Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane is a beautifully written and utterly captivating exploration of the world beneath our feet. In his captivating new book, Macfarlane takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey deep into the world beneath our feet – the underland.
Written with both scientific and poetic eye, Macfarlane introduces readers to distant, forgotten realms, from hidden underground caves and buried cities to long-lost sunken riverbeds. Along the way, he uncovers glimpses of deep time and countless untold stories, all illuminated by his fascination with the natural world.
Throughout the book, Macfarlane is accompanied by an array of fellow adventurers, from archaeologists and deep ecologists to local folklorists and fossil hunters. Through these characters, we gain insight into this unreachable, sometimes dangerous landscape, as well as its people, places, and stories.
Central to Macfarlane’s argument is the idea that the underland is not just a place of darkness, of death and decay, but also a source of optimism and renewal. His journeys open our eyes to the possibility that humans can coexist harmoniously with the natural world, and leave us inspired by the beauty and wonder it contains.
On top of introducing us to this hidden world, Macfarlane also sheds light on the issues plaguing it, such as the impact of climate change and overpopulation. He argues that if we are open to its secrets, the underland can provide hope and guidance as we navigate our uncertain future.
Throughout the book, this optimism is balanced with somber reflections on the perils of environmental degradation, as amplified by the underland’s vulnerability. This vulnerability is felt in the book’s closing passages, which give a hauntingly beautiful account of the underland’s fragility and power.
At once a journey of exploration, a riveting adventure, and a lyrical reflection on the fragility of our planet, Underland is a remarkable book that will stay with readers long after the last page has been turned. Through Macfarlane’s vivid descriptions and stirring insights, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the environment on which all life depends. Highly recommended.
