From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book “ which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.
At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings “ who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.
The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.
Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.
And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river “ the Mutehekau or Magpie “ is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.
At once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers “ and always has.
LONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2025
Format:Paperback / softback 384 pages
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN:9780241998212
Published:5 Mar 2026