Always, Rachel: The Letters of Rachel Carson and Dorothy Freeman, 1952-1964 - The Story of a Remarkable Friendship

After seeing a video, "A Sense of Wonder", which portrays Rachel Carson giving her account of her life and the writing of "Silent Spring" I went looking for a biography that would fill in the pieces. Synopses of most did not seem to deal with the questions in my mind of her family relationships and responsibilities, of how she came to do what she did. "Always, Rachel" is beginning to do just that. The editor's preface by Dorothy Freeman's granddaughter and introduction by Paul Brooks provide excellent explanations and create a framework for understanding the letters. If you're looking for a quick read, this isn't it. It is however a lovely portrait of a life that can be picked up and put down in short sessions.

You don't have to have read any of Rachel Carson's books in order to fully appreciate the letters she wrote to her best friend. These letters (nearly 3/4 written by Rachel) show the love and intensity of her friendship with Dorothy Freeman; they offer a glimpse of what life was like in the 1950s and 1960s - particularly the world of publishing and environmentalism; they show her fear and courage during her fight with breast cancer. She doesn't go into much detail about the writing process she went through with "Silent Spring," but it's clear that the fact that she wrote it and published it at all is something close to a miracle. Her fight against breast cancer would be an inspiration to anyone. Even with everything that goes on within these letters, what is paramount is her love for Dorothy. Few of Dorothy's letters were saved, but the few that were included in the book show why she and Rachel were such good friends. These letters bring to life many emotions: fear, grief, euphoria, anticipation, dread, anger, confusion, apprehension, appreciation and love. This book is a narrative of what friendship should be. Also, the footnotes are absolutely wonderful! Instead of being at the back of the book or at the end of the letters, they are in the margins - so there's no inconvenient flipping back and forth. It's a small detail, but it was one I really appreciated.

I loved this book. It gives an inside look into the life of Rachel Carson. You get a sence of who she was and her passion for nature. I recomend it.