Lovers of nature will appreciate Raven’s thoughtful writing about the place of humans in the natural world Lovers of stories will be entranced by the rendering of friendship, and its strange power to change lives. Right up to tragic yet hopeful ending, this book is irresistible reading. Raven is trying to be cute-a tone that never once encroaches on the rest of the narrative, which showcases real communication and friendship between different species. These instances are few and don’t take away from Fox’s sections-indeed, you may even find them charming- but feel out of place in a book that is taking seriously the idea that wild animals have emotions and desires similar to humans and therefore shouldn’t be treated as either hostile enemies to be killed or stupid creatures to be pitied. Whether you think that these sections are earned or not will vary depending on how far you are willing to extend your imagination with Raven, who goes so far as to include brief exclamations from Fox’s point of view. Occasionally, they can become a bit plodding, but overall, they succeed. These sections are skillfully done-they are given in frequent, short bursts throughout, never stretching on longer than necessary and persistently written in methodical and often insightful prose. They always feel earned and are always written in a lush, elegant style. Raven’s prose is at its best in moments like this, where she pauses to reflect and extrapolates her experience into a general sentiment. Read Full Review >Īll these scenes work in the narrative to build a sense camaraderie between Raven and Fox collectively, they stand as a testament for the meaning and beauty in the small and seemingly insignificant moments in life. Perhaps it is best understood as a plea for understanding. But Raven’s book isn’t a treatise, it isn’t a call to arms, it isn’t political. Fox & I will appeal to those who despair about human depredation of the natural world and sense climate change as the looming, existential threat to life. If a reader is willing, the experience of journeying alongside her as she lives with Fox and meditates about him is extremely rewarding. More than most books, Raven’s sets out unique, even eccentric, terms, and she uses fictional techniques to round out her account, including sections told from Fox’s perspective. She’s a superb nature writer, who also delves into cultural topics, such as the fox icons found in Inari temples in Japan. Every story demands a language of its own and Raven chooses a fluid, swift-moving style, which takes some getting used to. What emotional vocabulary can express both the joy and the doubts she experienced devoting copious time and love to a wild creature? This fanciful, literate, unsentimental and yet deeply felt memoir is her answer.

Fox and i an uncommon friendship