In the midst of a global pandemic and a fast-paced, high-pressure career, author Chloe Dalton found herself yearning for a change of pace. Retreating from the bustling streets of London to a quaint stone barn nestled in the English countryside, she hoped to find solace and a renewed sense of purpose. Little did she know, a chance encounter with an abandoned leveret would alter the course of her life in ways she never imagined.
A Serendipitous Meeting
Dalton’s debut novel, Raising Hare, chronicles her transformative journey alongside an unexpected companion. While taking a stroll along a country track near her home, she stumbled upon a tiny, seemingly abandoned leveret. Torn between the instinct to rescue the helpless creature and the knowledge that interfering with wildlife can be detrimental, Dalton ultimately decided to take the young hare under her wing.
Its forepaws were pressed tightly together, fringed in fur the colour of bone and overlapping as if for comfort.
Chloe Dalton, Raising Hare
As their bond deepened, Dalton found herself immersed in the world of her new companion. She meticulously observed the leveret’s behavior, movements, and vocalizations, developing a unique language built on gestures, sounds, and a profound understanding of one another’s presence. Through this intimate connection, Dalton began to reevaluate her own life, questioning the choices that had led her to the brink of burnout.
Redefining Domestication
Raising Hare challenges conventional notions of domestication and the human-animal relationship. Dalton’s approach to caring for the leveret is marked by a deep respect for the creature’s wild nature. She refrains from naming the hare, avoids excessive physical contact, and ensures that the animal maintains its autonomy by providing a means of escape from the confines of her home.
Through this unconventional bond, both Dalton and the hare undergo a metamorphosis. The leveret adapts to its new surroundings, accepting nourishment and shelter from its human caregiver, while Dalton finds herself increasingly attuned to the rhythms of the natural world. She discovers a renewed sense of purpose and a profound connection to the landscape that surrounds her.
A Tale of Transformation
At its core, Raising Hare is a story of personal transformation and the healing power of nature. Dalton’s lyrical prose and keen eye for detail transport readers to the serene English countryside, inviting them to bear witness to the unfolding of an extraordinary interspecies friendship.
As Dalton navigates the challenges of her newfound role as a caregiver to a wild creature, she begins to question the societal pressures and expectations that had previously governed her life. The hare becomes a catalyst for introspection, prompting her to reassess her priorities and rediscover a sense of authenticity and purpose.
[Affection for an animal] has an innocence and purity of its own.
Chloe Dalton, Raising Hare
An Invitation to Rewild
Through her intimate portrayal of the bond between a woman and a hare, Dalton invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Raising Hare serves as a reminder of the inherent value of all living beings and the transformative power of opening oneself up to the wisdom of the wild.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of a global pandemic and the ever-increasing pressures of modern life, Dalton’s debut novel offers a timely and poignant reflection on the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and embracing the unexpected gifts that life may present.
A Must-Read for Nature Lovers and Seekers of Solace
Raising Hare is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the natural world or yearned for a deeper connection with the creatures that inhabit it. Dalton’s honest and introspective narrative invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and to consider the transformative potential of unconventional friendships.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply seeking a tale of personal growth and resilience, Raising Hare is a book that will leave a lasting impression. Chloe Dalton’s debut novel is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the endless possibilities that arise when we open our hearts to the unexpected.
As you turn the final page of this extraordinary story, you may find yourself inspired to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the wonder and wisdom that the natural world has to offer. Raising Hare is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of interspecies connections, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing can be found in the most unlikely of places.
