Robert Macfarlane’s latest book, Is a River Alive?, delves into the question of whether nature has inherent rights, using the stories of rivers as a lens to explore this existential topic. Inspired by the crisis facing rivers in his native England, Macfarlane set out on a journey to uncover “new old stories” about rivers from around the world. He traveled to Ecuador, India, and eastern Canada to document the ways in which rivers serve as the hearts of dynamic ecosystems and how people are beginning to recognize and protect them.
In 2008, Ecuador ratified a new national constitution that granted rights to nature, recognizing Pacha Mama, or Mother Earth, as a living entity with the rights to exist, persist, and be restored when damaged. This radical addition sparked Macfarlane’s curiosity and led him to explore the concept of rivers as living entities with their own sovereignty. Throughout his book, he highlights how Indigenous populations have long viewed rivers not as mere resources but as companions we share the planet with.
During his travels, Macfarlane immersed himself in nature, experiencing rivers firsthand and returning over and over to the river in his own neighborhood. He believes that people need to connect with nature in order to truly appreciate its inherent value. He argues that the revival of rivers worldwide, or the “riverlution,” is being driven by citizens who love their rivers and have a personal connection to them.
One of the most riveting experiences in Macfarlane’s book was his kayak journey down the Mutehekau Shipu (Magpie) River in Quebec. This journey shaped the book, gathering speed and force as more tributaries of experience and ideas flowed into the main channel. The intense presence of the river left Macfarlane open and vulnerable, allowing him to reckon with the power of water and its ability to transform.
Throughout Is a River Alive?, Macfarlane emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse voices and perspectives into nature writing. He wanted his book to be multivocal and polyphonic, weaving together human and more-than-human voices to illuminate the story of rivers. By highlighting the relationships that older societies and Indigenous people have with rivers, Macfarlane brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about nature and our place within it.
Ultimately, Is a River Alive? is a powerful exploration of the rights of nature and the vital role that rivers play in our world. It challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with rivers and nature as a whole, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of these essential ecosystems. In my book, “Is A River Alive?” I wanted to not only share my own perspective but also allow the voices of my friends and companions to shine through. One of these extraordinary individuals is Yuvan Aves, a Tamil naturalist and activist, and Rita Mestokosho, an Innu poet, language-keeper, and community leader. Their insights and experiences add depth and richness to the narrative.
The book delves into a wide range of scientific topics, from mycology to hydrology, ecology to climatology, and beyond. I have always been fascinated by the language of scientists, finding it both remarkable and lyrical in its precision. I am grateful to my scientific friends for sharing their expertise and vision, helping to illuminate these complex subjects for readers.
For those interested in similar topics, I would recommend a few other books. “A Barrister For The Earth” by Monica Feria-Tinta explores environmental law and activism, while Merlin Sheldrake’s “Entangled Life” delves into the fascinating world of fungi. Elif Shafak’s “There Are Rivers in the Sky” and Moudhy Al-Rashid’s “Between Two Rivers” offer unique perspectives on nature and culture. And of course, Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Word For World Is Forest” and the Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Sophus Helle, are classics that should not be missed.
Overall, “Is A River Alive?” is a journey through science, nature, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. It is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of diverse voices and perspectives.
