This is a book of inter-related short stories about environmental activism. I really liked the thoughtful tone of each story and the interesting characters.


The book begins with Eleanor and her two adult children, Ava and Ed. Eleanor has dedicated her life to environmental reforms, as she tries to get companies see that helping the environment can also help their bottom lines. Until recently she believed that approaching problems calmly and rationally was the best way to make progress. Only now she sees many of the biggest gains in her career, like reducing deforestation of the Amazon, unraveling. She’s just won a major environmental award and has to make a big speech, while feeling she hasn’t accomplished anything much at all.

In a nutshell, this book is about the despair many of us are feeling about the environment. Even though we’ve known about the climate perils that face us, we’ve become almost numb to the horror stories. It’s not even an issue anymore of whether you believe in climate change – the evidence is all around us but it feels much too late to do anything.

But there’s hope as well. Hope in scientific advances, in activism, and in the energy and idealism of youth. Schuyler shows us in these stories how the love of an animal or a happy childhood memory might lead us to think more about the earth than ourselves.

I found the characters in these stories very interesting, even though we don’t get to spend much time with them. One of my favorite stories was about Lucinda, a woman who volunteers in an animal shelter following a personal crisis, and has developed a strong bond with one of the dogs. I also liked the story about the hacker who finds himself unexpectedly having a life-altering conversation with a woman whose car he’s just hacked.

At first I found myself looking for recurring characters across these stories, but there aren’t many of those. Instead, the author ties these stories and characters together in a way I wasn’t expecting.

A unique thing about this book is the away the author personifies nature. The author notes in her acknowledgements that she wanted readers to think of nature as an entity with thoughts and feelings, rather than just seeing it as something that serves us. While it’s an unusual perspective and Schuyler’s writing is often beautiful, it also felt like a distraction at times, taking away from the other characters. I think it could have been used more sparingly to the same effect.

This book would be a great accompaniment to climate-related nonfiction like Hope Jahren’s The Story of More, or Elizabeth Kolbert’s Under a White Sky, or Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope. It’s a perfect example of how fiction can help us see important issues in a different way.

Note: I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book from publicist Sparkpoint Studio and NetGalley. It published July 2, 2024 and has won the W.S. Porter Prize and the Prism Prize for Climate Literature.

This is a beautiful and devastatingly sad love letter to the Earth and to humanity. Yes, we are flawed and everything that is happening around us is our fault but it isn't all bad. The truth in these pages will hurt but as the stories weave and connect to each other, you find this connection within yourself as well. Very well written and highly recommended.

I enjoyed this touching book about diverse individuals whose lives are connected by their shared love for nature.

The opening story, ‘On The Brink’, introduces us to Eleanor, who has spent her life trying to convince corporations of the economic benefits of sustainability but who now despairs that her efforts have come to nothing. ‘Gloom has crowded into her being and made itself at home.’ When she learns she is to receive an influential environmental award, her instinct is to turn it down because she feels her efforts have come to nothing, that any achievements have been short-lived. ‘The work she did in Mexico, negotiating with DeLittle Lumber to slow the cutting of old-growth trees (stalled for a while, then it went back to its previous ways of clear-cutting); endeless meetings with Connell Metal to stop dumping toxins in the Tijuana River (two years of cleaner water, now one of the most polluted rivers in Mexico).’ At the urging of her daughter Ava, Eleanor attends the ceremony but finds a way to make a stand. Meanwhile Ava is facing her own dilemma, trying to balance her desire to have a child with the knowledge that in doing so she will be placing more pressure on the world’s resources.

In ‘The Object of Dancing’, Eleanor’s son Ed, a ballet dancer, grapples with inhabiting the character of a rat for an avant-garde dance piece demonstrating how humans see themselves as distinct from animals. And in ‘Paradise’, successful businessman Hugh is drawn to the survivalist movement as he becomes increasingly desperate to protect his family from what he sees as the impending threat of civil unrest as people fight over increasingly scare resources.

