Set against a backdrop of untamed nature, this narrative follows the adventures of a group of characters as they navigate the challenges of survival and self-discovery. The story explores themes of freedom, the primal instinct to connect with the wild, and the transformative power of the natural world. Richly described landscapes and vivid encounters with wildlife create a sense of immersion, inviting readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and the essence of what it means to be truly alive.
John Lewis-Stempel Books






The Running Hare
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The Sunday Times Bestseller - SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2017 Traditional ploughland is disappearing.
The Private Life of the Hare
- 112 pages
- 4 hours of reading
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR NATURE LOVERS'To see a hare sit still as stone, to watch a hare boxing on a frosty March morning, to witness a hare bolt . They are arrogant, as in Aesop's The Hare and the Tortoise, and absurd, as in Lewis Carroll's Mad March Hare.
The Curious Life of the Cuckoo
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Exploring twelve distinct habitats across England, the author takes readers on a journey through the country's diverse landscapes, from estuaries and woodlands to moors and coastal cliffs. This work highlights the rich variety of flora and fauna that define each environment, showcasing the beauty and ecological significance of England's natural heritage. It stands as a comprehensive celebration of the country's unique ecosystems, reflecting the author's deep appreciation for nature.
Six Weeks
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The extraordinary story of British junior officers in the First World War, who led their men out of the trenches and faced a life expectancy of six weeks.
A Brief History of the British Army
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
A very readable history of the British Army that manages to be objective yet sympathetic, and concise while never being superficial
Where Poppies Blow
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The natural history of the Western Front during the First World War by the award-winning author of Meadowland.
The Glorious Life of the Oak
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
it considers the life-cycle of the oak, the flora and fauna that depend on the oak, the oak as medicine, food and drink, where Britain's mightiest oaks can be found, and it tells of oak stories from folklore, myth and legend.
My book of the year. Meadowland is a seasonal journey of discovery, a pilgrimage that nurtures the soul and gives meaning to life; all life. Each beautifully crafted sentence provides a stepping-stone to absorb and understand the land, with the writer's lyrical voice acting as guide and trusty staff as well as illuminating the mind's eye with wonderful imagery and perceptive literary devices. Stuart Winter Sunday Express 20140601