In many ways, this is a perfect book. The writing is superb and the personality of the author comes through clearly anyways we might not typically see in “nature writing“. Deakin does what I would love to do but simply cannot. That is, repeatedly immerse himself in fresh, frigid waters. Oh, believe me, I have tried. The cold waters are not for me. But Deakin brings an appreciation and a life to them in a way that even us warm water swimmers can appreciate. Not to mention, the beauty of the British Isles. The only thing lacking from this book is a series of maps showing us where he went and what sections he swam. I found myself continually tapping the Google machine to see where he was and this was quite annoying. Every chapter in a book like this needs to begin or end with a map. Five stars. This is well worth your time.