The Otters' Tale by Simon CooperMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this fascinating book Simon Cooper tells his personal story about his observations of a family of otters. Although I was constantly reminded about Tarka in Henry Williamson’s book it did not spoil my enjoyment at all. I think I enjoyed this tale even more than Gavin Maxwell’s ‘Ring of Bright Water’ because the fine details that Cooper includes appeals to me more.
There is tragedy and delight in equal measure despite the odd touches of obvious fiction throughout the narrative. It is well written with some memorable descriptions of the waterside and the land surrounding the abandoned water mill where Cooper lived.
The author includes lots of details about the mother otter and her young, kits or pups, as they grow to become adults. Some of the facts he includes inform you about the stark reality facing the pups in terms of establishing themselves in a new territory. The competition for their prey, such as eels or crayfish, seems to be the main factor. I felt at times that there was an element of anthropomorphism when he was imagining some of the otters’ activities. Although this made me a little uncomfortable, as I usually feel it is a bit ‘twee’ when humans attach too much of our behaviour to other animals, I was also ready to forgive it in Cooper’s case. This was because his writing, about the perils that the otters have to face, was so effectively ‘otterly’ and from their point of view, it made good dramatic sense.
I have no hesitation in recommending this engaging and informative wild life book to anyone who loves nature or wants to find out more about this beautiful animal.
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