The Book of Eels

More about the book

Remarkably little is known about the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, leading to centuries of fascination with the "eel question": Where do eels come from? What are they? Are they fish or something else? Despite advances in science, no one has ever witnessed eels mating or giving birth, and their mysterious migration from freshwater to the ocean at the end of their lives remains unexplained. Drawing on extensive research in literature, history, and marine biology, along with personal experiences fishing for eels with his father, Patrik Svensson creates a captivating portrait of this misunderstood creature. The narrative introduces notable historical figures, such as Aristotle, Sigmund Freud, and Rachel Carson, who were captivated by eels, as well as scientists like Danish marine biologist Johannes Schmidt, who, in the early twentieth century, sought to identify their birthing grounds in the Sargasso Sea. Blending memoir and nature writing, Svensson's exploration of the eel becomes a profound reflection on the human condition, addressing themes of roots, destiny, and the ultimate question of death. The result is a gripping narrative that surprises and enchants.