A Bird in the Hand
In May 2007, a storm destroys a magpie nest in Frieda Hughes' garden. Only one chick survives. Torn between disgust at magpies' predatory tendencies and guilt at abandoning a defenceless creature, Hughes' decides to nurse the helpless bird in the kitchen of the Welsh house she is renovating. Now named 'George', the magpie survives and, partly through necessity and partly through affection, becomes the centre of Hughes' life. But their journey together is not a smooth one. Already juggling her career as a poet and artist with the hard labour required to build a garden and home, and suffering from poor physical health, raising the inquisitive, mischievous and ultimately wild bird adds to her daily challenges. Can she find a way to balance George's bad habits with keeping guests and neighbours safe? Will nature triumph nurture to ensure George has the instincts he'll need to survive in the wild? And how will she feel if and when George takes flight and leaves her home?
Wild Thing, I Think I Love You
Recounted using diary entries, 'George' goes slightly beyond the story of the eponymous magpie. The vulnerable bird arrives at a point in Hughes' life when much is changing or about to change. He is a flashpoint and a diversion as her relationship breaks down and a distraction when the pressures of building work and illness threaten to become overwhelming. His appearance also encourages her to question whether it's right for humans to interfere in the name of compassion or whether it's better to let nature take it's course.
While the tale of the rescued bird forms the backbone of the book, this is also the story of Hughes' lifelong desire for animal companionship and an exploration of how pets can make us feel safe, settled and at home. Consequently, I found it quite thought-provoking and relevant, making me think more about human relationships with pet and wild animals and balancing the needs of both people and the environment.
Not Just Black and White
'George: A Magpie Memoir' manages to reach beyond a straight narrative without losing focus. As well as snippets of general information about corvids and Hughes' creative life, the book includes some lovely illustrations and poems. On the whole, I would've liked to read more natural and cultural history related to magpies - historically a mistrusted and much mythologised bird - but then perhaps 'George' would've veered too far towards being a guide rather than a personal story. The book does lose it's structure a little towards the end, but true tales rarely have neat, clear endings which tie everything up with a satisfying bow.
Overall
I found 'George: A Magpie Memoir' to be a very absorbing and interesting read. It's hints at some heavy themes without being submerged by them, instead painting a picture of a transitionary period in the author's life, triggered by a baby wild bird. I think adding too much more ornithological information would have detracted from this, but a recommended reading list at the back would be welcome. I think those with an interest in wildlife, the countryside and the creative life would enjoy 'George: A Magpie Memoir'.
Now, what next..?
'George: A Magpie Memoir' by Frieda Hughes was published by Profile Books in April 2023. This review is based on a hardback received free from the publisher. Cover image reproduced with kind permission of Profile Books. For more information, please visit the publisher's website.
