One of my absolute favourite books last year was the audio version of '21st Century Yokel' by Tom Cox, so when I heard he was writing a follow up on the themes of walking, landscape and hills, I couldn't wait.
I really enjoyed 'Ring the Hill' and by the end I didn't want to reach the last page and have to return to the real life. I'm familiar with quite a few places mentioned in the book, so it was lovely to be reminded of some really enjoyable holidays and visits.
It wasn't love at first height, however. While it's similar in subject to '21st Century Yokel', it's much more about Cox's personal reflections and much less of a family affair. One of the joys of '21st Century Yokel' was the family history and tales of his larger-than-life father. Papa Cox only makes brief appearances this time round, which was a bit of a shame, but then 'Ring the Hill' is about hills not people. It has a lovely, chilled out vibe that would have been lost completely with too many family-based antics, no matter how entertaining. Fortunately, we're still treated to the author's accompanying photographs and the gorgeous illustrations by Cox's talented mum, Jo.
Having recently listened to a number of Cox's cat-based books, it was also fitting to find out what happened to Shipley and The Bear. Without deliberately meaning to, I've ended up catching up on their life stories, in order, from beginning to end.
If you enjoy the countryside in all its shades and shadows and liked the style and substance of '21st Century Yokel', you're going to enjoy 'Ring the Hill'. It's a refreshing ramble from the comfort of your arm chair, a meander through the eclectic with an alert and inquisitive mind. It's a must for those inclined towards the interesting rather than the useful, the alternative rather than the samey. Like any good walk, it's relaxing and invigorating all at once.
Now, what's next...?
'Ring the Hill' by Tom Cox was published by Unbound in October 2019. This review is based on the hardback edition.
