Vesper Flights

by Helen Macdonald
Vesper Flights cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 4269
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781448130733
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2020-08-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Vesper Flights is a captivating collection of essays by Helen Macdonald, best known for her acclaimed work H is for Hawk. This book delves into the intricate connections between humans and the natural world, offering a blend of personal narratives and broader observations. Macdonald's writing spans a wide range of topics, from the behavior of animals to the nuances of human experiences, all tied together by a deep appreciation for the environment. Her essays are both intimate and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone interested in nature, memory, and the human condition. The collection is a testament to Macdonald's skill as a writer, confirming her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary nature writing.

Reviews
Andes Gazette · 2021-02-27
challenging 3.50

The book is not a warm and fuzzy read, as the author is both self-disclosing and self-protective, demanding attention without pandering.

The reviewer notes that Vesper Flights is not a warm and fuzzy read. The author's self-disclosing yet self-protective approach demands attention without pandering to the reader. This makes the book a challenging but rewarding read. The reviewer appreciates the author's honesty and the depth of the essays, which explore complex relationships with nature and animals. The book's unapologetic tone is seen as a strength, making it a unique and thought-provoking collection.

Quick quotes

    Vesper Flights is not a warm and fuzzy read.

    The author, both self-disclosing and self-protective, wants your attention, but will not pander to you in any way.

    The author's honesty and the depth of the essays are appreciated.

Harvard Review · 2021-02-11
engaging 4.00

The book is trusted to be free of ego and lecture, with a clear and engaging voice that explores complex themes.

The reviewer trusts that when you sit down with a Helen Macdonald book, there will be no ego and no lecture. The voice is clear and engaging, exploring complex themes with depth and insight. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to connect with readers on a personal level while delving into profound topics. The book is seen as a collection of essays that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    When you sit down with a Helen Macdonald book, you can trust that there will be no ego and no lecture.

    Though her voice is clear and her ...

    The book is seen as a collection of essays that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

The Guardian · 2020-08-24
thrilling 4.50

The book is thrilling and full of moments that challenge the idea that only certain hopes are valid. It is a powerful and entertaining corrective to narrow perspectives.

The reviewer found the book to be thrilling and full of moments that challenge the idea that only certain hopes are valid. They appreciate how the book serves as a powerful and entertaining corrective to narrow perspectives. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout collection of essays. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to captivate readers while offering a fresh perspective on nature and human relationships.

Quick quotes

    This book is thrillingly full of such moments; it is, too, a powerful – and entertaining – corrective to the idea that the only hopes that ...

    Essays that test the boundaries of our relationships with animals and, above all, ...

    It is a collection of natural wonders.

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