Tara G.
NETTLE-EATER- when I first read it- took me into Jim Crace's book 'Quarantine' and beyond that into the heart of the demon within my own heart and into the me within the madness of the solitude- something about the singing hermit, the elf-shot pilgrim, the cheerful stinging herb, resonates with my saturated material life. NETTLE-EATER made me need it. Once again- not being v technically minded I have no photo of me with my beautiful copy- but I have added 'Lazarus', a small painting I made for a bird I found in the wilderness of town. My copy of NETTLE-EATER allows me to dip into the hard work of exile and austerity and the rich soul reward. The message is well received in my inner garden. The world needed this work.
Miss A.
This book will take you to the wildest fringes, down to the sticky, resinous depths of yourself, and then back through the eye of a needle. It reminds us of our wild core, ever-present, ever-green. It is a treasure of a book, small, thin, easy to slip into your coat pocket. Easy to keep pinned to your heart.
Colleen K.
Hirons' sublime writing captures my essential longing to return to a primal state, re-wilded and free from the ego conventions of Western culture. In the Nettle Eater's journey, Hirons intuitively captures conversations with the unseen world and realm of nature, conveying what it could be like should one desire to follow in his footsteps. Hirons' relationship with Nature and self-sequestration therein provides the ground for the journey of a lifetime, a modern nod to Tibetan monks of yore who took to the caves. Immerse yourself within the quest, relinquish the thirst for results, and let "The Nettle Eater" feed your soul. This is one journey you won't soon forget. Beautifully done.
Alison W.
I loved the vibrant and tactile language of Nettle-Eater! It is the perfect pocket-sized book - like carrying a tiny alternative world around with you.
Even the envelope it arrived in is a work of art!
Edmiston, J.
Took a deep breath and read your brave and beautiful story of the nettle eater. I knew it and recognised parts of it - extraordinary Tom, and difficult to find words - just thank you I think. I live in Wanlockhead and the photo was taken there this morning - low clouds making everything grey and nearly invisible.
Kate A.
I loved this book so much I bought it twice! I bought a copy for a friend who needed some cheering up. The writing takes you to another place, which is extremely de-stressing.
A beautiful book.
Tord K.
”Dive in, though it surely means death.”
”You were never more lost than you are now, if you cannot reach out, touch the wild earth and weep.”
That’s about all that has to be said about our lives on this planet. This precious little book sums it up perfectly.
Johanna L.
My current love for the work of the Hedgespoken Press hasn't been disappointed at all while reading "Nettle-Eater". The pages of this book are filled with slowly crawling, foggy magic and akwardness, a boog to read many times and still find yourself standing at the edges, questions boiling up that have been hidding for too long. Thank you for this piece of art!
Sonja W.
Delightful and full of insight!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Danaraja D.
Brilliant read. I read it to a group on the moor one night by a stream where a panther was seen. It was magical.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Kathleen J.
A beautiful book!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Therese D.
Wild, raw, beautiful. Very much needed in these tamest of times.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Peg P.
I was very excited about the arrival of my books. A lovely little parcel bringing magic from the other side of the world! I had to stop what I was doing and read them right then. I read Sometimes a Wild God first, out loud so I could savour the words. I loved the imagery (and the images, too). SO evocative. A real treasure.
The Nettle-Eater (signed AND numbered) was amazing, again with the imagery of the words describing the struggle and the letting go into a different (and difficult) realm of living. Also very good and great use of words.
Thanks you so much for these two small and mighty little books packed with ethereal power!!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Anja C.
I appreciate the diligence and love you put into your works. They light up again in this precious little book, which I will give as a present to a dear friend. She is very familiar and gentle with all kinds of plants as well as with spirits. One of her favourite plants is the nettle, so I am sure she will be delighted by this book and the thoughts in it. Love, Anja
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Kelda W.
Not-a-chap enjoying the chapbook, with a meerkat and my daughter on a rainy day. I haven't read it to my children yet but I will. I loved this beautiful, wild reminder of how we can and must dissolve our domesticated selves and wed ourselves to nature. Thank you.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Kaye B.
Delightful words, some with stings, that come like memories from a time before........thanks Tom.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Cassie H.
What good would it do to tell you? Read! I, myself, am about to run. :)
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Rosalind D.
A wonderful, wild, life affirming story, to be read and re-read. It will continue to grow and develop and connect with the reader over time.
Here it is on my bedside table, ready to send me on amazing dream journeys...
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Chris D.
Powerful, powerful stuff - a heady distillation. Tom Hirons is a natural trancendententalist, in a tradition that traces back through Ted Hughes, Thoreau's Walden to Rousseau. Hirons' relationship with nature is elemental, brutal, terrifying - and exhilarating.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Marie P.
This is my second piece of prose from Hedgespoken... both little books are very precious to me as their work is full of intrinsic magic... and a beautiful reminder to connect with the energy of nature and the wild heart within...
