Stone Will Answer: A Journey Guided by Craft, Myth and Geology

Stone Will Answer is a memoir, travelogue, and meditation on stone by artist and stone mason Beatrice Searle. At the age of twenty-six, she crossed the North sea and walked 500 miles through Southern Norway on a medieval pilgrim path to Nidaros Cathedral, taking with her a 40-kilo stone from the West coast of Orkney. The stone becomes a talisman of sorts, a bedrock on the move, and an offering to those she meets along the way. It is a captivating blend of exploration, memoir, and myth, and an insight into a beguiling craft.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Stone Will Answer is a captivating memoir, travelogue, and meditation on stone by artist and stone mason Beatrice Searle. At the age of twenty-six, Beatrice embarked on a remarkable journey across the North sea and walked 500 miles through Southern Norway on a medieval pilgrim path to Nidaros Cathedral. Along the way, she carried a 40-kilogram stone from the West coast of Orkney, a stone that had captivated her with its mysterious footprint stones found in Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the ancient Greco-Roman world. These stones, closely associated with travelers, saints, and the inauguration of Kings, held a special place in Beatrice's heart. As she followed in their footsteps, her stone became a talisman, a bedrock on the move, and an offering to those she encountered along the way.

Stone Will Answer is an extraordinary adventure story that delves into themes of resilience, homecoming, weight, motion, rediscovering love and faith, and geological journeys. It weaves together exploration, memoir, myth, and an insightful perspective into the craft of stone carving. The book prompts readers to contemplate what lessons can be learned from stone, what we choose to carry with us on our travels, and what we leave behind or pick up again upon our return.

Beatrice's journey is a testament to her determination and spirit, as she traverses challenging terrain and encounters various obstacles along the way. Her stone becomes a symbol of her connection to the land and the people she meets, and it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel and exploration. Through her storytelling, Beatrice invites readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and reflection, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty and significance of stone in our lives.

In conclusion, Stone Will Answer is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on stone and its significance in our lives. Through Beatrice's journey and her exploration of the mysteries of stone, readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences and connections to the natural world. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of stone carving, adventure, and personal growth.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 222 x 148 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787302556