Burn: A Story of Fire, Woods and Healing

Burn is a powerful book about a man's journey to rediscover himself through manual work and craft in the English countryside. It is full of vitality and celebrates the way traditional skills can shape who we are. The author, Ben Short, had a successful career in advertising but was suffering with anxiety. He found solace working with a forester and then an apprentice to a Gypsy woodman, before feeling the call of the furnace and immersing himself in the old ways of woods and fire. The book is beautifully written and leaves the reader feeling ruffled but alive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

A truly remarkable and immensely powerful book, brimming with boundless vitality. Every page joyfully celebrates the profound impact that traditional skills can have on shaping our very essence.

Tristan Gooley, in his captivating review, describes the book as "lyrical, moving, and never self-pitying." He praises it as a "lovely book" that leaves a lasting impression.

Ben Short, the protagonist, leads a seemingly successful life. He holds a successful career in advertising, resides in a trendy apartment in London, and owns a sleek motorbike. However, behind the facade of material possessions, Short has been grappling with anxiety for years, leaving him in a state of wreck. Recognizing the urgent need for a drastic change, he embarks on a transformative journey.

For a brief period, Short finds solace in working with a forester, followed by an apprenticeship with a Gypsy woodman. He embraces a minimalist lifestyle, residing in a dilapidated wagon accompanied solely by his loyal rescue dog. It is only when he feels the irresistible pull of the furnace, a glowing charcoal kiln nestled within the enchanting Dorset woods, that he truly begins to re-forge his thoughts, heal from the past, and embark on a fresh start.

Burn, written with exquisite craftsmanship and profound honesty, unfolds as a hopeful tale of transformation. It serves as a joyous celebration of manual work and craft, offering a heartfelt tribute to the enchanting English countryside.

As readers immerse themselves in the pages of this remarkable book, they are transported to a world where the rhythm of nature intertwines with the essence of human resilience. The writing evokes a sense of ruffled feathers, yet it leaves us feeling alive, invigorated, and profoundly connected to the natural world.

In conclusion, Burn is an extraordinary and captivating work that deserves to be embraced by all who seek solace, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the power of traditional skills. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal, rejuvenate, and find meaning in the simplest of pursuits.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 224 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529370379