Magpie Memoir

Captivating, rich with imagery, and impossible not to be smitten - the words used by The Washington Post, Associated Press, and Star Tribune (Minneapolis) to describe the intimate, charming, and humorous memoir recounted by poet and painter Frieda Hughes. In this poignant and funny book, Hughes shares her experience of rescuing and raising an abandoned baby magpie in the Welsh countryside, a journey that would change the course of her life.

When Frieda Hughes moved to a ramshackle estate in the wilds of Wales, her initial plans included planting a garden, painting, writing her poetry column for The Times (London), and possibly even breathing new life into her ailing marriage. However, fate had a different plan in store for her. Unexpectedly, she found herself rescuing a baby magpie, the sole survivor of a nest destroyed in a storm, and embarking on an obsession that would become the central focus of her life.

As the magpie, named George, grows from a shrieking scrap of feathers and bones into an intelligent, unruly companion, Frieda becomes captivated - both by the bird's endearing personality and the apprehension of what will happen when the time comes to finally set him free. With irresistible humor and heart, Frieda invites the reader to join her on this unlikely journey towards joy and connection in the wake of sadness and loss.

The memoir is a passionate book about unconditional love and commitment, as Frieda's devotion to the little magpire grows stronger with each passing day. Through her vivid descriptions and honest reflections, readers are transported to the Welsh countryside, where they can almost hear George's distinctive calls and feel the bond between the woman and her feathered friend.

Ultimately, Frieda's story is one of transformation - not just for the tiny wild creature she rescues, but for herself as well. In saving George, she finds herself being saved in return, discovering a newfound sense of purpose and the healing power of nature's companionship. This captivating memoir is a testament to the transformative power of unexpected connections and the resilience of the human spirit.

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