When Andy Merrifield made his first trip to America aged ten, he vowed that one day he would leave his native Liverpool and live in New York. He eventually got there, but his dream quickly turned sour. In 2003, weary of city life and fed up with university teaching, he moved to central France and embarked upon a journey of the soul, walking amid the ruins and spectacular vistas of the Auvergne. This book is the story of that slow pilgrimage, on which his only companion is Gribouille, a tender and intelligent donkey with soft, thick fur on his brow and calm, dark eyes. Shadowed by Robert Louis Stevenson, who 130 years earlier trekked through another part of the region with the donkey Modestine, Merrifield gradually settles into the purposeful pace of his journey, allowing him to confront himself, as well as the larger mysteries of existence. He marvels at his tranquil surroundings and revels in the oddities of French rural life, musing all the while on the subtle wisdom of his companion, and the humble virtues of donkeys throughout history. The Wisdom of Donkeys reminds us that observing, being mindful, and being present in the moment are essential to a fulfilled life. It teaches us that enlightenment is all around us if we only take the time to seek it.
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"An amazing book... Erudite, acutely observed and spontaneous. My guess is that it will become what
they call a classic" -- John Berger
they call a classic" -- John Berger
About the Author
Born in Liverpool, England in 1960, Andy Merrifield taught geography for over a decade in assorted British and American universities. He's author of four previous books, including biographies on two twentieth-century French philosophers. He now lives and writes in a small rural community in France's Auvergne region.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Cathy Cooper
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was recommended to me via word of mouth - normally a good start. As I am embarking on a summer walking holiday in France and taking a donkey along, I thought it would be useful to gain some knowledge. This book which weaves useful and practical information with philosophical musings fitted the bill perfectly. I learnt that donkeys are not stubborn but careful about their own safety; that their wrongly interpreted 'stubbornness' often leads to vicious acts of cruelty by their owners; and that the humble donkey is one of the most persecuted of all domestic beasts. I already knew that donkeys like company of other donkeys and that they are often paired up with unpredictable horses to calm them down. The author's journey so well described seemed to last a lifetime with references to films and books and music. In reality his journey was only a few days yet he managed to produce a very likeable, knowledgable, and deeply moving book from that experience.
I now feel qualified to lead my donkey around the quiet lanes of the Ardeche taking time out from the bustle of normal life. I will have to learn the art of patience so often neglected in everyday life but I feel that Andy Merrifield's excellent and insightful guide is gently easing me into that frame of mind. I will of course be bringing a brush and a curry comb with me on my trip and hope that I can produce not a book but a smile from my long suffering friend. It will be a challenge.
I now feel qualified to lead my donkey around the quiet lanes of the Ardeche taking time out from the bustle of normal life. I will have to learn the art of patience so often neglected in everyday life but I feel that Andy Merrifield's excellent and insightful guide is gently easing me into that frame of mind. I will of course be bringing a brush and a curry comb with me on my trip and hope that I can produce not a book but a smile from my long suffering friend. It will be a challenge.
By k elliott
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very poor condition. I don't know whether I read the description incorrectly but I was disappointed. It was very cheap though!
By Popescu
Format:Paperback
It was a pleasure reading this book, it is not just about the author's travels in the company of his faithful donkey but also a retrospective insight into your own thoughts that involuntarily come to mind as you accompany them on their journey. This is a well written book that will give you positive emotions, much like spending time with donkeys does.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hard work
I understand the concept behind this book, the wonderful 'being' of donkeys and his background knowledge is interesting. However, it waffles on and I lost the will to read it all. Read more
Published on 9 April 2011 by Lynnie
5.0 out of 5 stars
As Good As It Gets
This book is as good as it gets. It can only make one want to be more noble, light, frolicsome and improbably beautiful... Read more
Published on 1 Aug 2010 by Jenny Lee Bates
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relax
PEOPLE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS BOOK ARE THOSE WHO NEED TO RELAX FROM THE MAD WORLD OF RUSH. BY RELAXING THEY WOULD HAVE MORE TIME TO LIVE BUT i DOUBT IF THOSE PEOPLE WOULD READ... Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2010 by Mrs. Vera Breeze
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book, very inspriational and calming
This is a beautiful book. I felt calmer just reading it! Andy Merryfield writes wonderfully about the trip he takes with Gribouille and he's adept enough to make you really see... Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2010 by Ivan
4.0 out of 5 stars
donkey traveller
I enjoyed this book but I would have enjoyed it more if the author had followed his experiences more closely rather than remanice about other authors who have written about... Read more
Published on 2 Dec 2009 by C. Higginson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Go for it!
For anyone who likes, appreciates and values animals. Tranquility is certainly the keyword...Like stepping off lifes treadmill with every read; very therapeutic and helps a person... Read more
Published on 9 Sep 2009 by Jackie O
3.0 out of 5 stars
A gentle, if intellectually alienating, read about donkeys and life
An easy-going read about donkeys it is not! Told by a man who, like many, has become disillusioned with Western, capitalist, materialistic life, he takes us on a journey across... Read more
Published on 29 May 2009 by Betty Moogle
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mesmerising and irritating in equal measure
This book is at once glib and profound, sentimental and saccharine, not easy to categorise. Which is probably why the publishers called it "mind, body, spirit". Read more
Published on 17 April 2009 by SAP
2.0 out of 5 stars
Donkeys
My husband chose this book after reading a newspaper review but he struggled to get into it, so I started to read it. Read more
Published on 14 April 2009 by Mrs. G. Farrow
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