Is a River Alive?
By Robert Macfarlane
Publisher: Norton
The author of “Underland” explores flowing waters in Ecuador, India and Canada.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Robert Macfarlane's latest opus, *Is a River Alive?*, is a masterful exploration that challenges the entrenched anthropocentric view of nature, urging readers to recognize rivers as living entities deserving of legal rights. This 384-page tome is not merely a book; it is a clarion call for a paradigm shift in our relationship with the natural world.
Macfarlane embarks on three profound journeys to illustrate his thesis. In northern Ecuador, he delves into the plight of a cloud-forest and its rivers threatened by gold mining, highlighting the devastating impact of human greed on pristine ecosystems. His narrative then flows to southern India, where he examines the desperate struggle to save wounded rivers, creeks, and lagoons from environmental degradation. Finally, in northeastern Quebec, he documents the defense of the Mutehekau or Magpie River against damming, showcasing a community's fight to preserve a wild river's vitality. Interwoven with these accounts is the intimate story of a fragile chalk stream near Macfarlane's home, serving as a poignant reminder of the personal connections we share with our local waterways.
The prose is, as expected from Macfarlane, both lyrical and evocative. His ability to paint vivid landscapes with words immerses the reader in each setting, making the environmental issues he discusses feel immediate and personal. However, the book is not without its challenges. The dense, poetic language, while beautiful, may prove daunting for readers seeking a more straightforward exposition. Additionally, the intertwining of multiple narratives, though thematically cohesive, demands a high level of engagement and may overwhelm those unaccustomed to such complex storytelling.
Critics have lauded the work for its depth and relevance. Kirkus Reviews describes it as a "lucid, memorable argument" affirming the aliveness of rivers. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robert-macfarlane/is-a-river-alive/?utm_source=openai)) The *Financial Times* highlights Macfarlane's powerful advocacy for granting legal rights to natural entities, emphasizing the book's contribution to the evolving discourse on environmental ethics. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/9fb7e995-eba8-43ae-ab95-f85cfda0d126?utm_source=openai)) Such endorsements underscore the book's significance in contemporary environmental literature.
In conclusion, *Is a River Alive?* is a compelling and thought-provoking work that challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. While its rich prose and complex structure may not cater to all tastes, those willing to engage deeply will find it a rewarding and enlightening read. Given its timely and critical message, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in environmental issues, legal rights of nature, or simply the beauty of well-crafted nature writing.
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 5/29/2025