Raising Hare: A Memoir
By Chloe Dalton
I first came across this remarkable book while listening to a feature on Radio 4 during a late-summer drive through the Lake District. One of the guests spoke passionately about its beauty, and the author herself, who was part of the discussion, shared insights into the extraordinary story behind Raising Hare.
Intrigued, I scribbled the title and author’s name onto the nearest thing to hand — an old car park ticket — only to promptly forget about it once I reached my destination. Life carried on as it does, and the note was set aside.
Imagine my surprise, then, when just a few days later a copy of Raising Hare appeared in my post box. My mother, having read about it in her newspaper, thought it would be something I’d enjoy. She was right. What a gift this book has turned out to be.
This captivating story chronicles the raising of a tiny, abandoned leveret. The author takes us through the challenges of nurturing a wild creature, learning its unique instincts and habits, and fighting to ensure its survival against all odds. It’s a deeply moving tale of coexistence and connection—of a human and a hare finding harmony in their shared world. To say much more would risk spoiling the magic, so I’ll simply urge you to read it.
Beyond its compelling narrative, Raising Hare offers profound lessons. It reminds us of the delicate balance between humans and the natural world, shedding light on the cruelty hares have faced—from past persecution to the ongoing destruction of their habitats by modern farming practices.
But this is not a story of despair. Far from it. It’s one of hope, resilience, and the possibility of a brighter, more harmonious future. It speaks to the transformative power of nature-connectedness — something increasingly recognised as essential for our well-being.
This book is more than a story; it’s an experience. Its impact will linger long after you turn the final page, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world and our place within it.
Raising Hare is a triumph — a celebration of life, nature, and the profound lessons we can learn from the wild. Trust me, this is a book that will stay with you forever.
