The Book of Eels

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Part H Is for Hawk, part The Soul of an Octopus, this work is a meditation on the elusive European eel, Anguilla anguilla, and a reflection on the human condition. The eel question—where do eels come from, what are they, and their mysterious life cycle—has captivated scientists and philosophers for centuries. Remarkably, no one has ever witnessed eels mating or giving birth, and their instinct to return to the ocean after decades in freshwater remains unexplained. Drawing on extensive research in literature, history, and modern marine biology, along with personal experiences fishing for eels with his father, Patrik Svensson crafts a mesmerizing portrait of this misunderstood creature. The narrative introduces renowned thinkers like Aristotle, Freud, and Rachel Carson, who were equally fascinated by eels, and highlights the efforts of scientists like Danish marine biologist Johannes Schmidt, who sought the eels' birthing grounds in the Sargasso Sea. Blending memoir and nature writing, Svensson's exploration of the eel transforms into a profound inquiry into human existence, addressing themes of roots, destiny, and the ultimate question of death. The result is a captivating narrative that enchants and surprises.