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
penny r.
Wild words for walking with.
Manifesto insight beauty. Holy seeing. Liberation.
Beautifully made, the right size for my pocket.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Paige L.
I'm really glad I accidentally happened upon this! It's a quick read I can pick up anytime I need a reminder.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Kimberly M.
Storytelling at it's wildest and finest! So raw and tangible, and at times a very deja vu experience! Upon finishing the story, I looked up only to find that I was't actually on the Moors! Earthy, wild, nourishing, and that hint of other-worldliness....just like the Nettle itself. Love this little book!!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Imogen D.
A feast of words and emotions, chaos and comedy in this wild narrative. A tingling-green-treat of a book
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Sarah V.
I read this articulate narrative tale aloud to my husband, inspiring vivid self-illustration between his ears as we pored over the beautiful linguistic imagery of the Nettle-Eater's experience. As intimate as Sometimes A Wild God, this book evokes one possibility of the Wild God's origin story. Loved it.
Lynne M.
Nettle Eater was recommended to me by a friend who knows my dream to live for a while in a secluded shack and cook nettles. This little book feels magical to me. I have the call.....
Paige H.
Such a wonderful piece!
Karen P.
A precious book, one to keep with you always. Tom’s writing is wonderful.
Cryn H.
Describes the experience of soul searching so very well. Wow.
Paige H.
An excellent and much needed reminder of the wildness that we have mostly forgotten and desperately need. A beautiful little book as well.
Susan H.
This narrative speaks to my soul, I have nettles running through my veins and my garden. Entwined around my life with their many uses. Thank you for your beautiful words, they set me running wild and free into the hills.
louise c.
beautiful and inspiring sharing of such a powerful experience
Cindy R.
I love it! Meant to be read aloud!
Jeni P.
Delightful little book - bought extra to give to my close friends.
Peter M.
I am one among the legion of fans who adore what Tom & Rima are doing through their storytelling and small press. "Nettle-Eater" is nothing short of a gem! When I come to lines like the following just before the book ends: " Hold the river stones. Sleep with the waterfall as your pillow. Braid yourself to the horse's mane. Sing the great lament of your own lost life," I'm awestruck, speechless. I take a deep breath, blessed to be in Tom's company. Read "Nettle-Eater aloud, whisper it, internalize its rhythms & cadences as you fall in love with its telling, swept away by a story that transcends words.This is the kind of book that should be a required diversion for the cosmos and beyond. Blessings to you both. Peter (China).
Shane I.
I found Nettle-Eater a great little read. Part metaphor and perhaps part real, (you tell me Tom) a wonderful story about a relationship with 'self' through nature. I could relate to some of it for sure. Right at the end p25, was unexpectedly very emotional for me to read, in a lovely way, really resonated with me. "Your life is on fire. Run".
Amber S.
A seed, a kernel, a roasted chestnut of a chapbook, something to warm you up.
But only a single one nestled in brown paper.
Chew slowly.
laura f.
The book spoke to my soul on a level I can only describe as popping candy explosions of joy! So so so so so so so beautiful , thank you for writing to my heart and giving me wet eyes.
Patricia H.
A beguiling little book ❤️
Bryonie A.
Hedgespoken is owned and operated by two wonderful and talented humans beings. Working with them is easy and a dream, and their art/products are exquisite!
David P.
Great book, excellent service, good people.
Janine C.
A beautifully told tale and a wonderfully crafted book, I love it!
Patricia C.
I started reading this on Hedgespoken's site and was so transfixed by the images and the character's journey I had to have it in hard copy. So worth it. And a perfect gift for a friend. Now I will have to come back to get multiple copies for gifts and of course, one for myself! Excellent. Highly recommended.
Alan B.
Another moving piece by Tom Hirons. And a treat to look at and handle. Thanks
David E.
I bought two copies of this marvellous chapbook as I wanted to share the experience with a walking friend. And what an experience it is, reading this short but powerful piece. Nettle Eater is an incredible, charged piece of work, a call to directly experience and immerse the reader in the land. At once rooted and earthy, yet full of spirit and roaring with energy, it's power does not diminish on second, third or fourth reading. The production of the chapbook is deceptively simple, yet is perfectly in sympathy with the contents. This for anyone who spends time in the landscape, on the tracks, forests and streams. If you are hesitant about full immersion and engagement with the genus loci, this chapbook will give you that last push you need. Wonderful, wonderful work.
Timo B.
Tom's storytelling ability has again made a magical transformation to paper. The 'Nettle-eater' will take you to the depths of a man's journey into the soul and nature. This piece of enchantment will make you forget about time and space, and take you to the wilderness of Dartmoor.
The 'Nettle-eater' is a neat little booklet which feels comfortable in your hands. The Nettle-green letters are mesmerising and guide your eyes towards the end. The illustration of Rima is subtle and its use throughout the booklet feels like a personage coming to life. The 'Nettle-eater' is a creation for the imagination, nice to have or to give.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Elise H.
