This book is a hymn to getting lost. Drawing on his experience as a troubled schoolboy, a burnt-out screenwriter at the BBC, an ‘awkward’ priest in the Church of England, Colin Heber-Percy reflects on the value of not belonging…

We all share a desire to belong. There’s reassurance and safety in knowing who we are and where we fit in. But at significant moments in our lives – a new job, new school or an unexpected change of circumstances – or just in the ruts and routines of everyday life, we can experience a sense of not belonging, of dislocation, of being lost in a forest. But, there is another way to approach these uneasy moments. Rather than fearing the forest, Colin discovers great value and creativity there.

Join parish priest Colin Heber-Percy in an invitation to get lost – to lose the labels society and institutions use to box us in – and to relish the liberation of losing our way in the world. Blending anecdotes from parish life, with philosophy, literature and tales from his local Savernake Forest, Colin argues that there is an overlooked richness, a spirituality and a freedom to be found outside the boundary lines our culture sets for us.

Lost in the Forest is a gentle, funny, and life-affirming trail of crumbs through the woods…

PRAISE FOR COLIN HEBER-PERCY:

‘Colin Heber-Percy’s prose is flowing and he writes amusingly, perceptively and beautifully’ ? KATE GREEN, Country Life

‘A gentle, generous spirit.’ ? SIMON RUSSELL BEALE

‘A Wordsworthian appreciation of nature and is full of humanity and wisdom.’ ? SARAH SANDS, journalist and author of ‘The Interior Silence’

‘Philosophical speculation, country lore, rock music, spiritual exploration, erudite and beautifully written, this collection of reflections and meditations is a surprise and a delight. The kind of shot in the arm the Church of England badly needs – and is so rarely to be found.’ – SALLEY VICKERS

During the unprecedented circumstances of Spring 2020, Colin Heber Percy began writing a daily newsletter of reflections and uplifting stories to stay in touch with his parishioners. Word spread, and soon his bulletins were being eagerly consumed by readers around the country and beyond.

In this thought-provoking and invigorating book, Heber-Percy draws upon a kaleidoscopic knowledge of nature, philosophy, poetry and music, as well as religious writings, and interlaces them with amusing and touching vignettes from his Wiltshire parish.

As he follows the changing seasons, Heber-Percy moves from the seemingly small and mundane to ponder big life questions – can you find heaven in a Londis shop, why is the Bible not like the Highway Code, what on earth we are all doing here – while gently offering up wisdom and sustenance for all, regardless of faith and creed.

‘Philosophical speculation, country lore, rock music, spiritual exploration, erudite and beautifully written, this collection of reflections and meditations is a surprise and a delight. The kind of shot in the arm the Church of England badly needs – and is so rarely to be found.’ – SALLEY VICKERS

During the unprecedented circumstances of Spring 2020, Colin Heber Percy began writing a daily newsletter of reflections and uplifting stories to stay in touch with his parishioners. Word spread, and soon his bulletins were being eagerly consumed by readers around the country and beyond.

In this thought-provoking and invigorating book, Heber-Percy draws upon a kaleidoscopic knowledge of nature, philosophy, poetry and music, as well as religious writings, and interlaces them with amusing and touching vignettes from his Wiltshire parish.

As he follows the changing seasons, Heber-Percy moves from the seemingly small and mundane to ponder big life questions – can you find heaven in a Londis shop, why is the Bible not like the Highway Code, what on earth we are all doing here – while gently offering up wisdom and sustenance for all, regardless of faith and creed.