Robert Macfarlane’s latest book, Is a River Alive?, has just been released by Penguin, and it’s already making waves.
Rights for rivers
Imagine a world where rivers have rights – the same rights as humans. Sounds far-fetched, but that’s the core idea behind Macfarlane’s new book. The acclaimed author of The Old Ways and Mountains of the Mind explores the concept of river personhood through a series of essays, weaving together stories of activism, art, and science. You’ll meet people fighting to save the Amazon, the Congo, and other iconic waterways from human destruction.
Summer reading for the environmentally conscious
If you’re looking for a book that combines stunning prose, compelling stories, and a sense of hope for the future, Is a River Alive? is a must-read this summer. Macfarlane’s writing is both lyrical and accessible, making this a book that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
The intersection of art and activism
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the way Macfarlane highlights the intersection of art and activism. From the river-inspired poetry of the 17th-century English poet Thomas Traherne to the modern-day artists using rivers as a canvas for protest, Macfarlane shows how creativity can be a powerful tool in the fight for environmental justice.
What this means: Is a River Alive? is more than just a book – it’s a call to action. As Macfarlane says, “The river is a symbol of our relationship with the natural world, and it’s a reminder that we have the power to shape our own destiny.” By the time you finish reading this book, you’ll be inspired to make a difference for the rivers and the world around you.
