By Stephen Riggs
Ruby Free’s book on Rathlin is an absorbing account of living surrounded by wildlife,
which generated some interesting discussion at our recent book club.
In the book, she shares her joy at the encounters she has with the animals, as well as discussing a range of societal issues, including disconnection from the natural world, farming practices and eco-anxiety.
Structure
These ideas are blended well and make it much more than just a description of Rathlin. The book’s central focus is the seabird centre and the changes in the bird life there through the summer. This approach introduces readers to the birds in a way that most other books do not accomplish, and I enjoyed learning about the personalities and behaviours of them. I thought this was a very effective way to focus the narrative of the book, and in the book club we all said we enjoyed following the progression of the seasons and the changes in the bird life through the year.
These birds, and the other animals she meets, are brought to life by her beautiful
illustrations, and looking at these provided moments to pause and imagine what she is
seeing. The range of species she finds the opportunity to see and talk about is amazing,
including seals, moths and hares as well as a whole range of birds. Her passion for these
creatures is infectious, and she added to my desire to do what I can for nature, just as she
clearly inspires the visitors to the seabird centre.
Reflections
I was initially surprised when the book continued on beyond her time on Rathlin, but she
wraps it up well by depicting her life afterwards. In doing so she brings together the feelings
she expresses throughout the book in a thought-provoking way. This openness she has
about her emotions on finding her place in the world and coming to terms with what happens
around her is powerful and easy to relate to. The choice she makes out of it to continue
advocating for nature through campaigning and wildlife-friendly farming is inspiring.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and getting to know some of the wildlife of Rathlin
through it. It is a book I may not have noticed if it hadn’t been chosen for the book club, but it
was an excellent choice and one I’m really glad to have read, as it perfectly describes the
wildlife and the feelings of a young person living with the current nature crisis.
Get Involved
If you’d like to meet with other young people (16 – 35) and learn about our natural environment in a relaxed setting, join UKY4N’s book club here.
If you’d like to check out Ruby Free’s discussion about Rathlin with UKY4N’s Emily Seccombe, check it out on our Instagram.
