This was a fascinating book, I never would have believed that such a well known animal would not be very well know at all. The European Eel is a slimy ugly creature that lurks in dark streams and lakes....well that is what I thought before starting this book. In fact right from it's mysterious birth in the Sargasso Sea life is tough for this creature, many predators finding it to be a tasty snack and a very long swim to the shoreline of Europe, things ain't over yet as there is still the journey up rivers and even across land to find that perfect spot to call home until it is time to head back to breed.

The eel has moved way up my list of favourite animals for it's way of keeping scientists at bay for so many years, it is mind blowing that nobody has found the breeding ground or even an adult in the vicinity. I also loved that the eel has managed to prove the bible wrong, a bit was added to blatantly stop the poor eating eels by saying that you can only eat creatures with fins and scales....turns out the eels have both, very small fins and scales but they are there, which is brilliant.

Svensson's writing is very good, he draws the reader in with a bunch of interesting facts that makes you realise you are reading about something special. His personal history with eel fishing with his Dad is very moving, reading about their bond over fishing being developed and lasting a whole lifetime was a joy to read. I reckon his Dad would have been proud of this book.

This was wonderful, well worth reading about this mighty little animal.

Blog boy: felcherman.wordpress.com/2020/09/15/the-gospel-of-the-eels-by-patrik-svensson/