This is an absolutely wonderful book about natural history. The author saves and raises a hare during lockdown, which is a huge shift from her important job as a political advisor in Britain, and this simple act transforms her life. This is written without sentimentality– she never even named the hare– but resonates with love, fascination, and profound wonderment. I found it surprisingly comforting that such an intelligent, tender person was alive in the world and made receptive to nature in a way she had not been before.

Here are some quotes from the book:

• “Through the leveret [note: this was a new word for me; it means baby hare], I had rediscovered the pleasure of attachment to a place and the contentment that can be derived from exploring it fully, rather than constantly seeking ways to leave it and believing that satisfaction can only lie in novel experiences.”
• “Under the subtle influence of the hare, my own wants have simplified. To be dependable in love and friendship more than in work. To leave the land in a more natural state than I found it. And to take better care of what is to hand, seeing beauty and value in the ordinary.”
• “If we do not achieve all upon which we have set our hearts, or are beaten back by headwinds stronger than our desires, we too can lay up a while, watch the glitter on the grass, and renew our strength.”

You too may love Raising Hare, which is terrific and peace-inducing either in print or on audio. Nature is such a blessing to the human spirit! Finding refuge in the appreciation of nature and agency in the desire to protect it can be resuscitating for us all. This has a message so needed for this time. I give this small volume of non-fiction an enthusiastic five stars.