Description

‘Lovely, lively, passionate… a celebration of nature’s ability to inspire healing and joy’ Robert MacFarlane

In the breaststrokes of Roger Deakin’s Waterlog, this is the story of one man’s search for himself across the breadth of Britain’s wild waters.

Joe Minihane became obsessed with wild swimming and the way it soothed his anxiety, developing a new-found passion by following the example of naturalist Deakin in his own swimming memoir. While fighting the currents – sometimes treading water Minihane swims to explore, to forget, to find the path back to himself through nature, and in the water under an open sky he finally begins to find his peace.

Floating is a remarkable memoir about a love of swimming and a deep appreciation for the British countryside: it captures Minihane’s struggle to understand himself, and the healing properties of wild stretches of water. From Hampstead to Yorkshire, Dorset to Jura, the Isles of Scilly to Wales, Minihane uses Waterlog to trace his own path by diving right in.

Publisher Review

Lovely, lively, passionate... a celebration of nature's ability to inspire healing and joy' * Robert MacFarlane * 'Minihane writes with refreshing candour... a transformative emotional journey.' * Observer * 'Roger Deakin's Waterlog journey, rebooted for the 21st century, Floating is a delicious slice of nature writing with a truly human heart.' -- Alexandra Heminsley, author of Leap In 'A wonderful book: a love letter to wild swimming, a hate letter to anxiety and a story of how we can learn to live with ourselves, our overclocked minds, even after we climb out of the water.' -- Joe Dunthorne, author of Submarine 'I love this book... this has to sit next to Waterlog in every swimmer's library' -- Jenny Landreth, author of Swell: A Waterbiography 'A gem... so thoughtful. Prose as clean and beautiful as a good swim.' -- Jessica Lee, author of Turning 'An ode to the joys of wild swimming in Britain.' * Lonely Planet * 'Minihane writes cleanly and with honesty, and never misses a factual or stylistic stroke.' * TLS * 'Engaging and enjoyable... as much a commentary on the changing nature of Britain as a celebration of wild swimming.' * The Idler * 'Minihane writes with a compulsive honesty and clarity that draws you into its stream as beguiling as any river Deakin ever swam - a wonderful read. Highly recommended!' -- Kate Rew founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society 'A string of immersive green dreams, from still, pollen-dusted ponds of warm days to the cold churning power of the sea... this is an effortless, absorbing read. Floating highlights the beautiful variety of outdoor swims possible in Britain and the great positive impact they can have.' * Caught by the River * 'Minihane finds in swimming a rare moment of being free from anxiety and learns that it can be integral in overcoming depression.' * Wanderlust *