friend. Thoreau was a visionary with deep convictions, but also with imperfections like we all have, but his connection with nature continues to inspire us.
Greetings and happy December 🎄🎄 Muchos cariños & gros bisous
Some people are so clever when it comes to book ideas. This one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteIt is also beautifully written.
DeleteSounds interesting. Tetanus, not a good thing to have or get. I once had a patient with it many years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd people still question the value of vaccines?
DeleteYes, they do indeed David, it's the individual choice, if they get the disease they moan and could die, but stilll their choice..
DeleteAt the end of a storm
ReplyDeleteThere's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark ....that song comes to right away when I read your blog post. Do you know which song it is ?
All the best, Lasse
I am familiar with these words, Lasse. I think the song is called, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and may come from a Broadway musical. Thanks for making the connection.
DeleteI´m impressed, you are quite right the musical "Carousel" from 1945. We can here it every time when Liverpool play at home in Premier League, the crowd sings (70 000 people) and furthermore we sing it in the choir I am a part of (in the church actually). It was a hit by Gerry and the Pacemakers in the sixtys,,
DeleteAnd if you have heard a lark sing you will know that “sweet silver song” is an apt description. Speaking of larks, if you have never heard “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams you owe it to yourself to listen to it right now! It’s an incredible piece of music and really does give the impression of a lark ascending, trilling all the while. It is a great favourite of Miriam and I.
DeleteSounds like a good book David.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a nice weekend.
Greetings Irma
Hi David - it sounds like a fascinating read ... I see she lives in Ontario, but also has written The Secret Garden set here in the UK ... while her poems must be worth reading. Thanks for your review - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI also have “Field Study” by Humphreys too, a beautifully written book. That was actually my introduction to her. A friend of mine saw it one day and thought I might like it, and gave it to me for no reason other than that. Now that’s kindness and thoughtfulness rolled into one.
DeleteThanks for this great review of what sounds like a wonderful book. I'll look for it! Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteIf you read it, be sure to let me know what you think of it, Shari.
DeleteThis looks like a beautiful book, David -- a wonderful telling. Isn't it a gift to discover a beautifully written book? It makes you want to read everything the author ever wrote.
ReplyDeleteI will be on a mission to find more of hers, Jeanie. She strings words together so beautifully.
DeleteI see your comment just above, She strings words together so beautifully. that is a must if I read a book. The words have to grab me and hold me. this one sounds like one I might like to read
ReplyDeleteAnd it should be the duty of every American to learn more about Thoreau!
DeleteUnfortunately, Helen Humphrey's books have not yet been translated in my country. I am very sorry because according to your review they are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen.
DeleteI will be on the look out for this one. Hope you and Marion are doing well up there north of here. Thanks for your continued comments on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you will enjoy it, Marcia.
DeleteIt sounds like a good read David :-D
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice book to read. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteShe is one of my favourite writers David. So pleased you loved this one too. I'm trying to remember the name of another book about flying over Lake Ontario. I've read all of her work. Exquisite. She is amazing.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
I've never read Helen Humphreys' books ... I'll try to find her novel which you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I'm a fan of Mary Oliver and Robin Wall Kimmerer but haven't read this. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is another favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteI too am a great admirer of Mary Oliver and Robin Wall Kimmerer. “Braiding Sweetgrass” is one of the finest book of recent times. May I also recommend “Finding the Mother Tree” by Suzanne Simard.
DeleteKiitos mielenkiintoisesta kirjaesittelystä.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this piece sounds like one that would capture my attention.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI will try to find this novel. Sounds like a great book and thanks for your review !
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
I would love to read this too. I would be drawn to the beauty of the book too if I saw it on the shelf. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteNo he leido nada de esta autora y el lbro que presentas se ve interesante. Gracias David. Os deseo un buen fin de semana.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
I doubt whether her works would be available in translation, Laura, and Thoreau is probably not well known in Spain anyway. Having said that, her lyrical prose would still be appealing.
DeleteA short story from another era.
ReplyDeleteThoreau is definitely an outstanding example of an American who was on the right side of history. His works were once a standard part of the High School curriculum, but probably not any more. I’m not sure at this point that we know which side we are on.
ReplyDeletebest, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
This sounds like a beautiful and insightful read. Definitely a book worth returning to!
ReplyDeleteUn libro muy interesate sin duda.
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos.
Un buen camino y una buena conversación....y un buen disfrute de la Naturaleza. Con todo eso, se puede alcanzar la felicidad.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Es un libro que seguro me gustaría. Un abrazo amigo David.
ReplyDelete