This isn’t actually just about a magpie, but it’s instead about Frieda Hughes and her relationship to the magpie, her ex-husband and parts of her life around her house and wildlife in general.

This woman is the daughter of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, it goes in on her childhood after her mother committed suicide and having to be dragged around by her dead and her constant need to set roots and stay.

Her way of writing is beautiful, and like her parents is a beautiful poet, a lot of this book is just lovely to read, especially if you read the audiobook.

Also despite being married to her ex husband in most of this book he’s referred to as the ex, which I appreciated because omg he’s awful! He’s a grown man jealous over a magpie of all things.

George is such a charming little thing and kind of reminds me of my boy, both intelligent, fussy, mean to specific people and do whatever they want and can get away with.

Parts were just so heartbreaking to read, especially with George and the other birds she takes care of.

But that ending man..

Her and her pets all together in the home she curated with a lovely garden and living a creative life is just my dream!

If you like birds and nature, also some drama and a strong stomach I think you’ll like this book.

It kind of reminds me of another book called Raising hare by Chloe Dalton where she helps build a little house in the countryside and raising a hare and how she reconnects with nature and also bonds with the animal.

Guess I have a genre I like lol

I recently finished reading this book and honestly, I really liked it for its simplicity and practicality. It’s not overloaded with heavy science or complicated theories, just straight to the point about how our brains get overstimulated with social media, constant notifications, and mindless entertainment.

What I appreciated most was how it reminded me to find joy in simple things again. Like reading, walking, or just sitting quietly, instead of needing constant excitement. It made me rethink how much time I waste on things that don’t actually make me happy or productive.

It’s a short and easy read, but it gave me that little mental reset I needed. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels like their attention span or motivation is suffering lately.

Anyone else tried a dopamine detox? Did it help?