Profound River

by John Gubbins

Did a nun really invent the first flies for fly-fishing? Yes. Dame Juliana Berners was a remarkable woman: devout catholic nun and the credited inventor of fly-fishing. From boar-hunting on horseback with nothing but a spear to facing off with greedy priests determined to further impoverish her convent and family of faithful sisters, Dame Juliana's story will surprise and inspire you.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2012

Reviews

[Steve Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did you know that Juliana Berners, a devote catholic nun, inventing fly fishing in the 1400s? She was the first and used the fine fabric of priest's robes to develop a lightweight line and rich decorations to tie flies. She was also an avid hunter of wild game, even taking wild boar with spear on horseback.

Sound interesting? You bet! However ... I did not finish the book. The author, John Gubbins, begins when she is in her nineties and does a retrospective that jumps between the present to the past. The present is very boring and dry. The past is just dry although somewhat interesting. Gubbins does an incredible amount of research and did a fine job of placing her in historical England, her father's knightly connection with King Richard, her relationship with Edward and other notable figures. He set the political climate and upbringing that got her involved with fishing and hunting when she was very young and by 6 she was studying the eating habits of Barbel on a daily basis, trying various forms of bait, observing weather and river conditions, and taking notes in a diary.

I ended up checking her out in Wikipedia and Google and got the condensed version. Definitely a fascinating and unique individual from history.

I don't recommend the book. Read a few synopsis of her life instead.

Berners wrote the first instructional fishing text in the English language: "The Treatise of Fishing with an Angle" The church arranged publishing and it was a big hit and the definitive guide to fishing for over 200 years. Perhaps I should read that.

[Charles Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read anything but non-fiction, however if you read the essay at the end of the book, Who was Dame Juliana Berners you realise that the research that went into this book is far greater than any historian over the past 500 years. Dame Juliana is as much an anomaly today as she was in 1477. Historians far removed chronologically from her time on earth 200 ton 500 years after her death discount her existance ignoring the publisher of her book who knew her personnally. Imagine the first woman to be published, the first woman to write on Hunting and fishing and the woman who tied the first fly and invented Fly Fishing. Oh by the way ame Juliana was also a nun.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people might not find this book all that interesting but I was really touched by the wisdom and compassion of Dame Juliania. It is historical fiction so I know the thoughts were all made up by the author but I liked how he turned what could have been a boring history book with some fishing thrown in, into a profound, no pun intended, book about life and strength of character. I don't love fishing, never have and don't eat it either but I could see the life lessons that she found while fishing and just really liked the book. No swearing, no sex, no direct violence but talk of death and beheading.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unusual book. It's the story of the Catholic nun who invented fly fishing. I know, that doesn't sound too exciting, but it's also the story of a strong woman who chose to pick her own path during the fourteenth century when women had no rights and it portrays the political intrigues of the British monarachy and the priests who held absolute power at that time. I found portions tedious, but for the part it's a fascinating glimpse of a significant historical era. Besides I like to fish and quite liked learning about Dame Juliana and her research into that sport.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this historical novel about the nun from the 1400- 1500's who invented fly fishing. Who would have thought? I came out of it with a tremendous admiration for her. I usually don't like historical fiction that is based so closely on person's life, and I don't like fishing that much, but I thought this book was great. I learned much more about that time period than I thought I would, and a little about fishing, too.

[SuzAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book and was impressed with the writing, the research and the subject matter! I didn't know that fly fishing was "invented" by a nun in the 15th century! The descriptions of life and the politics are full and rich but her descriptions of the fish and the countryside are writing at its best as far as "show don't tell". I have a new found respect for anglers.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I am not a fisherman, I found the facts about fishing mixed with the past reflections, current events in her narrative and the historical events happening intriguing. Such an interesting time in English history.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of fiction written about the first woman author in England. She wrote books on hunting, hawking, and fly-fishing. It was interesting but not riveting for me. However, it is a reader's choice book at our library.

[Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting story of Dame Julia. It took a little while for me to enjoy the chants added to this story. Maybe if I liked to fish it would have been even more interesting. I really did enjoy the historical aspect of the book.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, not a "page turner" but I would recommend it.

[Karen Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting glimpse of life in medieval England.

[Kathleenrw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the story and the structure around the hours of prayer. Really thought about the idea of what one's life will be known for in the end.

[Barbara Larsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

could not finish it.

[Chrystalin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more like a 3.5. The story of Dame Juliana's life is impressive. She was an amazing woman! But this was a hard read for me(took me 5 days, which is not typical for such a small book).

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had been eyeing this book for a while, the topic seemed very interesting. Unfortunately the author's writing wasn't up to the task. Can't recommend.