A Norwegian woman inherits a tiny cabin in a remote location. There’s no running water, but there is a river. There’s no electricity, but there is a woodburning stove. And there’s no toilet, but there is Siri Helle’s determination to make a loo in a hut, with her own two hands.
Don’t be put off by the ‘mindfulness’ in the title: I like mindfulness probably much more than the next person, but there is enough discussion of chainsaw technique and what proper tool sharpening consists of to make it clear that this is not a ‘wellness’ book. It really is about building a toilet shed, and learning how to do it along the way.
Helle is a journalist and agronomist in Norway. There are thoughtful reflections on the lack of practical and manual skills taught in formal education, and what this might mean about our relationship to making and to our hands.
I am not really sure how to classify this book – it is nature writing, crafts, travel? Culture or philosophy? Probably all of these things. I do like a genre-defying book. I borrowed it from the library on spec and really enjoyed it as a good holiday read. It’s very relaxing to read about other people working hard outdoors!
This is definitely one that I will be buying for multiple people come Christmas. It’d be great for anyone who: is a maker or who wants to be one; has a love of the outdoors; is thinking about their relationship with their own body, and how they use it.
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