Book Review: Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton
As an avid reader and animal lover, the title Raising Hare: A Memoir immediately caught my attention. Chloe Dalton’s exploration of her journey with a wild hare captivated my curious heart, and I couldn’t resist diving into her beautifully crafted narrative. With each page, Dalton invites us to reconsider our relationships with the natural world and the creatures we share it with, all while wrapping her story in rich, poetic prose.
One of the most poignant chapters comes early on: “One Month Old: Little Hare.” Here, Dalton candidly shares her struggle with finding reliable information on raising a hare—a search that ultimately drives her to the poetry of William Cowper, written 250 years ago. I found it utterly charming that she draws inspiration from Cowper’s words, written during his own time of recovery from heartbreak. It resonates so deeply with the idea that literature can guide us through our challenges, no matter how timeless or strange they may seem.
Dalton’s experimental spirit shines as she tries the hare’s unique preferences for food. Her descriptions of the hare enjoying a raspberry or nibbling on a dandelion stalk are vivid and delightful. But what struck me most was her apt portrayal of the hare’s sounds post-feeding: “a strange musical call as it ran away from me […] like the faintest note the gentlest breath on a harmonica.” This imagery not only paints a clear picture but also evokes a sense of whimsy and wonder that makes the reader feel as if they are part of that moment.
As the hare grows, Dalton’s observations become more profound, and she beautifully describes its shifting coat as “a tapestry of tawny red, ginger, coffee, and caramel tones.” She’s masterfully skilled in highlighting the balance between observation and respect, choosing not to tame or anthropomorphize her companion. I was especially moved by her insights into how caring for the hare transformed her own life. She notes that it encouraged her to "change [her] habits," reminding us all of the joys that come from simply being present in nature.
Dalton distinguishes the bond between humans and animals from those we share with other humans. She articulates that our affection for animals comes with a unique purity, devoid of the complexities that often accompany human relationships. This profound recognition brought a comforting perspective to my own relationships with pets and nature, emphasizing the simple, unfiltered companionship that flourishes without words.
I found myself drawn into this memoir every morning, using it as a soothing balm to balance the world’s chaos. The hare, never fully tamed, embodies freedom; it coexists with Dalton on its own terms. In her final reflections, Dalton cherishes her hare’s fleeting moments, artfully describing how she looked back before leaving. This sentiment resonated deeply with me, reflecting our shared experiences of loss and connection.
Raising Hare: A Memoir is a tender ode to the wild, not just in the form of its titular hare, but also to the deep bonds we form with the natural world. It’s a reminder to slow down and fully engage with the beauty around us. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a reflection on nature, relationships, and the quiet joys that can emerge from observing the wild. It left me with a lasting sense of warmth and a renewed appreciation for the delicate balance we share with the creatures of this earth.