Good morning! I’m sharing my review again of this lovely book on it’s paperback publication day. I’m also hosting a giveaway on Twitter in conjunction with the publisher, Elliot & Thompson for one lucky person in the UK to win a copy of this gorgeous book. Full details at the bottom of this post.

Light in the Dark pb.inddBook synopsis “As November stubs out the glow of autumn and the days tighten into shorter hours, winter’s occupation begins. Preparing for winter has its own rhythms, as old as our exchanges with the land. Of all the seasons, it draws us together. But winter can be tough.
It is a time of introspection, of looking inwards. Seasonal sadness; winter blues; depression – such feelings are widespread in the darker months. But by looking outwards, by being in and observing nature, we can appreciate its rhythms. Mountains make sense in any weather. The voices of a wood always speak consolation. A brush of frost; subtle colours; days as bright as a magpie’s cackle. We can learn to see and celebrate winter in all its shadows and lights.
In this moving and lyrical evocation of a British winter and the feelings it inspires, Horatio Clare raises a torch against the darkness, illuminating the blackest corners of the season, and delving into memory and myth to explore the powerful hold that winter has on us. By learning to see, we can find the magic, the light that burns bright at the heart of winter: spring will come again.”

My Review

This was such a stunning read, full of wonderful imagery and beautiful writing. I rationed myself each day as I read so I that could truly appreciate what I was reading.

I don’t suffer from S.A.D. or depression like the writer, but I don’t enjoy the darker days of winter. When the sky is constantly grey and it’s cold or wet, I don’t want to venture outside, even though I know it’s sensible thing to do. Horatio Clare made me realise that there is beauty to be found outside in the depths of winter, if I will seek it out. He made me realise that I don’t need to be looking for enormous signs written in the sky, but that something very small or simple might catch my eye at the right moment and bring me joy for the whole day.

This book made me want to go out and take photos of the natural world again, to enjoy the sunsets and the beauty in the winter months.

I definitely recommend this if you enjoy beautifully written nonfiction and memoirs.

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About the Author

Horatio Clare Author PictureHoratio Clare is a critically acclaimed author and journalist. His first book, Running for the Hills: A Family Story, won the Somerset Maugham Award. His second book, Truant is ‘a stunningly-written memoir’, according to the Irish Times. A Single Swallow: Following an Epic Journey from South Africa to South Wales, was shortlisted for the Dolman Travel Book of the Year; Down to the Sea in Ships: Of Ageless Oceans and Modern Men won the Stanford-Dolman Travel Book of the Year 2015. Horatio’s first book for children, Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot, won the Branford Boase Award 2016 for best debut children’s book. He lives in West Yorkshire. You can find him on Twitter  @HoratioClare

If you like the sound of this lovely book, head over to my Twitter profile, like and leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win a copy. 

The competition is open to the UK only and will close at 5pm on Monday 7th October 2019. I’ll announce the winner shortly after. 🙂