In Spring is the Only Season, Simon Barnes explores the favourite season of many from every conceivable angle – not only in terms of the science, biology and ecology but also its impact on our music, art, culture and more. There’s also a frank and sobering chapter on the growing effects of climate change on the season.

Inevitably some chapters were more captivating than others – personally I preferred the chapters exploring the natural world – but the book is entertaining and thought-provoking throughout.

Loved this. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As I always say, if there was one natural phenomenon that I was allowed to save, it would have been spring,
This is why I decided to read this book.
Barnes is a self-proclaimed earthist, who loves spring and this is his tribute to the season.
Each chapter is a different testimony, a new song written for spring. Barnes draws from literature, science, personal anecdotes and does spring justice while delivering this beauty.

I am going to rate it 4 stars here, with the hope that, before it is published, it will go through one more edit.
I loved Barnes’ writing. I only slightly wanted a different, more smooth flow and more focus at times.

"Hope remains an option : of course it does, for every year we have Spring"

Spring is the Only Season is a fascinating and delightful read- the book has obviously been a labour of love for Simon Barnes and this shows through with the breadth of research and the passionate way different elements of Spring are explored.

Exploring Spring in many forms; religion; mythology and folklore; poetic and artistic ; and the signs from the natural world that Spring has arrived- flora and fauna.

The depth of information is impressive and in many ways this wonderful book feels like an anthology of idea , stories and information from numerous sources exploring the impact of Spring all gathered together through the meticulous investigation and scrutiny of Simon Barnes.

Personally, the areas about the natural world appealed the most- the bumblebee; the dormouse; the swift; the moths and the adders. The Spring awakenings of those creatures that hibernate- signs of the new season - are brilliant.

But this isn't a sugar coated read- impacts of industrialisation in farming and the ever growing impact of climate change are explored; " the breakdown in synchronicity is creating a phenological mismatch'" - flowers coming into bud earlier than expected- animals awakening from hibernation.at different times. There is a message of hope.

This is read that will educate, inform and entertain - but ultimately it is a celebration about the most beautiful time of year that annually brings back hope after the dark winter months

A wonderful read- recommended