God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and a Calling to Nature

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In 2019, the gentle rhythm of a normal summer’s day was shattered by Iris’s death in an accident on the family farm in Somerset. Struggling to comprehend the shocking death of his teenage daughter, Ben Goldsmith finds solace in nature by immersing himself in plans to rewild his farm. We're not saying we're going to commission "beaver believer" tees and stickers, but we're also not saying we're not going to. The cavity-nesting bees would certainly be happier if we didn't cut down dead stalks where they could lay their eggs, and the birds would approve if we didn't scoop up the leaves and all the tasty seeds and insects hiding there.

Perfection is a human construct, a poor substitute for the natural exuberance and resiliency that make a house a home – not just for us, but for all species. Bold storytelling, lyrical observations and a cast that includes an octogenarian drug dealer propel an atmospheric novella full of questions about female strength. Over the years it has changed my life in ways I never imagined – including by introducing me to rewilding. British naturalists and rewilding buffs may be aware of much of the ecological ground Goldsmith covers. A compelling journey from the very heart of loss to the sanctuary and hope that only the natural world provides – emotive, raw and captivating.Huge thanks to Tandem Collective for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the publisher for my copy of this book.

Nature doesn’t judge you – how urban nature supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing in a diverse UK city. I think sadly we're conditioned to have neat and tidy gardens, but hopefully, this memoir will encourage people to leave a little space for the wildlife. They’re being exploited by far right conspiracy loons… Some of the grimmest themes in European history are being shamelessly disinterred at or around the farmers’ protests.God is an octopus may be a huge comfort for readers who are seeking meaning and purpose through nature, religion, or spirituality. Ben Goldsmith is a British financier, philanthropist and environmentalist who has been at the forefront of campaigns for more rewilding in Britain and Europe. A visit to Avalon Marshes shows how land can be “rewetted”, and he also takes inspiration from the experience of his friend Isabella Tree, author of Wilding, at the Knepp Castle estate.

I feel the same rage against such mindless persecution, this is what drove me to leave the UK and find work in the wildlife conservation of other wilder nations. Sir Michael Caine knows a thing or two about gangs: whether that’s joining one as a kid, or playing them in movies for over 50 years. I'm always hesitant about star rating memoirs, so this is down to preference of writing style and helpfulness towards my own experiences.

Of all the books I have read this one means so much and I would recommend it to all those who love nature. Ben Goldsmith’s description of his grief at the tragic death of his daughter Iris and his path forward in the aftermath is an intensely moving work. Some losses, like death, cannot be reversed, but others, like what humans have done to the natural environment, can.

The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force tactical air controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a US Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. We read about Ben's year of immersing himself within nature and his quest to find solace and meaning. We were talking about the practicalities of supporting rangers professionally around the world – what could be a rather dry subject matter. I have never suffered the kind of loss that Ben Goldsmith has, but I think I can far better imagine it having read this book.On the one hand I was thinking gosh, Ben Goldsmith is so wealthy, what could he possibly have to say that might connect to my life - with his enormous privilege. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item. Goldsmith describes how his daughter, his firstborn, loved lists, loved nature, loved catching and releasing pigeons to amuse her siblings. In the days and weeks following his murder, George Floyd swiftly became a symbol of much that is wrong in the US and abroad.