I liked the fact that characters from one story often turn up in others. For example in ‘Free’, Lincoln encounters Eleanor on one of his nightly forays to scavenge objects no-one else wants and recycle them. And in the final few stories, many of the characters become involved in one way or another in an environmental protest on Golden Gate Bridge: as protesters, as people affected by the protest or as people who unexpectedly magnify its effect. Eleanor’s presence there, enthused by the creativity of a class of school children – ‘the boundless energy, the imagination for what can be, what must be’ – provides an element of optimism for the future.

A striking feature of the book is the prescence of the ‘voice’ of Nature who often comments on the actions of the characters. Always in touch with the rhythms of the planet, Nature recalls the appearance of the first signs of life on the Earth, marvels at the beauty of the world and observes with dismay the degradation of the planet caused by human activity. ‘I’ve been trying to speak to you for years, and despite wildfires, droughts, and floods, I haven’t gotten through.’

In This Ravishing World is a collection of stories that makes you think about all aspects of mankind’s relationship with the planet. It challenges you to think about your own impact on the environment: Am I doing the right thing? Am I making a difference? How do I balance my personal aspirations and the needs of my family with the health of the planet?

In a Nutshell: Officially, a short story collection with interlinked stories, but I think this works better as a composite novel. Good for those who like character-oriented narratives and literary fiction.

The blurb describes this book as “a sweeping, impassioned short story collection, ringing out with joy, despair, and hope for the natural world. Nine connected stories unfold, bringing together an unforgettable cast of dreamers, escapists, activists, and artists, creating a kaleidoscopic view of the climate crisis.”
All the above are valid points, and almost all are true of this book. Where the description doesn’t match my experience is in the idea of this being a “short story collection.”

Everyone who reads story collections/anthologies knows the structure/pattern of a short story. It is quite distinct from that of a novel, regardless of length or theme or genre. However, the “stories” in this book had more of a novel (or perhaps, novella) kind of vibe. This isn’t because the length of each “story” is on the upper range of short fiction. Rather, the “stories” are connected to each other, thus making this book almost like a composite novel than like a short story collection.

The interconnection across the individual sections is not just in terms of common characters but also through the linear sequence, with each story building over the events of the earlier one, while still providing a backstory for its key character. The chapters, if I may refer to them as such, come from different (sometimes, repeated) character perspectives. So the effect is more like reading a regular multi-perspective novel.

The book functions well as a composite novel. Each “story”/chapter focusses on one character, with the prominent one being Eleanor, who has just won a reputed award for her work as an environmental economist. The first chapter explores her thoughts over her work of five decades, and whether she should accept the award or not. The next chapter focusses on her daughter Ava, and moves to her backstory, while still referring to Eleanor’s award in passing. In this way, each chapter shifts the narrative baton to a different character, sometimes returning to an earlier cast member. With all their “stories” put together, we get to see the grand picture at the end.

The writing is quite lyrical. My favourite parts were the interludes by ‘Mother Nature’ at the start of the book and then at the end of every story. The writing in these sections is picturesque and heartfelt. The climate aspect is dominant in many of the chapters, but at times, the stories are more focussed on the emotions of its characters than on environmental consciousness. The frustration of those working for climate change comes out quite strongly, especially in Eleanor’s chapters.

I am certain I would have enjoyed this even better had I gone into it expecting a literary novel. I always have a collection/anthology on the go, and I read a story or two each day, depending on how lengthy each story is. So to see this “short story collection” function more as a pseudo novel affected my schedule as well as reading experience as my expectations were quite different.

Regardless, the book has its merits, and its strong literary feel ensures that its characters as well as themes are well-written, introspective, and impactful.

Definitely recommended, not to short fiction readers but to literary fiction enthusiasts who would love a novel that focusses on humans as much as nature.

3.5 stars, rounding up wherever applicable because my lower rating is mainly due to erroneous expectations.

My thanks to Regal House Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “In This Ravishing World”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The Earth is asking for your help. Are you listening?

