VESPER FLIGHTS

In this volume of more than three dozen short pieces, author/narrator Helen Macdonald introduces listeners to a literary Wunderkammer--a collection of "strange things . . . concerned with the quality of wonder." Although some essays begin with a human-oriented subject (migraines, a lonely childhood, Brexit), almost all of them make a connection to the natural world, especially birds. Macdonald's unforced, gentle performance allows her passion for and wonder at nature to shine. By skillfully modulating her volume and varying her cadence, she puts listeners under her spell. Her relationship to plants and animals is grounded; while she acknowledges the complexities of British traditions (fox hunting) and bemoans climate change, she isn't preachy, instead focusing on nature as healer, refuge, and source of never-ending awe. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]