Gifts of Gravity and Light

"Gifts of Gravity and Light" is a collection of poetry and long-form prose that celebrates the four seasons of the year in a fresh and life-affirming way. It includes contributions from fourteen different writers, reflecting the diversity of the natural world and the endlessly changing seasons. The book is filled with lyrical gifts and new ways of seeing the world, making it a must-read for anyone who loves nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

A rich tapestry of narratives, spanning from childhood memories to familial bonds, geographical landscapes, personal growth, and the cyclical nature of change, weaves together in this captivating book. Mark Goldthorpe, in his introduction, aptly describes it as a "generous book," offering a profound exploration of the small stories that connect us to the larger tapestry of the world. These stories, encompassing childhood, family, place, and the ever-evolving journey of growth and transformation, serve as the foundation for the deep connections we forge with the ever-flowing rhythm of existence.

Each chapter in "Gifts of Gravity and Light" unveils a new perspective, painting a vivid picture of the world through the lens of the four seasons. From the vibrant hues of spring to the lush greenery of summer, the golden hues of autumn, and the serene stillness of winter, the book invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of nature's cycles. Through fourteen distinct voices, the book offers a fresh and life-affirming perspective on the natural world.

Patrick Barkham, a renowned natural history correspondent for "The Guardian" and the author of several acclaimed books, including "Islander," "Badgerlands," "The Butterfly Isles," and "Wild Child: Coming Home to Nature," praises "Gifts of Gravity and Light" as "new nature writing." He describes it as diverse, original, and relentlessly surprising, just like the wild world it celebrates.

Stephen Moss, a renowned poet and essayist, praises the collection for its "wonderfully diverse" nature, encompassing poetry and long-form prose. He notes that it celebrates the four seasons of the year in a fresh and ultimately life-affirming way, offering readers a renewed appreciation for the natural world.

In her review, Jessica J. Lee, the author of "Two Trees Make a Forest" and "Turning," highlights the book's generosity and unsentimental approach. She praises the talented voices that populate the pages, noting that "Gifts of Gravity and Light" will undoubtedly shape the future of nature writing for decades to come.

Bernardine Evaristo, a celebrated author and poet, expresses her profound appreciation for the essays in "Gifts of Gravity and Light." She recognizes that nature is not merely a subsidiary to life but rather at the heart of our existence. Through her words, she underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the natural world, as it holds the key to our survival and well-being.

The changing seasons of the year, with their endless array of strangeness and wonder, serve as the backdrop for this captivating collection. "Gifts of Gravity and Light" invites readers to experience spring, summer, autumn, and winter through fourteen different voices. From the Cambodian new year's dance in East London to the playful sea otters basking in the summer sun, from gathering hops in a Romany song to yielding to the icy stillness of winter in the Cairngorms, or longing for sun-drenched days, the book offers a sensory journey that transports readers to the heart of nature.

In conclusion, "Gifts of Gravity and Light" is a remarkable book that offers a profound exploration of the human connection to nature. Through its diverse narratives, lyrical prose, and fresh perspectives, it invites readers to reimagine what nature writing can be and whose stories belong in that canon. This collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of valuing the natural world, reminding us of our place within the intricate tapestry of life.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529363197