When the world closed down, Chloe Dalton moved from London to the English countryside. Her career in foreign policy and politics continued remotely, but it all seemed a lot less real than what was happening in her garden and in the fields beyond her wall.
A newborn hare, likely displaced by a dog, lay in the country lane. Dalton saw it on her walk. When – many hours later – it remained, Dalton decided to take it home.
Dalton writes with a very English reserve in Raising Hare: A Memoir. She does not enthuse. She observes.
Like Alice, she is entranced by a wild creature, and she follows it into a new world. She does not domesticate the hare. If anything, it re-wilds her.
Denise Nestor’s brilliant pen and ink illustrations allow Hare to “breathe on the page,” in Dalton’s words. They complement the text perfectly.
Helen MacDonald’s H is for Hawk comes to mind, though I have forgotten almost all but my fond feelings for it. In my recollection, it was a more strenuous read. MacDonald’s grief – ultimately transformed – still permeated the book. Raising Hare felt more gentle and spare.
Sincerest thanks to Barbara Chazen for the wonderful recommendation!
Detail from “I C Patterns, Faded Glory” by Kerry Brock, currently exhibited at Bennett Galleries, Nashville
Good Morning! I browsed a bit on your site. Saw the Poetry button. Had to look. And I love the haiku!! I will be leaving WordPress late this year. Just not finding inspiration–maybe it’s the political climate. Anyway, just thought I would mention that I have a substack (LaMon’s Substack) where I am presently working through the Psalms with comments and a haiku or two. Anyway, thanks for your post today. I may have to check out that book! Peace, LaMon
I’m always happy to hear from you, LaMon! I will find you on Substack! Xoxo
Jennifer, beautiful! Thank you.
I definitely want to read Dalton’s book.
Hi Emily! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did – xoxo
Thanks for the rec, Jennifer! It’s on my list!