There has been significant discussion regarding the condition of our rivers in recent years, which is entirely justified. A 2020 report from the Environment Agency highlighted that none of the rivers, lakes, or streams in England were deemed to be in “optimal health.” During last year’s general election campaigns, politicians vied with each other to outline how their respective parties planned to address the crisis of untreated sewage being discharged into the waters. It’s clear that this matter has resonated deeply with many members of the public.
Into this societal maelstrom, renowned nature author Robert Macfarlane — celebrated for works like The Old Ways, The Lost Words, and Underland — plunges headfirst with his newest release.
Is a River Alive?
The moment I read the title, my enthusiasm soared. My respect knows no bounds for these predominantly community-driven activists who have orchestrated impactful campaigns recently to shed light on the deplorable condition of our rivers. However, public and media discussions often narrow down primarily to the issue of water quality within the river channels—crucial though this matter is—and fail to foster broader conversations regarding river ecosystems and their cultural significance, including their spiritual role in our lives and societal fabric. Rivers ought not be viewed merely as drainage conduits; they encompass far greater dimensions.
Has the water died?
Let me disclose something upfront: certain sections of this book resonate deeply with my own emotions. Having been aware that Macfarlane resides merely a few blocks away from me in southern Cambridge, “Is a River Alive?” begins by guiding us to the small “Nine Wells” natural preserve located on the periphery of Cambridge—a location I am familiar with and cherish. This area features pristine, glistening springwater emerging from a chalk cliff face, marking the beginning of a river. Historically, this phenomenon has persisted for approximately 12,000 years; however, due to excessive extraction, these nine wells frequently go dormant throughout much of the year. The scene depicting Macfarlane’s young child observing the depleted ponds and posing the poignant question, “Has the water died?” strikes a chord within me.
Macfarlane subsequently guides us through journeys along three other distinct rivers across the globe, each facing various threats, delving into the inquiry, “Is a RiverAlive?”
Unconventional Guiliana can locate uncommon mushrooms at a distance due to her ability to sense “a fuzz in the matrix.”
We journey to the cloud forest located in the highlands of Ecuador, where we discover information about the three rivers within that ecosystem: the “one beneath our feet,” known as the Rio Los Cedros, which is “visible and audible”; the fungal river “underground” where water and nutrients circulate through countless threads of mycorrhizal fungi connecting myriad plants in the woodland; and the “aerial river” wherein moisture travels throughout the forest, often defying gravity, propelled by air currents and vapor movement.
We journey to Chennai, located on India’s eastern coastline, where we explore the stories of the Kosasthalaiyar River, the Cooum River, and the Adyar River. These waterways originate highland areas as vibrant streams yet become severely polluted by an overwhelming mix of human waste and chemicals before merging and flowing into the sea at this densely populated and lively port city.
We journey next to northern Quebec alongside Macfarlane during an occasionally frightening 10-day whitewater kayak excursion down the unspoiled Mutehekau Shipu River. Having lived in Quebec for a year, spending considerable time paddling numerous scenic rivers throughout the region, this part deeply connects with me—nearly rivaling my experience with the desiccated springs near Cambridge. However, I challenge anyone not to feel stirred or thrilled by Macfarlane’s pulse-racing narration of battling through some formidable rapids on that grand river. The brilliance of the author’s recount lies in how it educates readers less about his personal skills and limitations as a kayaker than about the distinct personality, peculiar traits, and idiosyncrasies of the revered Mutehekau Shipu River itself. This narrative aids us in forming a bond with the river as though it were a sentient being.
The river that speaks
Throughout the book, we encounter several delightful characters who serve as our guides: the quirky Giuliana, skilled at discovering uncommon fungi away from well-trod paths due to her ability to sense a “fuzz in the matrix”; the enthusiastic Chennai schoolteacher Yuvan, who ignites passion for less celebrated creatures like cockroaches, maggots, and dung beetles among his students; and Rita, part of the First Nations Innu community in Quebec, who advises Macfarlane before his kayak journey: “Instead of you talking about the river, it should be the river itself that speaks to you.”
Through these characters and narratives, Macfarlane addresses the query, “Is a river alive?” His response is a resounding “Absolutely!” (or perhaps “Perhaps,” but leaning towards certainty). However, he avoids sounding didactic. Instead, this conclusion emerges as both readers and Macfarlane delve into various legal strategies aimed at granting rights and ‘personhood’ to rivers—a concept that may seem absurd to many—but considering how we bestow such status upon corporations, entities often viewed as even more abstract.
This novel exerted a powerful allure over me. I found myself eager to return to its pages repeatedly. Once more, Macfarlane exhibits his brilliance as a writer with this work that feels vibrant and almost sentient, communicating directly with the reader. The conclusion left me feeling bereft. Its influence persists in my everyday reflections, akin to how a river steadily merges with the ocean.
Craig Bennett serves as the CEO of The Wildlife Trusts.
Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane (Penguin, $25)
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