The Comfort of Crows

A Backyard Year

By: Margaret Renkl

Narrated by: Margaret Renkl

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times opinion writer and bestselling author Margaret Renkl comes a “howling love letter to the world” (Ann Patchett): a luminous book tracing the passing of seasons, personal and natural.

In The Comfort of Crows, Margaret Renkl presents a devotional of sorts: fifty-two essays that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year. As we move through the seasons—from a crow spied on New Year’s Day, its resourcefulness and sense of community setting a theme for the year—what develops is a portrait of joy and grief. Joy at the ongoing pleasures of the natural world: “Until the very last cricket falls silent, the beauty-besotted will always find a reason to love the world.” And grief at a shifting climate, at winters that end too soon, at songbirds growing fewer and fewer.

Along the way, we also glimpse the changing rhythms of a human life. Grown children, unexpectedly home during the pandemic, prepare to depart once more. Birdsong and night-blooming flowers evoke generations past. The city and the country where Renkl raised her family to transform a little more with every passing day. How can one person make a difference amid such destabilizing changes?

The Comfort of Crows is a lovely and deeply moving audiobook from a beloved writer.

©2023 Margaret Renkl (P)2023 Spiegel & Grau by Spotify Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Slow down and sink into these beautiful meditations on the natural world around us. Margaret Renkl's syrupy Southern voice and measured rhythm are perfect for her essays and praise songs on everything from foxes to tadpoles to walking in the rainy woods.... Even as she acknowledges the devastations wrought by climate change and pesticides, the warmth and wonder in Renkl's voice offer hope. This audiobook is a welcome balm." (AudioFile)

“The Comfort of Crows is a howling love letter to the world, the story of what we’ve lost and what we can save and the abundance of wonder in our own backyard. Margaret Renkl is a singular, spectacular writer, and this book, like life itself, is a cause for celebration.”—Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House

“This triumph of a book gives us a charming and wise friend to guide us over the course of a year, but I am certain Margaret Renkl’s enchanting voice will echo for lifetimes to come. The Comfort of Crows is an instant classic, not just for the planet, but—and most importantly—for our hearts too.”—Aimee Nezhukumatathil, author of World of Wonders

“Renkl invites readers along on a year of loving outdoor observations in this gently moving memoir. . . . This gorgeous reflection on humanity’s symbiotic relationship with the outdoors will transform the way readers interact with their own backyards.”—Publishers Weekly

Beautiful, yet Starkly Honest

A soothing narrative, despite the realistic depiction of the on-going and seemingly irrevocable mayhem we continue to perpetrate on our earth mother.

A book that resonates

Some books I am happy to borrow for the short term, this is one of those books that I am glad I have on audible so that I can return to it over and over. Margaret Renkl feels like a friend who shares my concerns about the changes of our neighborhoods and the nature that surrounds them.

Everyone from students in high school to old people should read this book.

If we are to become more mindful of nature and our surroundings, we should follow the teachings embedded in this book.

Her way of seeing things

I liked all of it. It is beautifully written and narrated. I would recommend it to everyone.

Reconsider Your Backyard

Pull out your rake and give your leaf-blower a rest. Tune in to the real world of your backyard. It’s incredible.

A gorgeous book of essays and illustrations.

These essays, accompanied by exquisite illustrations by the author’s brother, contain beautifully worded descriptions of the author’s year in her natural backyard — of both flora and fauna. They are also moving reflections on the cycle of life — her own and her family’s, in addition to that of the natural world. She also beautifully articulates her grief over devastation from modern human encroachment and global warming.

Sensitive and perceptive

Just filled with so much close attention to details. Brave stories of her own weeknesses and failures. Sad references to the coming catastrophe that is climate change. I loved every chapter. I’m sad to come to the end. I can think of so many people who I want to share this wonderful book with.

A wonderful listen!

Some authors aren’t good readers, but this is NOT the case with Margaret Renkl. Her pace of reading allows the listener the necessary pauses to fully envision the descriptive words they are hearing, fully engaging the senses and imagination. It was wonderful to find a kindred spirit who talks to crows and sees the creatures of the natural world around her as her neighbors and fellow travelers through this life.

A valuable voice

Margaret Renkl speaks up unceasingly for our Earth, especially its non-human, so imperiled living beings: the birds and other wildlife, native insects and pollinators, our plants and trees. I knew enough about her to expect to find a kindred spirit. Like Margaret, I am trying not to cry.

It grows on you

Wasn't quite sure if I was going to like it after the first twenty minutes, but I'm glad this book is out in the world.