Moth Snowstorm, The

  5 Reviews

The limited joy in Michael McCarthy's troubled Merseyside childhood came from his exposure to nature, so much so that it ultimately nudged him down the path of writing about it for a living.

Now a veteran environmental journalist, he draws from his experience and awe of the natural world to conclude that to be fully human requires us to embrace the joy of nature. Weaving the personal and the political, and the destruction of the environment with the solace it offers, this engrossing book asks us to re-evaluate our relationship with nature.

Sincere and moving, this is an ode to the planet, teeming with details of the natural world and with an unforgettable message.

Reviews

DUNED 042

29-02-2024

We had mixed opinions about this book. The author's personal story was interesting and we learned new things about moths/insects and bird behaviour, BUT most of us found the language overblown.

PICT 002

17-11-2021

This book was enjoyed by almost all the readers. We had a lively discussion on many aspects of the story. A varied and in depth writing into many of the problems nature is facing.

MATAM 001

22-03-2021

This book had a rather lukewarm reception at first. Once we discussed the various parts that appealed to us individually, we realised it was worth the effort. We related the English experience of vanishing species to our N.Z situation. Parts of Michael McCarthy's writing was enjoyed for its lyricism. We agreed with his views on the place of nature in our lives.

NORTH 007

20-10-2020

Only one at the meeting unreservedly liked the book; the others feeling it was disjointed. However, later in discussion of other things, references to poetic phrases from the book would pop up. In terms of those who did like the writing, it was a beautiful guiding to look anew at things...the humble sparrow...who knew!!

DUNED 007

13-11-2019

This book is a well-written response to McCarthy's experiences over a long period from his childhood to the present day. Our group read 'H is for Hawk' recently which also demonstrated the author's close connection with nature, and in both cases this helped them deal with grief. Unfortunately only about five of our club read 'A Moth Snowstorm', but all found it compelling and captivating. With urbanisation the spiritual connection between Nature and our wellbeing is under threat. This wide-ranging book brings all this to life in a vivid and invigorating way.