Fraser McDonald's diary entry in the London Review of Books reflects on the centenary of Nan Shepherd's birth and the enduring power of her nature writing, particularly The Living Mountain. McDonald contrasts Shepherd's intimate, embodied experience of the Cairngorms with the more detached, scientific approach of contemporary nature writers like Robert Macfarlane. He emphasizes Shepherd's focus on direct sensory perception and her rejection of anthropomorphism, highlighting her unique ability to merge with the mountain landscape and find a profound sense of belonging within it. The piece also touches upon Shepherd's other works, including her poetry and novels, and her dedication to representing the distinct character of Northeast Scotland.
Fraser Macdonald's diary entry in the London Review of Books, poignantly titled "Remembering Nan Shepherd," embarks upon a richly detailed and deeply personal exploration of the life and literary legacy of the esteemed Scottish writer, Nan Shepherd. Macdonald commences with an evocative recounting of his inaugural encounter with Shepherd's magnum opus, The Living Mountain, a work which profoundly resonated with him and ignited a fervent desire to delve further into the author's oeuvre. He meticulously delineates the profound impact of Shepherd's prose, characterized by its lyrical and intensely observant descriptions of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland, a landscape that served as both the physical and spiritual wellspring of her creative output.
Macdonald further elucidates Shepherd's multifaceted persona, highlighting not only her mastery of nature writing but also her accomplished career as a poet, novelist, and playwright. He painstakingly reconstructs the trajectory of her literary journey, emphasizing the relative obscurity she endured during her lifetime despite the undeniable brilliance of her work. The diary entry meticulously catalogues Shepherd's dedication to her craft, her unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of the natural world, and her profound understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. Furthermore, Macdonald delves into Shepherd's personal life, offering glimpses into her character and the formative experiences that shaped her unique perspective.
The piece progresses to explore the eventual resurgence of interest in Shepherd's writing, particularly The Living Mountain, which has garnered significant critical acclaim and popular recognition in recent years. Macdonald meticulously examines the factors contributing to this renewed appreciation, including the growing awareness of environmental issues and a renewed interest in nature writing as a genre. He further postulates that Shepherd's timeless insights into the human condition and the natural world resonate deeply with contemporary readers seeking solace and connection in an increasingly frenetic and disconnected world.
In its concluding passages, Macdonald's diary entry offers a heartfelt tribute to Nan Shepherd's enduring literary contributions, emphasizing the profound influence her work has exerted upon his own understanding of the natural world and the power of language to evoke its sublime beauty. He characterizes her writing as a testament to the enduring importance of close observation, mindful engagement with the environment, and the profound spiritual nourishment that can be derived from a deep connection with nature. The piece serves as a compelling and eloquently articulated testament to the enduring legacy of a remarkable writer whose work continues to inspire and captivate readers generations after its creation.
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HN commenters largely appreciate the diary excerpt focusing on Nan Shepherd's nature writing and her connection to the Cairngorms. Several share personal experiences of reading Shepherd's work, particularly "The Living Mountain," praising its evocative descriptions and philosophical insights. Some discuss the challenges of modern nature writing, contrasting it with Shepherd's focus on immersive observation and internal reflection. A few commenters also touch on the beauty of the Cairngorms themselves, recommending visits and sharing related resources. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Shepherd's writing and the power of nature to inspire deep connection.
The Hacker News post titled "Remembering Nan Shepherd" links to a 2015 London Review of Books diary entry by Fraser MacDonald about rediscovering and appreciating the Scottish writer Nan Shepherd. The comments section contains several reflections on Shepherd's work, particularly her book The Living Mountain.
One commenter praises The Living Mountain as "one of the best books about nature and the human experience of nature ever written." They highlight its focus on detailed observation and sensory experience of the Cairngorms mountains in Scotland, contrasting it with typical narratives of conquering or dominating nature. This comment emphasizes Shepherd's ability to convey a deep connection with the landscape through intense, personal experience.
Another commenter builds upon this by noting that Shepherd's writing resonates deeply with those familiar with mountains and wilderness, and that her focus on direct sensory perception is key to this connection. They argue that this sensory approach allows readers to more fully grasp the essence of the mountains, rather than simply viewing them as scenic backdrops.
A third commenter mentions having read Shepherd's The Quarry Wood, describing it as a more conventional novel but still carrying echoes of the themes and style present in The Living Mountain. This comment adds context to Shepherd's broader body of work, suggesting that her focus on place and observation permeates her writing beyond nature writing.
Several other comments simply express appreciation for the original post and an intention to read Shepherd's work, indicating the post effectively generated interest in the author. One user highlights the upcoming release of a Shepherd biography, further piquing readers' curiosity.
The overall sentiment in the comments section is one of admiration for Nan Shepherd's writing, particularly her ability to evoke a deep connection with nature through precise language and sensory detail. The comments highlight The Living Mountain as a particularly impactful work and encourage others to explore Shepherd's writing.