The Old Man and The Sand Eel
The Old Man and The Sand Eel by Will Millard, published by National Geographic Books on April 24, 2018, is a 320-page exploration of personal memoir intertwined with themes of nature and fishing. The narrative reflects on Millard’s childhood experiences growing up on the Cambridgeshire Fens, where he shared meaningful moments with his grandfather by the riverbank. As he transitioned into adulthood, the competitive nature of fishing led him to lose touch with the enchantment of those early days, culminating in a pivotal moment when he let a record-breaking sand eel slip away.
Readers will find a heartfelt account that delves into the complexities of manhood, fatherhood, and the art of fishing across three generations. The book emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots and the natural world, highlighting the emotional ties that bind family members. Through vivid descriptions of marine life and the challenges of fishing, Millard invites reflection on personal identity and the significance of shared experiences in shaping one’s life. This edition is presented in English and offers a thoughtful perspective on the interplay between nature and human relationships.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘A wonderfully fluent account of how the strange magic of water and the beings that inhabit it can enchant and intoxicate’ Chris Yates
Growing up on the Cambridgeshire Fens, Will Millard never felt more at home than when he was out with his granddad on the riverbank, whiling away the day catching fish. As he grew older his competitive urge to catch more and bigger fish led him away from that natural connection between him, his grandfather and the rivers of his home. That is, until the fateful day he let a record-breaking sand eel slip through his fingers and he knew that he had lost the magic of those days down by the river, and that something had to change.
The Old Man and the Sand Eel is at its heart the story of three generations of men trying to figure out what it is to be a man, a father and a fisherman. It plots Will’s scaly stepping stones back to his childhood innocence, when anything was possible and the wild was everywhere.
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‘[Will Millard] is a master wordsmith and his first book is a joyful testament to that’ Isabelle Broom, Heat
‘[Will Millard] writes with a genuine sense of humility (…) humour and reflection’ Kevin Parr, Countryfile
‘The writing is sharp and clever (…) I loved all of it and would as happily read it again as I would sit beside the river waiting for the evening rise of trout to begin’ Tom Fort, Literary Review
‘Delightful and informative (…) beautifully drawn (…)The Old Man and The Sand Eel will be enjoyed by anyone who loves the challenge and mystery of baiting a hook and plopping it into the water’ Spectator
‘This is post-modern nature writing that embraces beauty where it finds it and marvels at nature’s tenacity (…) But there’s more here than just fish. This is also a book about growing up, about how to retain a connection with those who raised you while forging your own identity – what to keep and what to discard. And it’s about men. The strong surges of emotion that both draw them together and keep them apart, and the shared pastimes which recognise that intimacy and meaning aren’t always accompanied by words‘ Olivia Edward, Geographical
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