Book Review - How To Catch a Mole

I have been enjoying reading more nature writing over the past couple of years, particularly the works of Robert Macfarlane and Roger Deakin. But when a friend sent me a copy of ‘How to Catch a Mole: And Find Yourself in Nature’ by Marc Hamer I must admit to a slight reluctance to actually reading it. I eventually took the plunge though and I’m so glad that I did. It’s a wonderful little book.

In this beautiful and meditative book, the author tells his story and explores what moles, and a life in nature, can tell us about our own humanity and our search for contentment. It’s a  a gem of nature writing, beautifully illustrated, which celebrates living peacefully and finding wonder in the world around us.

“I have been catching moles in gardens and farms for years and I have decided that I am not going to do it any more. Molecatching is a traditional skill that has given me a good life but I am old now and tired of hunting and it has taught me what I needed to learn. Although common, moles are mysterious: their habits are inscrutable, they are anatomically bizarre, and they live completely alone.”

I can thoroughly recommend this lovely book. And if anyone would like to borrow my copy then please let me know.