Burn cover art

Burn

A Story of Fire, Woods and Healing

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Burn

By: Ben Short
Narrated by: Ben Short
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About this listen

A frank and inspiring memoir about letting go of what we're told to want, risking everything to find happiness and the brutal salve of nature.

Ben Short has a successful career in advertising, a flat in a trendy part of London, a flashy motorbike. But after years of suffering with anxiety, he's a wreck. A drastic change is needed.

For a time, he finds solace working with a forester, then as an apprentice to a Gypsy woodman, setting up home in a dilapidated wagon with just a rescue dog for company. However, it is not until he feels the call of the furnace, a glowing charcoal kiln in the Dorset woods, that he can truly re-forge his thoughts, put the years of suffering behind him, and start afresh by immersing himself in the old ways of woods and fire.

Exquisitely written and deeply honest, Burn is a hopeful story of transformation, a celebration of manual work and craft, and a love letter to the English countryside.

©2022 Ben Short (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Ecosystems & Habitats Environmentalists & Naturalists Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Professionals & Academics Science Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant  
What a great book! Beautifully written and captivating.
I was there in the woods with Ben the whole time.
Should have been longer

Must listen!

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A story of living in the woods that will make you reach for your boots!

A new way of life

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Just so in depth if not just the mental side to life but the way he speaks about charcoal burning I myself burn charcoal and relate so much to this! Wish to meet Ben one day!

Awesome!

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Very well written, not a type of book I’d normally listen to but was so glad I purchased it.

Really enjoyable listen

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I’ve a few friends that know Ben personally and recommended the book due to the fact I work the woods and make charcoal down in Dorset and so many things in the book resonated with me, the personal things about not being satisfied in a career I was in and moving down to Dorset….to the characters that I’ve worked with in the woods and village life. I found it deeply moving at times even bringing a tear to my eye on more than one occasion, aswell as laughter at some of the situations he found himself in ….. working the woods will never make you a millionaire in cash terms but in other ways it can bring you a sense of well-being and satisfaction that money or things can never match and this book definitely tells the story of that …. Well done Ben

Brilliant book !!!

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The first time I listened to Burn, I absolutely loved it. As soon as it was over, I went back and started listening again. Bens voice is spot on. I found Burn to be a pretty emotional journey. No easy thing to do, live in a wood in the back of a cart. I felt real affection for the characters that helped forge this journey and non less than Pig. It’s also hilarious at times. Proper belly laughs.
I’ve since played it to my wife on a trip to Cornwall. She didn’t want it to end either. It won’t be the last time I listen. For me Burn has a calming effect that makes you stop for a minute and reevaluate what’s important. Highly highly recommended.

A truly fantastic listen 10/10

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A fascinating journey through Ben's life and a great encouragement to those struggling with anxiety. Ben has a wonderful ability to draw you into his world with a colourful and honest narrative.

A must read!

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From a fellow woodland escapee. Burn is fantastic and should be read by all.

Personal, honest, and beautifully written

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Really good writer and way of explaining things that make you feel like you’re in the moment and a brilliant storey.

Brilliant

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Loved it all. Listened to it twice. I had a white terrier too for 14 yrs. Losing Pig brought back many memories.Would love another book, Ben. !

An absorbing& outstanding book!

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