Raven seek thy brother

This book is the third book of a series Maxwell wrote. The first, and by far the most well known, is Ring of Bright Water. This book continues the amazing account of a man's life in Scotland shared with otters. Maxwell's writing is engrossing. His descriptions and knowledge of the natural world create the idyll in its entirety in the reader's mind. As in the first, there are portions that are downright heart wrenching. This book does seem to dwell more on Maxwell's outside projects and troubles than the otters. He, himself, is a fascinating individual. He recounts episodes of health and financial problems that removes the cloud of fantasy surrounding his days at Camusfearna. Inserted in a chapter is an actual proposal written by him in an effort of win support of starting an Eider duck colony. This is a bit dry and doesn't lend much to the book. In researching these birds, however, he makes a trip to Iceland. The story of his trip is great. Even better are tales of poltergeists in his cottage. One does learn more of his life--writing for hours, smoking eighty cigarettes each day--and that is fine. As with the first book there are many terrific photographs of otters and deerhounds and some fine drawings, though the drawings in the first book are so spectacular that anything else pales in comparison. I am amazed at his life, impressed by his sincere love and concern of the creatures around him. While not of the same magical quality of the first book, this is a fine work in its own right.

Not an easy book to read as it deals with when Gavin Maxwell was attempting to leave his home on the West Coast of Scotland and get rid of his beloved otters. His health had also begun to decline. Kind of a sad book, but Maxwell is really in tune with the natural world and the environment.

Love animals. Love otters. Love Gavin Maxwell. Another author I collect. Thanks,

I love the stories by Gavin Maxwell.

God Bless Gavin Maxwell's soul. Always with the best of intentions, this book, continuing after his 'Ring of Brightwater' and 'Rocks Remain' chronicles Maxwell's increasingly depressing, tumultious life. The dream that Camusfearna was, grows tarnished, his otters resentful of any human contact, Mediterranean enemies from the past, come to haunt him, and a series of physically disabling accidents strike him. On the good side, Maxwell's definite good knack for writing help pull the reader into the book. His visuals about the life on rugged but beautiful Scottish Isles, are absolutely appealing, making you want to be there, more than anything.Tom Brokaw wrote about the American experience in his acclaimed 'The Greatest Generation' Gavin Maxwell is no doubt is a giant of the 'Greatest' British Generation. Those young boys who grew to responsibility, and manhood in the days of WWII, and the fading light of the British empire. You will be amazed at what these people went through, and what we would consider high adventure, they consider quite routine.Anyway, read the book.

Maxwell's wonderfully meandering prose continues to outline the evolution of Camusfearna from the cocnlusion of the halcyon days of Ring Of Bright Water. The curse of the rowan tree and the powerful magic that invoked in Maxwell's life and those of his acquaintances. The epilogue is haunting and provides a sad precursor of later events, Teko was also to meet and unfortunate end and the author himself barely survived a year beyond the epilogue. Edal's tribute serves as a fitting message to those of us who ascribe to a paradise that never really exists.

I love Gavin Maxwell's writing, and the world of nature that he opened up to the world in his "Ring of Bright Water." I'm big on otters - because of that book - and I'm hardly the only one. This book continues the stories at Camusfearna, with more about Gavin Maxwell's life. But there is an overriding air of sadness, with mishap after mishap affecting him, his business efforts, his animals, and his staff.During this period of his life, Maxwell began racing Irish Wolfhounds (the nearest dog in size to a horse, if not one you might mistake for a horse) and studying geese, ultimately moving into a lighthouse. The writing is top notch as always, with occasional light moments, but it can't hide the overwhelming air of melancholy as Maxwell embarks on new interests, yet is still tied to deteriorating Camusfearna and animals there that require constant focus in order to survive.The otters' bond to their original caregiver, their jealous nature, and the violent impact that jealousy can have is one of the challenges hanging over Maxwell as he continued to explore new pursuits. There are some unintentional teachings about risks and the lifelong commitment you make to animals, particularly wild animals, in your care. It clearly was a challenge for Maxwell to embrace new business ventures, and new all-consuming passions, with wild animals that required nearly full-time attention; teenage locals had a steep learning curve as they struggled to take Maxwell's place. Experts today recognize that extracting an animal from its natural environment, when young, means the animal will require quality care for all of its life, regardless of any new passions the caregiver may have.Most of Maxwell's books tend to stay fairly on topic - e.g. "People of the Reeds, " "Ring of Bright Water." And if you really want to know about a man and his delightful unusual pet, you can just stop with the latter book. (There also are many books that focus on Lutra Lutra, and other types of River Otters, now available, thanks to the popularity of "Ring of Bright Water.") But "Raven Seek Thy Brother" gives you deeper insight into Gavin Maxwell the man, who brought otters to the world.

Probably the most interesting book of the trilogy. Even better if you have visited the area where he lived, which is stunning.

Part of a great trilogy. Lovely story, though very sad at times. One of my favorites

Fabulous book for Ring fans. Great condition for it's age

Absolutely disgusted to find that when my copy of Raven Seek Thy Brother arrived, that it was in terrible condition. Not only is the text block coming away from the spine (not mentioned by the seller) but that the book has an overwhelming and nauseating smell of must. This is not just the classic "old book smell", but it seems that it is inhabited by living mold. Never smelt any book this bad before! I think I will have to throw it out, it is beyond saving. Complete rip-off by World of Books and definately not worth almost 22€. Product description and product reality do not match!