Journeys to the Nearby
A GARDENER DISCOVERS THE GENTLE ART OF UNTRAVELLING
Memoir, Gardening, Nature
- Price
- $22.95
Inspired by adventures of world travellers but unwilling to rack up her fossil fuel consumption, Elspeth sets out with a deep curiosity to explore the world that exists in her own garden.
Told over the course of four seasons this is an inspiring book of the beauty in the small moments of discovery. After spending the winter holidays lazing comfortably with a stack of books by ambitiously adventurous travel writers, Elspeth soon realizes that their derring-do and far-flung, often gas-guzzling exploits, are not her cup of tea. But impressed by their energy she resolves to abandon her recliner to set off on a year-long journey of her own.
With a fresh dose of curiosity and a firm resolve to take her time, Elspeth invites the reader to join her as she ventures out to see the world as it resides in her own backyard. Her tentative efforts to learn the art of “untravelling” become a voyage of discovery and rediscovery as she learns to slow down and observe.
With gentle humour and a warm, intimate and conversational style, Elspeth evokes her world as richly as any travel writer. Her elegant pen-and-ink drawings enrich the prose and add an extra layer of information.
A beautiful gift book for travellers, gardeners and those looking for solace in our overwhelming and relentlessly-fast-paced digital world.
Reviews
“I loved this book. Inspiring, timely, and charming, I savoured each exquisite journey.” —Beth Powning, bestselling author of The Sister's Tale
“Her wry sense of humour, often self-deprecating, makes for a highly-relatable travel guide. Highly recommended!” —BC BookWorld
“An absorbing look at the familiar denizens of a garden that will appeal to gardeners and nature lovers.” —Library Journal
“Each short, well-written chapter (also well illustrated by Bradbury) offers readers yet another subject to ponder, all giving gardeners a good sense of why their plantings are the world’s oyster.” —Booklist, American Library Association
“The book is a whimsically fluid read that invites us to consider the often underestimated value of what is discoverable right in front of us. At once entrancing and deeply comforting, Bradbury takes readers on a journey to those places that are so near and dear to our hearts, but which we may have forgotten about in the noise and chaos and pressures of life.” —BC Review
“It took me on a trip through a British Columbia homestead, entertaining me with all manner of exotica, illustrated with exquisite, authentic drawings. Bradbury’s gentle humour and perceptive words are exactly what I needed in this time of raucous ranting.” —Nancy Bauer, author of the story collection Hammering at the Door
“Elspeth Bradbury’s entertaining tales show us that adventure and discovery can be as close as a nearby garden. A gentle, happy book that entices us to keep reading.” —Norma Dixon, author of In Deep with the Octopus
Book Details
Pub Date: February 2025
Trade Paperback
246 pages
Print ISBN 9781553807247
E-book ISBN 9781553807254
6” x 7.5”
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