A powerful depiction of the juxtaposition of hopelessness and hope that we we feel when faced with our human impact on nature. Told through interconnected stories from individual perspectives, Schulyer reflects the inner conflicts and justifications we use to assuage our own guilt and/or give ourselves a sense of purpose in the climate change battle.

Ultimately uplifting in its message, it reminds us of the responsibility we hold as individuals to each other and to our planet, and the power we have as a collective.

A hopeful read that leaves you fully charged to take positive action.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

In This Ravishing World, by Nina Schuyler, is a collection of nine short stories that successfully connect a diverse cast of characters around the central theme of how people view nature and climate change.

Each story is told from a different point of view, and Nature also weighs in as a voice. These people differ greatly in age and walks of life, as do their perceptions about our global problem that needs urgent attention. There is both despair and hope in these beautifully written stories, along with some thought provoking ideas.

It’s not often that I read short story collections, but I was impressed with how well this author wove her characters into each other’s lives to varying degrees, and how nicely the last story provided such a harmonious, joyful, and hopeful feeling. Overall, these stories form an inspirational narrative. I would recommend this collection to anyone.


Thank you to Netgalley and Regal House Publishing for this most enjoyable experience.

A wonderful selection of short stories that I very much enjoyed. I loved how the characters reappeared in each other’s stories! They gave hope and showed kindness and were super inspiring.

Every story was enjoyable but my favourite was The Object of Dancing. I’m not even sure why, I just loved being inside Ed’s head.

Thoroughly recommended. I’ll revisit this author again - I first read her glorious novel The Translator and recommend that as well (another 4 star read for me).

Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

**Arc given in exchange for a free and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!**

Who are we responsible too? What do we owe the generations coming after us? Can we ever do enough?

These are the questions Elenor is asking as she stares into the ambivalent abyss of old age. As she watches her life's work being rolled back and upended, all she can see is despair.

Throughout this collection of short stories, we see Elenor, her family and friends, and those only tangentially in her sphere as they navigate the challenges brought on by a climate crisis. Told through this lens, the big and small moments that punctuate our lives are both magnified and made small. Simplified and complicated.

In Nina Schuyler’s powerful collection of interconnected stories, the Earth asks if we can hear her. A climate activist at the pinnacle of recognition despairs about how little her so-called achievements have done. A scientist struggles and questions her desire for a child. A child in a rough neighborhood looks for beauty among cast off things. Schuyler’s characters alternate between hope and despair, driving home the true complexity of our relationships with each other, our goals and ambitions, and the planet that we call home. Her stories are unflinching, rich, and ultimately hopeful. A beautiful, climate-charged read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this linked story collection and highly recommend it for fans of literary fiction. There is a strong theme here that acts as a connective tissue for the collection: the environment and the ways we have failed it. We see how different generations view the issue, particularly with respect to Eleanor and her daughter. Eleanor's frustration at seeing her laudable work reversed by capitalism is very relatable. Eleanor is the central character and serves as a charismatic anchor for the collection. The collection leaves you with mixed feelings - depression, yes, but also hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House for the advance e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

A touching book about different people whose fates are intertwined because of their love for nature.
I can highly recommend it to everyone who feels the same responsibility for doing something about climate change.
I related to Eleanor as she also felt hopeless and like her effort was all for nothing.
I also admired the author's prose since it was one of the things that kept me going.

I enjoyed it a lot, so it deserves its 4 ☆ stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

If this book doesn't leave you feeling slightly guilty, and motivated to do more for the planet, I'm not sure we read the same book.

Eleanor and her exhaustion, and frustration to see a life of work being reversed by huge corporations is the centrepiece of this book. An incredible woman, and one suffering from the fatigue of those who have fought for years. Every story spirals out from her - her family, her friends, their friends, all considering whether what we are doing is enough to save our planet, or whether we should be pushing for more.

The spark of hope in a class full of young people, with their big ideas, and dreams and ambitions is a reflection of what we need - to empower and lift up those with the ideas, and get them together with those with the experience.

I loved how every story becomes intertwined at the end, with the bridge, and the protests. Hopefully this book sparks more people to make a change.