BOOK REVIEW

THE JANUARY MAN

BY CHRISTOPHER SOMERVILLE

Travel writer Christopher Somerville takes us on a rich and nostalgic tour of Britain's countryside in this gentle amble through some of his favourite places to stretch his legs. Somerville puts on his boots and takes us across the land at various points of the year, from the frozen flatlands around the River Severn in winter, to a summer stroll in the Shetlands. His vivid, highly descriptive style seems to bring nature to life, while weaving in interesting nuggets of information on subjects including local history, people and music (the book's title comes from a 1970 song). Interspersed with the walking, Somerville examines his relationship with his late father, himself a keen walker and potential spook. What emerges is a tender, relaxing work that is as readable as a book as it is useful as a guide to seek these places out for yourself and escape from the rat race.

7/10

David Wilcock

Published in hardback by Doubleday, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now