Feral

Feral: Rewilding the land, sea and human life by George Monbiot, 2014, Penguin.

“Feral: Rewilding the Land, the Sea, and Human Life” by George Monbiot appears to be a rigorously researched and elegantly written book that offers a visionary and thought-provoking perspective on our relationship with the natural world. Monbiot, a journalist and environmentalist with a background in zoology, draws on his experiences and encounters to explore the “incendiary idea” of rewilding.

The book is lauded for its “big thinking”, presenting an “uplifting and inspiring goal” beyond simply halting environmental destruction, aiming instead for the “restoration of the wild in nature and our own lives”. Several reviewers highlight the book’s rigorous research and Monbiot’s skill as a “proper reporting journalist” who can also write with “primal” and “cinematic” quality, offering “extraordinarily good and crunchy material”. He is also noted for his ability to present statistics in a readable form and to effectively use ancient historical evidence.

The central theme of rewilding is explored through “projects where this ‘incendiary idea’ has been put into practice”, with the results described as “extraordinary”. The book focuses on finding constructive solutions to ecological problems and challenges our perceptions of ecosystems and our place within them. It reflects a “very real need in us all right now to be released from our claustrophobic monoculture and sense of powerlessness”, advocating for breaking “the straight lines into endless branches” and freeing the land. Thom Yorke of Radiohead describes it as “the most positive and daring environmental book I have read”, suggesting it helps readers to “see a better one”.

Reviewers also note the book’s potential impact on how readers view the landscape, suggesting it “could mean never to look at our landscape in quite the same way again”. It is positioned within a tradition of “back-to-nature narratives”, drawing comparisons to Thoreau’s “Walden”, and aligns Monbiot with other fine writers who explore the human connection with nature. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall calls it “truly captivating”.

While described as an “environmental manifesto”, the book also contains elements of “midlife crisis memoir”, adding a personal dimension to the exploration of rewilding. Farley Mowat sees it as a “Book of Revelations for our times”, urgently warning of the consequences of inaction and advocating for immediate change. Brian Eno praises Monbiot’s originality and his persuasive argument for actively rebuilding nature, moving beyond mere conservation.

Overall, “Feral” is presented as a seminal and subversive work that is not only informative and well-researched but also deeply engaging and inspiring. It encourages readers to reconsider their relationship with the wild and to embrace the potential for ecological renewal.