E T.
A captivating story. Is it true? All of it? Some of it? None of it? I read it as if it were true as it sang to me in my wild places.
Thank you for such a piece of writing as this.
Sarah M.
This beautiful little book is like a precious gem, transporting you to a truly magical place.
Barbara B.
I bought two copies of The Nettle Eater, one of which was for my ex-partner (!) who I think must BE that man.( It was actually a generous gesture on my part as we are friends and he is having a difficult time at the moment)
There is something about the size of the book, and the look and feel of it that makes it seem intimate somehow, even before you open it.
I love Tom's writing- Sometimes a Wild God is up there for me, especially if I am lacking in courage. The Nettle Eater is a strange story, beautiful, and hit exactly the right note for yer man. Rima's artwork is superb also.
Marion D.
Beautifully crafted from front to back, beginning to end and the words reach deep within to those parts of us that long for something more. Personally & professionally this book resonated with me. I work as a psychiatric nurse, madness defines my days. Personally, I've lived through events of grief that left me rendered. Tom's words create a space that honors and accepts those human experiences we mostly run from or deny-madness, grief, naked truths. "I gave thanks to my own madness and the thousand grievings in which I had swum deeply thanks to it. My tears in those seasons of grief were the tears of a wretch, torn from all knowing and adrift in all my losses, incalculable as they are. I had thought the tears would never cease..." Thank you, Tom & Rima.
Deborah M.
Absolutely every detail of my order was shockingly beautiful! The book itself is a wildly brilliant work of art and the presentation is stunningly elegant. I also adore the little cards that were included, also little works of art. The careful attention to every detail of this purchase was extraordinary. Bless you and thank you! I will be back for more! Love, Deborah ❤️
Cat J.
I'm so glad to have found this little gem - it's a delight, beautifully written whilst at the same time making me feel that urgency, desperation for a different way of living. Problem is, once you know something of this you can't unknow it....there's no going back.
Thank you for this beautiful, discombobulating work.
Ann G.
Thoroughly enjoyed peeping in at your experiences on the moors. It reminded me of the tribal initiation from youth to manhood , usually practiced by the native Indian and aboriginal peoples. I'm looking forward to rereading it as I think it may take a read or two to fully appreciate it, thank you for sharing
John T.
The book is beautifully presented and appealing to the eye. The typeface is different and reminiscent of old books in the library.I enjoyed the story too. It makes me want to go to where the wild things are.
Amanda R.
Vivid and bold little prose work that opens up a world where being alone on Dartmoor merges with the spiritual world of Milarepa, a Tibetan 'Saint', who is said to have survived for a time just by eating nettles. A glimpse into a wild and important place.
ms L.
This is a beautifully presented little book written with passion and love for Dartmoor. I bought two; makes a special gift for someone who loves the feel of words and wildness.
louise w.
Nettle-Eater is a such a beautiful ode to the Moor, wildness, love and despair. A gem in my book collection. Would make a lovely gift to someone who needs it.
Ethne C.
A beautiful tale, full of wild magics.
mona l.
Loved the book! I am delighted to support this wonderful press! I hope you make many, many more books!
Jessica L.
This is my favourite of HSP' little books. Full of beautiful wildness that wakes you from your stuper.
Karin H.
Beautiful soul-touching work and good quality printing. We all need to keep in touch with each other just now, and post cards are a lovely way to say hi hello, I'm thinking of you. To send such beautiful interesting unusual artwork too is a bonus. Get a pack and get writing...
Ella H.
Beautiful portal into the wild
Ulla R.
Bought this earlier for myself and wrote a review. This time it was a christmas gift for a friend. Thanks!
Erica L.
Bought as a gift as I know the recipient loved Sometimes A Wild God... only had time to skim as a quick wrap turn around to get it out to NZ in time for Xmas but have a sneaky suspicion I'll be buying a second and third copy in the new year for me and another gift!
Christine H.
Super thrilled to own these publications. I love everything about Hedgespoken, especially the glimpses of magic that they remind me to observe in my own corner of the world. Thank you so much for all that you do and all that you are!
Sarah N.
I love this book as much as I love nettles. It describes a deep connection to nettles & the natural world and how those experiences can shape us. Everything that Hedgespoken (Tom & Rima) offers is a huge source of comfort & inspiration - always. I’m so grateful for their work.
Jenna W.
beautiful little book!
Bonnie G.
A strange tale that I shall have to revisit.
Elisheva C.
Lovely little piece of magic. So happy to have read it.
CC W.
i don't understand this
it rambles goes berserk
like a wild place
unknown misunderstood
grim beautiful terrifying
after reading it
i felt black and blue
beaten by words images
i want to paint it
i paint the invisible
fear anger
joy decay
birth death misery
sadness
i don't have to understand
all i have to do is
go to the old forest
and love
Carmen S.
Absolutely magical. Have to buy another one now – and have learned my lesson to always buy in multiples – as I know a friend who must read this right away. Such charm in this tale.
Miles H.
I read The Nettle Eater online and immediately knew I wanted a physical copy. The shipping was surprisingly quick for cross-continent. The book itself is a beauty.
Hilary L.
This is the second NettleEater that has arrived on my doorstep and I plan to gift this one to a student who is threshold crossing, hanging midair in untethered liminality at the moment and I sense would benefit from this tincture of sanity and vivid wildness. I also sent it to two other friends who are in the thick of things because I have a hunch they may see themselves in these pages too. Grateful to you, Tom.
