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BOOK REVIEW: ‘Deep’ by James Nestor
Reviewed by Rebecca Warren
In ‘Deep’ James Nestor kicks off with his previously published and somewhat sensationalised account of the freediving depth championships in 2011 in Greece – an event he was sent to cover as a journalist despite by his own admission having zero knowledge of the sport. He then launches into a wide reaching account of assorted oceanic research past and present – some of which use freediving as tool to gain closer access to marine life. James is lucky enough to be invited out on some of these expeditions on the proviso that he learn to freedive and so the reader also gets to join him on his own journey into freediving. Along the way he discusses our own connection to the ocean and the philosophy behind open water freediving both as competitive sport and personal journey.
A great storyteller, James’ journalistic writing makes for exciting reading especially when recounting personal experiences such as a trip in a home-built submarine to the depths where daylight does not penetrate and an encounter with a sperm whale.
The large quantity of information and topics covered in the book makes it feel as if there was the potential for several different books within its pages. The writing style leaves the reader confused as to what is fact and what is opinion, with some glaring inaccuracies about safe freediving practise which could be dangerous to the uninformed reader; and the hyperbole contradicting any message on marine conservation, such as his insistence on using ‘man-eating’ in front of the word ‘shark’ on almost every occasion.
In one chapter he meets with the remnants of the Ama, Japan’s all-female freediving community and is received with disdain and hilarity when having bought carbon fibre fins and a custom-made wetsuit (and spent goodness knows how much getting there) he fails to dive below ten foot (because at this point he has made no attempt to learn to freedive). His confession of this and subsequent reflection on his own ego comes across as touchingly honest.
However when he completes the book by chartering a ship to take him out to sea in order to drop an especially constructed container with an electronic copy of the book into one of the deepest ocean trenches (for the fish to read?) in a purely egotistical act of deep-sea littering one feels that despite the book’s title the ocean has taught him nothing about himself.
If you can put the sensationalism and inaccuracies to one side then you can read and enjoy this book. And there is plenty to recommend it as a good read – the pace, the deft characterisation of the individuals he meets and his descriptions of the oceans make it worthwhile. But if, having read it, you become interested in any aspect of it you may want to do your own research.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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