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billyjepma's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
“…we are reading one of the earliest stories, told not in print but in footprint.”
A totally captivating, often hypnotic, and always transportive reading experience that makes me more embarrassed than ever over how little non-fiction I read. McFarlane’s book is about the act of walking, but it’s also about the history of those who walk and the paths that they traverse. His writing is gorgeous, almost to a fault, at times, but is so melodic in its tempo and descriptions that once I tapped into the proper wavelength, I became fully enmeshed in the words on the page.
I love how biographical the book is, too, with each chapter functioning as a snapshot of a particular person and/or place that also works alongside the broader biographies (of time, location, people, concepts) the book is sketching. I’m very glad I took my time reading this, and I’m equally glad to have another of Macfarlane’s books waiting for me on my shelf.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content and War
megdvs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
Macfarlane’s prose is beautiful as always and his love for the walks he goes on shines through. This deserves to be read slowly. I enjoyed the range of characters Macfarlane meets throughout his travels, who bring the book alive. I also thought the parts in Edward’s Thomas were moving. My only complaint is that the quality of the chapters is slightly inconsistent, some are incredibly strong and evocative, others don’t quite reach that same high standard.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
daisydoolie's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Such beautiful prose that really took me in and made me want to walk - some chapters near the end felt less impactful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
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