Light in the Dark: A Winter Journal

Horatio Clare's book "Winter" is a lyrical evocation of a British winter and the feelings it inspires. It highlights the beauty and magic of the season, encouraging readers to appreciate its rhythms and find the light that burns bright at its heart. Shortlisted for the Wales Creative Nonfiction Book of the Year 2019, it is a treasure of a book that will illuminate the darkest corners of the season.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2019
Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited

Shortlisted for the Wales Creative Nonfiction Book of the Year 2019, Horatio Clare's "Winter: A Season in the Dark" is a captivating exploration of the British winter and the emotions it evokes. Through lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Clare invites readers to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the season, even in its darkest moments.

The book begins with a reflection on the nature of winter and its impact on human emotions. Clare notes that winter is often associated with sadness, depression, and a sense of isolation, but he suggests that by looking outwards, by being in and observing nature, we can appreciate its rhythms and find solace in its shadows.

One of the key themes of the book is the power of memory and myth to shape our understanding of winter. Clare delves into the stories and legends associated with the season, exploring how they have shaped our cultural and emotional landscape. He also examines the scientific and ecological aspects of winter, highlighting the ways in which the natural world has life and light on even the coldest, darkest days.

Clare's writing is deeply atmospheric, and he has a remarkable ability to evoke the sensory experience of winter. From the crackling of ice on the ground to the scent of snow in the air, from the sound of a winter storm to the sight of a flock of birds taking flight, each sensory detail is carefully crafted to bring the reader fully into the world of winter.

Throughout the book, Clare raises a torch against the darkness, illuminating the blackest corners of the season. He explores the ways in which winter can be a time of introspection, of looking inwards and finding meaning in the world. He also examines the ways in which winter can be a time of celebration, of embracing the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

One of the most powerful aspects of "Winter: A Season in the Dark" is Clare's ability to connect the human experience of winter with the broader ecological and cultural context. He notes that winter is a critical season for many species, and that the natural world has its own rhythms and cycles that are essential for the health and sustainability of the planet. By learning to see and appreciate winter in all its shadows and lights, we can find the magic, the light that burns bright at the heart of winter: spring will come again.

In conclusion, "Winter: A Season in the Dark" is a treasure of a book, wonderfully attentive in outlook and generous in spirit. By delving into the emotions and experiences of winter, Clare offers readers a fresh perspective on the season and encourages them to see the beauty and wonder that can be found even in the darkest of times. This is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the cold grip of winter, or who has ever sought solace in the natural world.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 194 x 123 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783964628
Edition number: 2 New edition