To the River By Olivia Laing

To the River: A Journey Beneath the Surface is a captivating memoir by Olivia Laing that blends personal reflection with a deep exploration of history, culture, and nature. The book follows Laing’s journey along the River Ouse, the same river where Virginia Woolf tragically ended her life. As Laing walks its length—from the river's source in the hills of West Sussex to its mouth at the North Sea—she weaves together a rich tapestry of stories, myths, and literary references.

Throughout her journey, Laing reflects on themes of loss, memory, and the interplay between place and identity. She draws upon Woolf's life and work, alongside insights from a variety of writers, artists, and thinkers, to reveal how rivers and landscapes carry the weight of history. To the River is a meditative and lyrical exploration of how physical journeys can intersect with inner landscapes.

Why Read This Book

• A deeply introspective journey through one of England’s most iconic rivers, blending travel with literary exploration.
• Explores themes of memory, place, and identity, with a particular focus on Virginia Woolf and her connection to the River Ouse.
• A beautifully written meditation on nature, loss, and the role rivers play in human consciousness.
• Laing’s evocative prose offers both a personal and historical perspective, making it a compelling read for fans of travel memoirs and literary nonfiction.
• A must-read for those interested in Virginia Woolf, nature writing, and the intersection of place and personal history.

About the Author

Olivia Laing is a British author and essayist known for her works that blend memoir, literary criticism, and nature writing. Her previous books include The Lonely City, a meditation on solitude and art in New York, and Crudo, a novel inspired by the political turmoil of the early 21st century. Laing’s writing is praised for its emotional depth, intellectual rigor, and exploration of the connections between personal experience and broader cultural themes.