23 Apr Review: Time Song by Julia Blackburn

It’s funny how a book can just walk right up and make itself at home in your heart, isn’t it? That’s exactly what happened with Julia Blackburn’s Time Song: Searching for Doggerland. I stumbled upon this gem while wandering through the stacks of my local library, on a gloomy Tuesday that desperately needed brightening. What drew me to Time Song initially was my love for geographically mysterious histories—the kind that promise to unearth hidden bridges to our collective pasts—and, oh boy, did it deliver!

What’s it about?

Time Song builds an evocative bridge to the drowned world of Doggerland, an ancient stretch of land that once connected Britain to Europe. Blackburn weaves a rich tapestry that is part historical deep dive and part personal memoir, filled with musings on loss, discovery, and the human condition. It’s as if the author is conducting an orchestra, with history, memory, and poetry coming together in a symphony of storytelling that’s hard to categorize but easy to love.

Blackburn doesn’t just relay facts; she explores what the loss of Doggerland signifies about our own impermanence and the traces we leave behind. The book oscillates gracefully between timelines and narratives, from the echoes of ancient footsteps to Blackburn’s own experiences of love and loss, grounding the historical grandeur in deeply personal stories.

Throughout, Blackburn’s prose is nothing short of a masterclass in writing. Each sentence is meticulously crafted, with the precision of a poet and the insight of a historian. The narrative is interspersed with “Time Songs,” or poems that serve as pauses, giving readers a moment to reflect on the vast, often unseen connections between the past and the present.

What This Chick thinks:

The dual allure of Time Song—its poetic dive into prehistory coupled with personal narrative—speaks directly to the heart of anyone who appreciates not just history, but the storytelling it can inspire. Blackburn’s method of blending memoir with historical research is a bold literary choice that not only pays off but sets this book apart from more traditional historical accounts.

I was particularly enamored with how the book handled the concept of memory—both our own and the earth’s. There’s a poignant undercurrent of loss that runs through the narrative, not just the physical submersion of Doggerland, but also in the emotional depths explored through Blackburn’s reflections on her life and loves. It’s rare to find a history book that feels so intimate, so achingly personal.

If there’s a downside, it’s that sometimes the poetic license can overshadow the historical narrative, which might not sit well with those looking for a straightforward chronology. However, for me, this blend of the lyrical with the factual only enhanced the book’s appeal, turning it into a literary journey rather than a simple historical trek.

Final thoughts

Time Song by Julia Blackburn is a stunningly unique read that defies easy categorization. It’s a 10/10 for its courageous narrative structure, exquisite prose, and the emotional depth with which it treats its subjects—both human and historical. This book doesn’t just recount history; it invites you to feel it, ponder it, and carry it with you.

Try it if you like:

• The Salt Path by Raynor Winn – Another profound narrative that intertwines personal loss with physical journey, set against the backdrop of the natural world.
• Underland by Robert Macfarlane – A mesmerizing exploration of what lies beneath our feet, blending mythology, memoir, and eerily beautiful descriptions of the subterranean world.
• H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald – This memoir offers a deep, reflective dive into the world of falconry, dealing with themes of grief and redemption as entwined with the rhythms of the natural world.

Each of these books, like Time Song, mix the personal with the panoramic, offering narratives that are as much about internal landscapes as they are about the external world.