“A refuge, a cult, a church of two; this was their experiment.”
– Sara Baume, Seven Steeples

My Wistfully Short Summary: A couple - self-described “solitary misanthropes” go against conventional expectations and move with their dogs to the Irish countryside, where they embed themselves in nature and make attempts to disappear from society.

My Woefully Brief Take: I loved this book so much. Living in Manhattan these past few challenging years, I can very easily relate to Bell and Sigh’s desire to just get away… in fact, Daniela might be already packed. It doesn’t hurt that they’re getting away to what must feel to most readers, is an idyllic Irish countryside retreat. But this isn’t a simple “city folk find joy in nature” story. This is an intense and complex study of interconnectedness - between two people and with world around them. It is so beautifully written, with remarkable attention to the intricate details and rhythm of their lives together. It’s quite stunning.