Matthew Green is a magnificent storyteller. He writes with curiosity, compassion, and, cleverness. 

Green’s exploration of how fragile even the largest of our cities can be to either environmental change or human frailty is engrossing. Settlements die when humans leave them, and whether this is due to flooding or war, they leave their mark on the land and in the memories of those that once lived there.

Green’s tales evoke feelings of melancholy, rage, and helplessness. For me, this was especially true in the chapters about Dunwich and Capel Celyn (both of which were drowned). He has a great knack for putting into historical perspective the lives of the people that lived in these doomed places; explaining how these settlements played a role in a grander geopolitical context or even in the evolution of human societies.

This is a fascinating look at periods of British history that is engrossing and beautifully written. Like many of the best non-fiction books, it ignited my imagination and not only stimulated my intellectual interest but also captivated me emotionally.  

Very highly recommended. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. If you buy the book with this link I get kicked a little money.