Angela b.
As with the publication of A Wild God the Nettle Eater is fantastic in every sense.
The touch of the paper and the intimate nature of the size of the book. A delight for the eyes in the graphics and layout of the topography, each page having its place and quality in the context of the story.
The tale is impeccably written. Each word is so carefully chosen. As I followed the ebbs and flows of the narrative I was totally engaged with the physical, mental and emotional experience of losing the self to nature, the painful disintegration of all the illusions that we gather through our lives about ourselves. The description of transcendence was beautiful.
Having experienced a major mental disorder which changed my life I have rarely read anything that describes the whole experience so close to my falling apart.
I had to buy three books, one for my dear sister who thoroughly appreciated it and one for a friend as a present who has yet to be chosen.
Angela
Yvonne P.
I bought the original book in Totnes and loved it so much I bought a new copy for my sister. Beautiful printing and illustrations
Ianto R.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Wonderfully written and presented. It really touched my soul and resonated with something deep inside. I have to admit that I actually cried after reading the first couple of pages. It’s a small book, so anything that has that effect after a few hundred words is profound. I carry a copy, along with ‘Sometimes A Wild God’ with me at all times to read when I feel a bit lost or am in need of direction and comfort. Huge thanks for these beautiful gifts. Brightest blessings xxx
Janet R.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. The words help you imagine that you are alongside the Nettle Eater. If you like sumptuous dark chocolate like me, then reading this story is like indulging in that luxury. Enjoy.
Claire S.
A wonderful book with words you can get lost in.
Candy S.
Lovely to support two such talented people, it's bought as a gift and will be posted soon. A lovely antidote to present times, my grandson and I spend days foraging and using herbs, nettles are his favourite.
Cameron H.
Really enjoyed and feel touched by these books of poetry and story from Dartmoor story teller Tom Hirons... Touching and inspiring writing brought me to tears and brought me into deeper connection with place... Love the artwork and feel of the books too, look forward to reading more and seeing more of Rima's artwork. Definitely recommend.
Ulla R.
I´ve just got back from a 4 days Vision Quest, fasting alone out in the forrest, so for me it was a perfect little book to read just now.
Unfortunately my english is not fluent so I had to translate some words and belive that I didn´t grasp the exact meaning of a couple of sentences. Still I want to give it 5 stars.
It´s very beautyful and real and touches a deep longing inside all of us I believe if we listen hard enough...
Thank you Tom
Yael K.
So very excited to add this book to my collection. I look forward to sharing it with my fellow artists here at the Arts Enclave of Historic Kenwood in St. Petesburg FL. We are a collective of over 60 artists living and working in this neighborhood which is an artist overlay district within the city. Your voice and stories have been heard and inspired our collective imagination.
Thank you!
Katrina D.
Beautiful little pocket sized book of wild wonderings!
rebecca w.
A quiet still slither of morning, a warm coffee, the sound of bird and breeze just beyond the door.
A perfect moment to slip into the story.
It moved me, laid down beside my own longing, whispered wild temptations in my hearts ear.
A beautiful book, a perfect size, a piece of art to weigh in my hand, to see, to feel and to nestle into story.
I appreciate this little bit beauty SO much, a breath of open skies and earth covered toes in these times.
Thank you!
jo b.
I was a bit disappointed when I saw the small book that arrived but,the content is worth every penny.well recommended for an unusual,interesting read.
Grace E.
beautiful beautiful book. wild story and beautiful cover. I have already bought a second copy for a friend.
Robert L.
Water in the desert. So much beauty and small vast wisdom, thank you for your beholding hearts
Katie L.
Beautifully written, beautifully created. Clearly love has gone into the making. I have passed it along to a dear friend who is in the hospital and she loves it as well.
Ana O.
A beautifully written and produced little book. Very happy with this and my other purchases.
C D F.
Beautifully and lovingly produced and written. My Hedgespoken tomes are a treasured addition to my shelves.
Palmer L.
A wonderfully printed book, looking forward to supporting Hedgespoken Press again in the future.
Hilary J.
A little touch of magic!
mark c.
I really enjoyed all three of Tom Hirons little poetry books. I think he is talented and really unusual, a rare thing in this day and age. Good luck to him. (I would love to see 'Sometimes a Wild God' in large format and illustrated by his wife!
Silvia A.
Thanks to my friend Jo Sweeting, for making me curious enough to chase the magic that are Tom Hiron’s words and land me these 2 magical writings. Am hooked and am about to ensure others are by gifting more of these !
Tim C.
Not read this yet - but looking forward to do so. This kind of writing challenges me and takes me to new places in myself.
Alice A.
Absolutely adore this little book. It came at exactly the right time in my life and brought tears from my heart and relief to my soul. I read it twice before giving it as a gift, will soon be ordering it again to keep for myself. The writing of Tom Hirons has all felt like deep empathy for my buried, weary emotions and a strengthening stone upon which I may stand up taller, take a deep breath and continue upon my life's journey. Thank you.
Lotus F.
I read this and immediately gave it to a friend.... must get another soon. So feral and inspiring.
pamela k.
Thank you so much for writing this gift!
Jessamy S.
So pleased to have found Hedgespoken. Beautifully created art made accessible for all.
Conifer M.
your work is amazing-both the written words and the artwork--will be ordering more soon-thank you
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.....
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.
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).
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.
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 ❤️
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.’)
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!
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.’)
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.’)
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.’)
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.’)
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.’)
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.’)
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.’)
