The living mountain

Nan Shepard has this way of writing that is just so naturally poetic and unbelievably vivid. With each word, you can feel the intellect and passion behind Shepard's personality. Although this may be rather controversial (and could be for a number of factors), I think I still prefer Robert MacFarlane's literary abilities. Which, might I add, is not a critique of Shepard but is a testament to MacFarlane. There is just something about the cold, harsh terrain of Scotland that I often find somewhat less captivating than the bucolic, freshness of the South. Overall, both authors are beautifully talented and never fail to affect onto me a newfound appreciation for nature.

Lavish and magical account of Shepherd's love of the Cairngorm mountains (and mountains in general), and how she experiences this love through weather, life, people and body. The book is short, poetic and fulfilling, strewn with Scots terms and dreamlike observations.

Beautifully written, when you read a book like this you expect to see photos dotted throughout the book, but this has none, luckily Nan Shepherd does an amazing job describing everything that instantly you can picture the scene down to the smallest details.

One thing you take away from this book is just how much Nan loves the Cairngorns she has lived there all her life and I don't blame her. One day I hope to visit this area and walk in her footsteps for a while.