The Stream

Brian Clarke has written a fine novel that others have compared to Rachael Carson's "Silent Spring." While I can agree that his novel is an excellant "enviromental" treatise and can understand why it won Britian's top enviromental book award, there are two other reasons why I was completely absorbed by his book. First, Mr. Clarke has a gift for describing the natural world of trout and stream life. His knowledge of the life cycles and habits of trout, heron, swans, otters and aquatic insects are presented poetically which helped me realize how integrated and dependent everything is on the other. His development and use of the phrase "the law of continuing" adds significant meaning to the description of the natural world. Secondly, since I am a fly fisherman, Mr. Clarke's book is one of the best fishing books I have ever read. It was only later that I realized that there is nothing in it about fishing. No one catches a fish or even goes fishing. His descriptions of trout behavior have given me a better understanding of the prey, much more than other books on the subject. I recommend the book because of its educational attributes as well as its conservation position. While it should be read by every fisherman, conservationist, environmentalist and naturalist, it especially should be read by every citizen, businessman and governmental official because we have problems that need to be addressed. Brian Clarke's "The Stream" lays it out and in the end even tells who the real villians are.

I'm not as articulate as Michael Pakenham in his review of the book on July 11 in the Baltimore Sun (Google: "Baltimore Sun" + Michael Pakenham + "The Stream") but I certainly agree with his conclusions. Although some have said that the beginning of the book was slow to start, I saw an analog to the writings of James Michener as he began his books such as Hawaii, Centennial, etc where he ensured we understood the natural history of his subject and even gave us a peek of what would show up later. Mr. Clarke does it as well and in a concise and quick manner. I too (like Mr. Pakenham) am a flyfisher (and have spent a day among friends with Mr. Clarke at the opening of the MayFly in England) but got no fishing tips from Mr. Clarke on that day or in the book - and I'm glad. Any technical observations and/or tips would have taken away from the story of what is happening to our earth, not as a result of malicious behavior - just human behavior. The rhythm of the short chapters would make excellent reading to anyones grandchild when they say "read me a story". I was comfortable with the development of the real characters in this first novel by Mr. Clarke - that is the wildlife. The humans, even the old farmer with whom I have some empathy, are simply the thorough going bass. To develop them more would detract from the melody in my opinion. Good easy reading - difficult concepts and implications.

I read "The Stream" in its British edition last year and enjoyed it so much that I made a special effort to contact the author, Brian Clarke. Mr. Clarke turns out to be a charming and witty Englishman who just might be the reincarnation of Rachel Carson. "The Stream" is a book about ecology and how modern industrialization and farming practices are ruining the natural beauty of our planet at a fearfully rapid pace that is increasing by geometric proportions. But "The Stream" is not a dry treatise on the environment. Would you believe, for example, that the main character is a trout? Mr. Clarke writes with the clear, crisp pace of a Mozart concerto. Every word is precise and perfect. His prose is poetry. He writes with a dignity that is never anthropomorphic or condescending. It is hard to imagine that I could care so very much about the welfare of a fish. And at the same time Mr. Clarke imparts fascinating information about nature, not only about fish, but also about insects, plants and animals. "The Stream" is a unique book on many different levels and should appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. "The Stream" is a winner!