Losing Eden by Lucy Jones
A deep dive into our relationship into the natural world, Lucy Jones' book could well be life-changing
Losing Eden by Lucy Jones has the potential to change things. A study into 'why our minds needs the wild,' it delves much deeper than that. Jones pools together research that is not only at the height of modern scientific study, but also truly fascinating. It is hard not to repeatedly shout about these facts – did you know there is a species of bacteria in soil that boosts our 'happy chemicals?' It is now being used in trials for PTSD. Or that there are more negative ions in the air around waterfalls and beaches? Negative ions have been linked to biochemical changes and a boost in brain activity.
The idea that the natural world is good for us has always been there. We have always known that looking at a tree outside our window is preferable to looking at a concrete block. But we have forgotten why and how crucial this bond to nature is. Through the lens of recovering from addiction and then becoming a mother, Jones presents the strongest argument yet to understand the natural world.
She never professes that nature is a 'cure all' but instead explains how it helped at her lowest point. This book is about finding a way to improve our own lives and a way to save our world. As Jones herself puts it, "nature isn’t just beautiful; it is our life support system." [Rebecca Wright]
Allen Lane, £20