Review: The Spirit of the River by Declan Murphy

The Spirit of the River follows the writer’s experiences and awe of the captivating world around him as he follows the lives of birds and animals alike. Set in the Wicklow Mountains, Declan Murphy’s search for answers and knowledge
drives him onwards. He feels a strong connection to the animals he comes across and treats them as family.

This is a mystical and, at times, comforting novel, which explores the beauty of nature, and the loss and death that come hand in hand with it. The book follows the writer’s idea of patterns, and how he cannot help but see the patterns all living things are driven to create. Murphy also mentions the less colourful birds who almost go unnoticed, yet their lives are as busy and remarkable as their vibrant friends. The book does not present time as a key factor, and instead shares moments, past, present and future, tying the book together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, sharing with the author his joy at finding the next nest of a kingfisher or discovering that the bird he had been tracking for weeks had found a mate. Murphy connected the book well and created a smooth flow throughout. This is a novel of lessons and journeys brought together by nature and beautiful illustrations, which I would recommend to everyone.

Lasairíona Scarff, teen reviewer.