Waterlog

by Roger Deakin
Waterlog cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Travel and Adventure
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 9791
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781953534033
  • Publisher: Tin House Books
  • Published: 2022-04-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain is a beautifully written exploration of the author's love for wild swimming. The book takes readers on a journey through Britain's rivers, lakes, and seas, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the country's waterways. Through his experiences, the author advocates for a deeper connection with nature and a more sustainable ecosystem. The book is not just a travelogue but also a call to action for preserving and protecting our natural environments. /n/n The author's personal anecdotes and reflections on the act of swimming outdoors are interwoven with historical and cultural insights, making the book a rich and engaging read. It's a celebration of the simple joy of swimming and a reminder of the healing power of nature. The book's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions make it a standout in the genre of travel and nature writing.

Reviews
The Wild Swimming Brothers · 2025-07-09
vibrant 4.75

Deakin's writing is playful, poetic, and defiant, capturing the energy and joy of swimming. The prose is as vibrant and invigorating as the cold water he describes.

The Wild Swimming Brothers' review of 'Waterlog' emphasizes the lively and poetic nature of Deakin's writing. They describe how his prose crackles with the same energy that pumps through you when you first jump into cold water. This vibrant and invigorating style makes the book a captivating read, filled with a sense of adventure and wonder. The reviewer appreciates the playful and defiant tone, which adds to the overall charm of the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Writing: Playful, Poetic, Defiant. Deakin's prose crackles with the same energy that pumps through you when you first jump into cold water.

    His vibrant and invigorating style makes the book a captivating read, filled with a sense of adventure and wonder.

    The playful and defiant tone adds to the overall charm of the narrative.

HIWT · 2024-02-02
philosophical 4.25

Waterlog is a gentle and philosophical book stuffed with interesting anecdotes and compelling imagery. It offers a unique perspective on the natural world and the joy of swimming.

HIWT's review of 'Waterlog' highlights its gentle and philosophical nature, filled with interesting anecdotes and compelling imagery. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective Deakin offers on the natural world and the joy of swimming. The book is described as a thoughtful and engaging exploration of Britain's waters, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate nature and reflection. The reviewer finds the anecdotes and imagery particularly compelling, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Waterlog is a gentle and philosophical book stuffed with interesting anecdotes and compelling imagery.

    It offers a unique perspective on the natural world and the joy of swimming.

    The book is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of Britain's waters.

The Guardian · 2011-08-02
enchanting 4.50

This book captures Britain's wild and beautiful places with a unique perspective, offering an enchanting swimmer's tale. It is both evocative and deeply personal, inviting readers to see the world through the author's eyes.

The Guardian's review of 'Waterlog' paints a vivid picture of Roger Deakin's journey through Britain's waters. They highlight how Deakin's prose brings to life the natural beauty and wildness of the landscapes he encounters. His 'frog's eye view' offers a fresh and enchanting perspective, making the book a delightful read for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The reviewer appreciates the personal and evocative nature of the narrative, which makes the book feel both intimate and universal.

Quick quotes

    This enchanting swimmer's tale captures Britain's most wild and beautiful places with a 'frog's eye view'.

    Deakin's prose brings to life the natural beauty and wildness of the landscapes he encounters.

    The book is both evocative and deeply personal, inviting readers to see the world through the author's eyes.

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