The Flow: Rivers, Water and Wildness – WINNER OF THE 2023 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING

One warms to the author almost immediately. She writes so beautifully that even if you have never been to any of the places she describes, have no interest in kayacking and perhaps even a slight fear of water, you should still find much to enjoy. However I discovered early on that I had indeed been to some of her locations which I could then revisit 'on screen' with the aid of Google Earth - only up to a point because of course you can't go off road. This was fun and quickly turned the author into a sort of guide and friend. Of particular interest was the chapter about tracking down the exact spot where the pre-raphaelite painter Millais set the scene for his classic portrayal of Ophelia.Then there was a fascinating digression into the complexities of trespass law and where one stands, sits or swims, as a boater.As you might expect Beer is good on trees and all drainage matters including beavers but then in a following chapter she will be careering down the most dangerous torrent, over thrilling waterfalls and under barbed wire carelessly left across the river (yes you deliberately capsize your boat and duck under!). One is left breathless and full of admiration for her courage and strength of character.One half expects to have a lot of pictures in a book of this sort but actually it's better without as the writing is vivid enough; the mind forms its own illustrations.If you love the British countryside and its rivers buy this book. You may read more than once. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Parts of this book read like poetry, the author’s prose is so brilliant. I love water and seek it out wherever I am. This book is a love song to rivers.

A celebration of water and the natural world. The writing captivated me from the very start and it was so fascinating and informative throughout. The story takes the reader on a journey across Britain's waterways and touches on topics of conservation and rewilding. The authors descriptive writing style is perfect and touches on all the senses. I highly recommend for getting lost amongst the world of water for a week.

Interesting read

well written, poignant and tells both the human stories and that of the landscape of which we are part and maintained, sustained, yet sometimes overcome by the flow of water

A captivating read when the weather is horrible outside.

You know those books that you just *love*?! This is one of those for me, it’s absolutely top-drawer beautiful and I really didn't want it to end. Amy-Jane shares her deep, joyful connection with nature in such a thoughtful, welcoming style. She has a wonderful way of combining science with emotion, something I think we need to see more of in this genre. I highly recommend this book!

Disappointed.Not at all about rivers or their Natural History. Just the authors jolly around rivers that she like to canoe in. Often in remote places alone. Not a good idea.