Lifelines - by Julian Hoffman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A story of shelter, generosity and welcome--and a courageous leap into a new life.

In the summer of 2000, Julian Hoffman and his wife Julia found themselves disillusioned with city life. Overwhelmed by long commutes, they stumbled upon a book about Prespa, Greece--a remote corner of Europe filled with stone villages, snow-capped mountains and wildlife, which they would soon call home.

Prespa is a crossroads. Where three countries come together around two huge lakes, where limestone collides with granite and heat-pulsing Mediterranean ecosystems meet their colder, Balkan relatives. Here, languages, wartime histories and rivers converge, and pelicans, bears and people leave their footprints on the water's edge--next to unexploded bombs.

Lifelines is not only the tale of a courageous leap into a new life, but of seasons punctuated by unforgettable encounters, from a stare-down with a bear surrounded by spring wildflowers to a deep-winter meeting with fourteen wrens sheltering above a frozen doorway. And into this place encircled by mountains, Julian seamlessly weaves an intricate web of stories - of conflict and possibility; of refuge lost and found; of the wild lifelines that connect us all as we move through the world seeking a home.

Review Quotes

"Julian Hoffman's poetic memoir is an inspiring call to throw caution to the wind....Lifelines is not just beautiful, it is quite literally encouraging. It will make you brave. To those waiting for the right moment, the safe path, the clearly marked route, Hoffman offers a challenge: throw yourself towards the dangerous edge of things."
--The Observer

"A reflective, encouraging and exquisitely written memoir full of astute observations on our flawed relationship with the wild."
--The Times

"A tender, powerful story of love for a place and a way of being, and a bracing call to the barricades--for enemies are closing in. An urgent, important and compelling read."

--Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide

"Julian Hoffman's writing is knockout beautiful, perceptive, sensitive, thoughtful, beguiling, deeply smart, full of humanity, and a lifeline in itself."

--Keggie Carew, author of Beastly: The 40,000-Year Story of Animals and Us

"Hoffman observes the world around him with such sensitivity and he brings to every natural encounter - be it a Greek landlord, a moth, a Juniper tree or a brown bear - a child's sense of wonder and respect....Lifelines is a book that will refresh your soul."

--Carol Drinkwater, author of The Olive Farm: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Olive Oil In the South of France

"A marvellous work of love and reflection on the wild places we share with nature, the ordinary and extraordinary people and creatures, and the magic of our living world."

--Gaia Vince, author of Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World