Gavin Maxwell (1) (1914–1969)

Gavin Maxwell published this true-story about wild animal friendship with humans in 1960, and it has remained influential ever since. Readers claim it made them environmentalists, not unlike the phenomenon of Born Free published the same year with similar themes. The Dutton Animal Book Award was created because of its success, which inspired other books in the same vein, such as Rascal (1963) about a boy and his racoon. But this is no children's book. The writing is remarkably well done, the choice of vocabulary, descriptions, economy of words. And it would be even better except Maxwell was something of a weak character in real life ("he was, by literally all accounts, an extremely unpleasant man"). And then the fame of the book destroyed him, the contradictions with his true self too much. Afterwards he drank and smoked heavily and was dead at 55, of lung cancer in 1969. Fittingly for a dark nature book that concerns the deaths of beloved animals. But it shouldn't distract from the power of his work, which is as good as any creative non-fiction published today, better in some ways, if you can look past who was responsible for the deaths. A minor classic.… (more)

Originally published in 1959, Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell is a delightful memoir about the author’s life at a remote house on the coast of Western Scotland near the Hebrides. His descriptions of the location and the bountiful nature he was surrounded by had this reader longing to visit this idyllic place. When he first arrived he was accompanied by his dog, Jonnie, but after the death of his beloved pet, he acquired an otter named Mijbil while on a trip to Iraq.

The author documents Mijbil’s delightful and mischievous behaviour, and many of the hilarious incidents reminded me of trying to contain a toddler. His curiosity was boundless and he had a need to examine everything that came his way. Unfortunately, Mijbil met an untimely death and the author was devastated. Although he tried to replace Mijbil, nothing seemed to pan out for him until quite by accident he met a couple who had a young otter that they needed to find a home for. Once again his highland cottage was sanctuary to an otter, this time a female called Edal.

The author’s love of nature brings a richness to the descriptive writing, and his visual images and observations make Ring of Bright Water a memorable read. Although in today’s world the author would be chided for bring these creatures out of their own environment, he was living in a different time and his love and care for these otter companions is both touching and admirable.… (more)