Wednesday, October 06, 2021

October Daily 6: At Hawthorn Time

 


Hawthorn trees in the bog where I walk are thick with berries round and red. I expect the birds will be devouring them over the next month or two. 

I recently finished Melissa Harrison's novel At Hawthorn Time. She skillfully weaves the hopes and trials of four characters into tale that is as much about the countryside setting as it is about the people. It's a slow-paced and thoughtful book with beautiful observations about the natural world of Britain and how nature has nurtured, challenged, and supported humankind through the centuries. 

The book is set in the springtime, when hawthorn trees bloom profusely. The ending is ambiguous, leaving the reader to imagine how the story will finally finish. 

Do you like reading nature books? Any recommendations?


11 comments:

  1. I went to see the translation hawthorn is Aubépine in french.
    They are nice food for the birds in our garden. We try to plant vegetation that gives them some food during the cold days.

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  2. I'm rereading one of my favorite books - Thornyhold by Mary Stewart - I highly recommend it.
    Amalia
    xo

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  3. There are several books by Melissa Harrison that I’ve read but not the one you have mentioned. I will have to check it out. There is a hawthorn tree ( May tree) at the bottom of our garden , home to lots of wrens. I was sat on a bench yesterday listening to them. B x

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  4. Can’t think of a nature book right now. Love that photo!

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  5. Lovely photo of the hawthorn. My favorite book was The Invention of Nature. Really well written and researched.

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  6. I haven't heard of Melissa Harrison but I shall look for the book. I enjoy slower-paced books during the quiet days of autumn. Lovely images and thoughtful stories are a pleasant read.

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  7. This book sounds like one I would enjoy. Just wrote it down to get in early spring. The hawthorn berries are so pretty! I don't think I've ever had a hawthorn tree anywhere I lived. One of my favorite nature writers is Edwin Way Teale. I'm rereading his Autumn Across America now and have his winter book to finish next. He also has spring and summer books. I do love his writing. I also loved Henry Beston's books, being partial to New England writers even though I've never been there.

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  8. Hawthorn trees are very beautiful, both the wild and the cultivated varieties,

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  9. Thank you for the title recommendation
    From Jenclair's blog, I'm beginning first for me Thomas Perry novel, (Jane Whitefield series).

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  10. Our local library does not have At Hawthorn Time but I requested the 2 of Melissa Harrison's books that they have, One was called Clay and the other is a nature journal ( I just requested it and I've already forgotten the exact title but I'm sure I'll enjoy them). Thanks for mentioning her.

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  11. Good morning, Lorrie. I do enjoy reading nature books and I also love Hawthorn Trees other than their wicked thorns. We have several scattered about our area.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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