Otter Country: In Search of the Wild Otter

On the cover of Otter Country is a puff from Jim Perrin 'If a better nature book is written this year I would be very surprised.' As we approach December I think we can be safely say he was right. Otter Country is a delight; beautifully crafted, passionate and authentic, it chronicles Darlington's quest not just to observe but to understand the otter - and in so doing to discover more of herself. And it's this aspect - the willingness to place herself and her responses into the narrative - that I enjoyed so much. Too many supposed new-nature books use the landscape as a prop for the author's ego - reams of research material supported by a fleeting visit to the 'wild' (the much lauded Edgelands is a classic example). Otter Country is the real deal - Darlington's lifetime obsession is genuine, so too her initial naivety; her need for help, empathy and patience in understanding her subject - Otter Country is as much inner journey as outward quest. All this and exquisitely written too - I read it in a weekend, then again a month later - a rare event for me and further endorsement if it were needed. Highly recommended.

This fabulous book will surely become a classic. Its meticulous search across Britain for otters is grounded in factual knowledge of the natural world, but it's inspiringly human too, and starts with some of the best opening lines I've ever read: "It's midsummer and I want to go north. Somewhere it'll be hard for anyone to find me. Away from the hubbub of signposts, maps and people. I want the wild. I want antlers of deer silhouetted against luminous sky. I want wildcats, peat bog, Caledonian forest..." This tantalising opening is the start of many an adventure.. the otters are mesmerising when they appear, and I was gripped from start to finish. It's written by somebody with a rare talent; buy it and be swept into a world of watery wildness, otters and adventure.

This beautiful and readable book is the story of Miriam Darlington's continuing obsession with Britain's wild otters. While another Richard reviewing the volume was disappointed that Otter Country was not a straight ahead account of the natural history of the otter, there is much to be learned about this elusive mammal from this book because what Miriam Darlington has spent much of her life doing is immersing herself both figuratively and literally into the otter's watery world. Every birder knows about 'jizz', the characteristics and feel of a species or family, that helps with identification - this book gives a real sense of the 'jizz' of the otter. As the author recounts her forays to some of Britain's wildest places, she imparts information on otter biology and the story of its remarkable recovery, but this book is also an exploration of hers and our relationship with the (natural) world, a book about values. The otter is her entry point to a better understanding and perhaps the best way to describe Miram Darlington's relationship with the otter is to use Philip Pullman's concept of the daemon. The book is beautifully written and that Mirian Darlington is also a poet is evident on every page. The writing is fluid and few books I have read have captured the essence of these island's watery habitats better than Otter Country.

I am not someone who usually browses in the nature section of bookshops but I rate Miriam Darlington's writing and so was intrigued by 'Otter Country'. Just reading the first page I knew I was in for an absolute treat and I was never disappointed. I have even turned other non 'nature' readers into fans - there is something universal about Darlington's quest that makes this book compelling - that and her exquisite writing. Buy this for yourself and anyone who loves good writing. I am looking forward to the next one.

I bought Otter Country: In Search of the Wild Otter as soon as it came out in September 2012 and was immediately taken by the brilliantly evocative writing combined with a clear contemporary analysis of the state of the otter in the UK. The author describes Scotland, Northumberland and the Lake District with a skilfully poetic air. The book also has a great narrative structure and is also a page-turner. A highly recommended read for all nature lovers- eco-criticism of the highest order.

This book is as much about the otter as it is about the wild and not-so-wild places in Britain where the otter makes its home. Or used to. And about the ottery people in those places. Its pages are saturated with lovely descriptions of all sorts of watery habitats, from muddy estuaries to tiny streams and man-made ponds. Bliss for a 'water baby' like myself. And the author's passion for her subject is evident in the efforts to which she goes to (literally) immerse herself in the otter's world, to explore with an otter's senses. This is a must-read for anyone who's into otters or the nature writing genre.

An enjoyable read of the Authors hunt to see wild otters, nicely written and discriptive. I enjoyed the chronological passage of the text through the year and the insights into the differing otter habitats/communities. I would have liked to see a few diagrams and perhaps photographs, but since my best results so far have been footprints rather than the elusive otter, I can understand their absence. A worthy addition to the other books I have on the otter, and enough food for thought.

The author shares her love and respect for these beautifully adapted animals with such enthusiasm that one is totally absorbed. Well written and informative.

As a child I read Tarka and A Ring of Bright Water and I'm pleased I found Otter Country to build on those childhood memories. Miriam Darlington writes so well you can smell the water, feel wet, wished you could get out of the wind and most of all, be on Darlington's shoulder as she sights an Otter. If you enjoyed J.A.Baker's The Peregrine and Peter Matthiessen's The Birds of Heaven, buy Otter Country. You won't be disappointed

A view of nature and animals not familiar to many people, including me. I found the book challenging and thoughtful.