Ingrained

Reviews

Robinson’s prose is humorous and macho, taking its lead from the gruff, sensual delivery of food writer Anthony Bourdain . . . But wood, in all its facets, remains at the heart of his writing. Robinson is poetic about the pageant of ash, beech and pine but also pragmatic. A debut that’s both a paean to the art of woodworking and a memoir about creative endeavours. A gem of a book ... a hymn to family and living a life you love ... Callum is the virtuoso with words that he is with woodcraft. His book is intimate, elegant and soulful; it is an ode to nature’s gift of wood and how the deftness of the artisan can shape it into something wonderful. Honest, original and true – written like a good novel, with that very rare merit of exploring the doubt and criticism necessary for any great art or craft, be it writing or carpentry. A delightful book about the art of craft; a hard-carved woodworking romance written with tenderness and an almost sensual attention to detail. I can smell the resin and the soft, fresh sawdust. I can feel the bite of dense grain beneath the blade. Quite magical. An inspirational story about the meaning of work and making. It is a book that will change careers and lives. This magnificent debut isn't just an ode to the craft of carpentry, but the art of writing. Robinson's chiselled, elegant prose is the sound of a bright new voice in non-fiction. His memoir brings to life the heartwood in trees, families, and a young man making his way in the world with an inspiring integrity. This is essential reading for any artist who might be losing their way. When [Robinson] rolls out the names of trees ... it's as mesmeric as Edward Thomas listing wildflowers. Which is apt, because Robinson is a fine writer, sometimes poetic A profound and intimate memoir written in stylish prose that grows on you like the smell of freshly sawn timber. Instantly, it deserves a place among woodworking classics like The Village Carpenter, The Wheelwright’s Shop and Woodland Crafts in Britain. Ingrained is a beautifully written memoir which sheds light on the delicate skill of a craftsman ... if this makes it sound as if this book is only of interest to carpenters, think again. This memoir is a delightful read, engaging, page-turning and touchingly revealing. Expand reviews