Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Nic Wilson for the the ARC in return for an honest review.

I generally enjoy these kinds of introspective nature memoirs, and this one was no exception. It reminded me a lot of Sally Huband’s Sea Bean. Both combine memoir of learning to live within physical limitations with very dense, but compelling, descriptions of nature and literature.

It is a gentle book and a bit of a slow burn - it took me a little while to get into and I have to admit, I found the personal memoir parts more compelling to read than some of the more detailed sections on local flora and fauna. But I think that is my failing rather than the author’s - I don’t have the taxonomical knowledge she does, so a lot of those sections fell a bit flat for me and I did end up skimming. A more expert reader with more interest in horticulture would get a lot more from those sections though.

What came across really strongly was the raw vulnerability of the author, and you could really sense how much courage it had taken for her to write this. I felt really personally invested in the author and was so glad to see her developing more self compassion as the memoir progressed.

Overall, I found this a really moving and thought provoking memoir, and I suspect it is one that will linger in my thoughts. The author definitely will, and I wish her strength going forward in living with her condition.

I'm thankful to the author Nic Wilson,
NetGalley and Summersdale publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I asked to read this as the title, cover, and synopsis sounded perfect for an enjoyable informative read.
I felt saddened reading the treatment her mother went through from lack of understanding and misdiagnosis and the knock on effect on the whole family. The parrales to the authors treatment when she was ill understandably must have brought back/on so much trauma, mental strain, subsequently adding to the physical issues as well. I felt angry reading how both her mother and herself were dismissed and treated by people claiming to know best. I empathised with having chronic illnesses and that constant exhausting battle of trying to get the most basic help. While dealing with the accusatory assumptions that make you feel you need to prove how unwell you are all the time.

I enjoyed the authors descriptions of the natural world. I can appreciate what she was trying to do bringing the stories of nature and self together but for me as a reader it didn't always connect. I'm sure other people will get more out of it but for me it often felt disjointed and just as I was beginning to understand, follow the story it jumped around in time line or person. Writing this book was clearly a cathartic experience for the author. Sadly for me as a reader something was missing which is why I can't rate it higher than I have.

Land Beneath the Waves by Nic Wilson is about the healing powers of nature. A contemplative and evocative memoir.