I am taken on the soaring of another's imagination to touch the world of otherly things - the things we have lost the touch of over the years, the world of mad and half-mad spirits that underlies our existence and lives and grows in its own living, that you can only feel by joining them in their madness, which is not madness, and exulting in the old knowledge, the deep and gone knowledge.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Emma F.
To tumble into the word weavings of Tom Hirons one must leave all expectations by the wayside. As the words are taken inside they invoke all manner of emotion, startled breaths & stunned knowledge/remembrance. Be brave. ‘Nettle-Eater’ patiently waits.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Helen C.
After 'Sometimes a Wild God' I was expecting a visceral reaction to nettle eater and I was not disappointed. Reading and rereading certain lines which sang into my heart, fighting down the urge to run barefoot from the house and hide in the woods. Glorious, thank you for the blessing of these words.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Armstrong, L.
This author uses words like music! Highly recommended!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Mireille P.
A lovely little bit of Magic.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Margaret W.
Reading Tom Hirons, is like having a wild, joyful dream.
There's no tiptoeing gently into his environment; he plunges you straight into a mythical landscape which engulfs you completely, leaving you bewildered, but ultimately enriched.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Helen T.
This is a fabulous poem that I have wanted a copy of for a while. The layout, printing and format is beautiful, which I had anticipated, having bought from you before, in fact I was so confident of this that I bought an additional copy to give away as a present, not sure who to yet, but someone will enjoy! Please print up your middle earth poems too, really urgent, vibrantly, ‘alive’ and necessary poetry.... all of it!
Thank you so much for being a conduit to this creativity- I have found it deeply medicinal to read.
Blessings.
Helen x
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Anna D.
I bought this little book for a 'foraging friend' who lives in Scotland. She has enjoyed it very much and it is particularly pleasing that it has been physically created with zero harm to our environment. A lovely book to read and possess. Thank you
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Hugo H.
I had read Nettle-Eater onlne a long time before I saw it advertised as a book. I loved it then, but a physical book is carry-aroundable and lendable in a way a website never can be. Even if everyone has a smartphone (which many do not) people might say 'oh I'll look it up later' and then don't bother. BUt to press a beautiful, limited edition BOOK into someone's hands saying 'I thunk you should read this', who could say no?
And the book itself is beautiful. The typeface, the choice of ink, Rim's illustations all set off the prose. The plot is not obvious, nor is it simple. The first person i leant it to descibed it as a series of 'bright pinpoints' strung thorughout darker imagery. Neither could work without the other for Tom, but he does both perfectly. I very much look forward to whatever comes next!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Judith O.
I got Tom’s first book ‘Sometimes a Wild God’ because I’m a fan of Rima Staines’ artwork (so let me give that 5 stars as well) but I am now a follower of both of them. He never disappoints—- both moving and meaningful. Beautiful piece!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Penny C.
Like the Wild God, the Nettle Eater is dark and disturbing; just a little bit frightening. I like the way Tom Hirons makes us look at the world in a slightly different light.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Stephanie P.
This is a beautifully written, gorgeously produced chapbook. I'm never disappointed by Hedgespoken Press. Thank you so much!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Martin D.
Nettle-Eater brings out something from deep inside me. In a similar way to 'Sometimes a Wild God', but perhaps in a more eloquent way, it teases and tugs like a surgeon performing a delicate operation - a cut too deep and you've gone too far, but Nettle-Eater is a precision instrument that makes you stop, reflect deeply upon your life. It's moving and simply beautiful. I love it and the words are brought even more to life by the sheer beauty of the printing, typography and layout of this little booklet. It's my treasure.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Sonya M.
This is a very beautiful piece of writing by a very talented writer. I found myself genuinely moved by it - he knows how to get right to the heart of what truly matters. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Susan B.
Love this little book..love all of Tom's writings..they take me to a place inside that very few things can..thank you so very much, both Tom and Rima, for sharing your art with us...the world is so much better for it!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Lily W.
A wonderful book indeed, and beautifully printed.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Carter A.
Order arrived in a timely manner and is exactly what I expected. Love the book.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Terence P.
Lovely work and wonderful service from lovely people. Thank you so much!
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
sharon h.
Another fabulous poem from Tim Hirons, I believe I have them all.
So unique and so raw, it strikes at the heart and the soul.
I feel quite privileged having discovered his work although I shouldn't take all the credit, my son bought me the first poem.
Please keep them coming Tim, the timing is just right, I think, as you welcome the 'new baby' with open arms after a long and difficult pregnancy.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
Christina C.
Another beautiful book from Hedgespoken. Tom's poetry is just sublime. I ordered two this time, to keep one aside for a gift to someone who will really appreciate it.
(This review originally appeared for ‘Nettle-Eater, the limited edition in green ink.’)
