A review by brighroosh
The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife

5.0

I had been wanting to read this for a long time. I must have seen a news clip about the Ravenmaster that peaked my interest. Then in advance of reading the book I watched one of the many YouTube clips about Christopher Skaife and his unusual job.
Skaife doesn't just recite facts and observations about the Ravens he takes care of. He inserts his background story of being in the British military and how it prepared him for this job whether dealing with things going awry, death and injuries, and uncomfortable weather conditions. He is self-deprecating in a very charming way, but always positive about his and the birds foibles.
I loved learning about the various birds personalities and their habits. I loved Skaife's list of the top five questions he and the other Yeoman Warders are asked by tourists, and their slightly sarcastic answers to the public.
Skaife recites the entire history and legends by heart as a storyteller to the many visitors at the Tower of London. He is averse to teaching the Ravens tricks or learning to speak, letting them be just the Ravens that they are.
I am now following his Twitter feed, where he has little video clips of the Ravens, and is even on TikTok now!