Helen Macdonald's nonfiction book, "H Is for Hawk," has been heralded as an inspirational and heartfelt masterpiece that redefines our idea of grief.
The book starts off with Macdonald's unexpected and intense grief at the untimely passing of her father. In her grief, Macdonald finds a new purpose in getting a goshawk that serves as both a companion and a reminder of the limitations of life. Her experience, both inwardly and outwardly, unravels her late father, who had been an avid ornithologist, and her quest to understand her family history.
The novel then dives deeper, exploring the idea of our relationship with the natural world, and how humans can't help but impose our own psychological readings of the wild. Macdonald emphasizes how goshawks are particularly challenging and complex birds, keeping her entranced during her continual learning experiences of falconry and more.
Macdonald doesn't just appreciate the beauty of the birds, she sees them as a kind of mirror - a reflection of her mind and emotions and a way to measure and analyze herself. As she gets closer to them, she begins to understand their complexity and beauty, as well as her own, and the idea of what it means to be alive and dealing with grief.
The writing is described as wonderful, capturing Macdonald's passionate and relentless journey, both internally and externally, as she stares deep into the eyes of the stunning goshawk, Mabel. Her journey not only serves as an in-depth look at the secrets of the natural world, but also reveals her own self-discovery and healing from the loss of her father.
Macdonald's book is also notable for its reimagined version of the classic novel "Hawking," by T.H. White. Macdonald ties in Mabel's story with White's character, Merlyn, which adds an interesting and complex layer to her narrative.
In its entirety, "H Is for Hawk" is an incredible and powerful reading experience, ultimately serving as an ode to the wild and a reminder of our own mortality. Through intimate details, Macdonald paints an unforgettable portrait of grief and our complicated relationship with the natural world. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand more about their own relationship with the wild, grief, and the complexity of life.
