Thoreau at Walden


Review by Matthew Nielsen

Thoreau at Walden by John Porcellino is a short biography of the writer Henry David Thoreau and his time spent writing in a secluded countryside home at Walden Pond. With only a small vegetable patch for him to grow what he needed for food, Thoreau spent the rest of his time writing, thinking, and observing nature.

Porcellino creates a calming, patient, and contemplative journey. His artwork, although very simplistic and stylized, works very well with the overall mood of the writing. There is very good pacing throughout, with pausing and silence playing powerful roles. At the end of the book is a detailed and helpful notes section, along with source references on Thoreau. It’s a short read, but it’s a good read and I recommend it.

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