George: A Magpie Memoir

A woman in the Welsh countryside finds and raises a baby magpie, becoming obsessed with him and embarking on an obsession that changes her life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A captivating memoir that will transport you to the enchanting world of a tame magpie! Despite George's mischievous behavior, this diary will leave corvid lovers, like myself, utterly green with envy.

Written by the talented Katherine May, author of Wintering, this remarkable book has been hailed as a Times Best Book to Watch Out For in 2023 by The Times and a Guardian Books highlight for the year ahead.

Just when I thought I had finished my gardening tasks for the day, I spotted a magpie chick right by the blade, cleverly camouflaged by the leaves on the ground. It squatted belligerently, peering up at me with miniature magpie fury. George!

When Frieda Hughes relocated to the picturesque Welsh countryside, she had envisioned embarking on various projects, such as planting a garden, painting, and contributing her poetry column to the Times. However, fate had other plans in store for her. Instead, she found herself rescuing a baby magpie, the sole survivor of a nest destroyed by a storm. This unexpected encounter would set off a remarkable journey that would forever alter the course of her life.

As George, the magpie, grows from a shrieking scrap of feathers and bones into an intelligent and mischievous companion, Frieda finds herself captivated by his presence. She is both drawn to him and apprehensive about the inevitable day when she must release him back into the wild.

Through her captivating storytelling, Katherine May paints a vivid portrait of the bond between a human and a wild creature, offering a heartfelt and poignant exploration of the complexities of human-nature relationships. This memoir is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the profound impact that a single encounter can have on our lives.

So, if you're looking for a magical, endearing, and heartwarming read that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, be sure to add A Magpie Memoir to your must-read list. Prepare to be transported to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the bonds we form with nature can be truly extraordinary.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 220 x 142 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800814790
Edition number: Main