Otter Country: In Search of the Wild Otter

It is hard to sum up all the qualities of this stunningly beautiful, well written, thoroughly researched and highly readable book, other than by saying it is simply one of the finest books I have read in a long time, and engrossed me from the start.Miriam Darlington is an accomplished poet whose deft observations of animals and nature are always engaging, and in Otter Country, her first venture into the world of prose, she doesn't disappoint. Split roughly into regional sections, as the author visits various parts of the country in search of the elusive animal, the book provides a fascinating overview of natural Britain, from the "True North" of Scotland, to the "wide curve of sand and mountainous dunes" of Northumberland, with its "gnarled, windblown hawthorns," taking in the Lake District and the surprisingly wildlife-rich canals of east London, to the "glittering river Dart" and the idyllic sounding environs of the author's local area, England's south-west.There is a lot of thoughtful, insightful poetry and nature writing emanating from this part of the country right now, with writers like David Caddy, Mandy Pannett and Alice Oswald bringing the ancient land-and-water-scapes to life, and Miriam Darlington's fluent style of writing, non-judgemental observations and obvious love of wild animals fits perfectly into this poetic melting pot. Her descriptions of seals "bobbing like vertical bottles" in the sea, her meditations on the Cheddar Gorge, whose limestone foundations are steeped in subterranean water "percolating, eroding ventricles and chambers inside the secret rhythm and drip of the earth," and of course her depictions of the otter, whom she imagines "enfolded in fur, dreaming of water; a tight sleep-knot, enjoying the deep sleep of one who exists totally in the moment," all proclaim to us clearly and admiringly "This writer is a true poet."The book is not just a collection of sightings and descriptions. The author gives us a detailed history of the species, its relationships with other creatures and its evolution, its place and timeline in and around Britain, and the many threats it faces. She tells us movingly and interestingly about how her fascination with otters first began, describing her membership of charities and trusts devoted to its welfare, and entertains us with a rich array of characters who she meets along the way, from renowned experts to enthusiastic otter-spotting amateurs, assisting in her quest to observe otters in their wild habitats. Miriam Darlington also quotes extensively from scientific reports and statistics about otters, and from wildlife books throughout the ages. Expected names cropped up - Leopold, Maxwell, Williamson - but I was also thrilled to come across various authors I had never heard of, such as Annie Dillard, David Abram and Barry Lopez - the last being a discovery for which I am truly grateful, for indeed, it is entirely thanks to this wonderful book that I have embarked on exploring the whole of Lopez's back catalogue of nature writing.Otter Country does not restrict its self to the titular animal. There are, among others, fascinating accounts of the lives and habits of different mustelids, beautiful descriptions of insects, haunting images of starlings and swallows. I read this book over a couple of days when mainly out nature-watching myself, finding it a fine companion for such purposes. Overall, Otter Country is a compelling and heartfelt book, the otter seems to swim out of its pages like a vivid dream, the writer's passion for her environment being eloquently and sharply expressed. I will not spoil the "plot" for future readers by detailing exactly how the author's quest to uncover the lives and mysteries of wild otters unfolds, only to say that for anyone who appreciates good, rich, confident writing, and has a love of the natural world, Otter Country is a must!

On the cover of Otter Country is a puff from Jim Perrin 'If a better nature book is written this year I would be very surprised.' As we approach December I think we can be safely say he was right. Otter Country is a delight; beautifully crafted, passionate and authentic, it chronicles Darlington's quest not just to observe but to understand the otter - and in so doing to discover more of herself. And it's this aspect - the willingness to place herself and her responses into the narrative - that I enjoyed so much. Too many supposed new-nature books use the landscape as a prop for the author's ego - reams of research material supported by a fleeting visit to the 'wild' (the much lauded Edgelands is a classic example). Otter Country is the real deal - Darlington's lifetime obsession is genuine, so too her initial naivety; her need for help, empathy and patience in understanding her subject - Otter Country is as much inner journey as outward quest. All this and exquisitely written too - I read it in a weekend, then again a month later - a rare event for me and further endorsement if it were needed.Highly recommended.

This book is as much about the otter as it is about the wild and not-so-wild places in Britain where the otter makes its home. Or used to. And about the ottery people in those places. Its pages are saturated with lovely descriptions of all sorts of watery habitats, from muddy estuaries to tiny streams and man-made ponds. Bliss for a 'water baby' like myself. And the author's passion for her subject is evident in the efforts to which she goes to (literally) immerse herself in the otter's world, to explore with an otter's senses. This is a must-read for anyone who's into otters or the nature writing genre.

Great book and if your not obsessed by otters already you will be after reading this book. Nice easy read and so informative about all aspects of otters life.

I bought this book as I have had a life-long interest in otters and had seen several very good reviews. The reviews were spot on. Miriam Darlington skillfully weaves fascinating information with poetic descriptions of her search for elusive otters. She paints wonderful images of the landscape and wildlife she encounters on her search whilst also giving insights into the human costs of her year long search. The book provoked fond memories of seeing otters in Shetland two years ago. I greatly enjoyed this book and bought it as a Christmas gift for several other people.

An enjoyable read of the Authors hunt to see wild otters, nicely written and discriptive. I enjoyed the chronological passage of the text through the year and the insights into the differing otter habitats/communities. I would have liked to see a few diagrams and perhaps photographs, but since my best results so far have been footprints rather than the elusive otter, I can understand their absence. A worthy addition to the other books I have on the otter, and enough food for thought.

The author shares her love and respect for these beautifully adapted animals with such enthusiasm that one is totally absorbed. Well written and informative.

As a child I read Tarka and A Ring of Bright Water and I'm pleased I found Otter Country to build on those childhood memories. Miriam Darlington writes so well you can smell the water, feel wet, wished you could get out of the wind and most of all, be on Darlington's shoulder as she sights an Otter. If you enjoyed J.A.Baker's The Peregrine and Peter Matthiessen's The Birds of Heaven, buy Otter Country. You won't be disappointed

A view of nature and animals not familiar to many people, including me. I found the book challenging and thoughtful.