Faber Faber Under the Hornbeams A true story of life in the open.

by Emma Tarlo

A unique, life-affirming memoir about the author’s friendship with two men living in Regent's Park, London.

"I’m not this is my home!"
Nick points to the branches of the hornbeam under which we are standing, its leaves still glistening in the aftermath of the morning rain. On one of the lower branches sits a robin, joining our conversation. It seems to be Why should anyone want to leave this place?

Nick and Pascal live and sleep outside in central London. They are an unusual Nick is an avid reader of history and philosophy able to converse on any topic; Pascal is quiet, spending much of his time lying still, communicating silently with birds and animals. They have lived alongside each other in London’s streets for nearly two decades, yet do not identify as homeless. For the past five years they have taken shelter under the hornbeam trees in Regent’s Park.

Emma Tarlo first meets Nick and Pascal when out walking. Gradually through the sharing of food, conversation and life stories they develop a friendship. Emma is impressed by their unique way of experiencing both the hardship and pleasures of life outside, and their conversations under the open sky prompt Emma to question many things in her own life, transforming her understanding of what freedom might look like.

Under the Hornbeams follows the seasons of a single year through sun, wind, rain and snow. Returning to the park almost daily, Emma meets the community of people, dogs and birds who gravitate around Nick and Pascal and discovers the precarious networks of giving and receiving that exist undetected in London’s streets. The result is a life-affirming story that pays homage to the power of human connection and upturns many of our preconceptions about home, family, work and community. This is a book that will stay with you long after reading.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book and will change a lot of perceptions .. basically about a middle class woman’s relationship with two guys who were sleeping out in a wild corner of Regent’s Park by the zoo ! Shows the need for belonging to others too ! Well worth a read

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, I thought it was interesting the way that Emma, the anthropologist, slowly became entwined in Nick and Pascal's lives so that she eventually became 'like them'. Or that part of her was at least released by their presence and able to surface.

[Tedwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and I will miss hanging out with Nick, Pascal, Bachi, Lizzie and Emma under the Hornbeams. They’ve been great companions as I walked around London’s green spaces this last week, listening to the audiobook. As it’s read by the author, I felt like a friend was telling me this wonderful experience and now I can’t wait to discuss it with the friends I insist read it!

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to change perceptions about people who live on the streets or in this case in Regent's Park. we become attached to Nick and Pascal just as the author does when she encounters them in Lockdown and starts to bring them home cooked food. This is a two way transaction as she receives good company and conversation and a gateway to nature. The two men are eccentric and unusual in appearance. Pascal is laid back, quiet and gentle and Nick sociable and very well read. They do not consider themselves homeless as the world is their home and that's how they like it. They meet many folk from all walks of life who are very generous and kind towards them. It illustrates how much compassion is out there. From what I have observed of street people I would not say they are typical not having any drink, drug or mental health problems which makes it easier for people to want to help and gravitate towards them. The author also delves into her grief for the death of her mother and her sadness at the changing world of academia.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book detailing life outside of society. How we can wrongly categorise homelessness as a state of lacking, of deprivation, instead of looking at it as a rejection of normality. These men chose to be homeless, although they would not use the term themselves. They see pleasure in not being tied down, of having their own freedom and being able to live amongst nature.

The book also discussing the art of giving and receiving and how one can practise giving but also needs to learn how to gratefully receive, as this can tie humans together and create a bond of reciprocation. Rejecting a gift can be seen as a rejection of friendship itself.

This anthropologist, Emma, rejects societal expectations not only quitting her job as a professor rejecting university bureaucracy, but also the confines of home comforts and warmth, often travelling out to see Nick and Pascal in the park in cold winter months, waking with them and even sleeping outside.

However, is this book also rejecting Covid rules at the time? Would be my only concern? Passing gifts back and forth and meeting new people and new friends when others simply could not? Yet is Emma criticising these rules also?

Is Emma also encouraging work for anthropologists outside of uni? Is uni now too restricting with their demands and timetable structures?

[Genevieve Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful window into the lives of two men who choose to live in the open, to sleep under the stars and to experience the seasons, whatever they bring. They relish the life that they have chosen and do not allow themselves to be stifled by societal conformities. They are not homeless as they feel, quite rightly, that the world is their home and they feel fortunate for the freedom that gives them.

My only reservation with this book was that at times, I got a sense of self-praise and self-satisfaction from the author about the food she took them and the acceptance she gave them, sentiments which, by their very nature, come from a feeling of superiority.

[Vicki Parker-scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first non-fiction read this year and my favourite book of the year so far.
This book really touched my heart and made me question what is important. What makes a home or community.
I adored the descriptions of the park throughout the year and of the food that was cooked and offered with such an open heart.
The relationship between Nick and Pascal and the building of trust between them and Emma were wonderful to read
This book will stay with me, and I will be recommending it to all.
A privilege to read

[Peter Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful account of the author’s encounters with two “hobos” living beneath the trees in Regent’s Park. The book speaks to the depth of humanity we so easily overlook in our busy lives, inviting us to see beyond the layers of prejudice and expectation we bring to personal encounters.

I am personally very interested in how authenticity—and creating real space for the other, rather than boxing them into our ideas—opens the way to a depth of encounter that can only be called presence. This book is a gentle but profound reminder of that possibility.

[Mezzie Elen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful Book.
I didn’t wanting to end. It is an evocative, deeply personal telling of a year spent by the author in the 12 months beginning at the start of first lockdown 2020.
It tells of Nick, Pascal, Bachi & Lizzie and their lives in Regent Park.
It moved me to tears in places but is not a sentimental account.
There is a lot of love , connection, and the very best of humankind within these pages .
Please request a copy for your library and buy yourself one too. It’s a keeper.

[Jeff Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read, puts life into perspective real quick.. get yourself out walking, take in, and appreciate the beauty that nature has to offer. Then, put yourself in the shoes of those who sleep outside, those who have chosen to live a life so different to mine or yours. The next time you are snoozing in your bed on a cold, wet, miserable night, then spare a thought for the Nicks and Pascals of this world. Thank you, Emma, for the conversations under the hornbeams.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarlo gently records the beauty and freedom kept safe at the corners of London society by two unforgettable men who had the grace to share it with her. Cold winds seemed warmer than the judgemental views cast against them. The author does not shy away from the intensity of the situations they bear.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have found this book had it not been recommended by my English daughter-in-law. I’m so glad I found it and read this beautiful book which makes you see homelessness and nature both in a more beautiful way. ❤️

[Olive Ruane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all mankind

How can I describe this book?
It is the most incredible book I’ve ever read.
It’s informative, insightful and beautifully written.
I loved it.

[Ross Whamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delight to read,and a salute to the bonds we can create,would love to see where they are now.

[Janet George · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing read

For two weeks I lived under the horn beams ..A celebration of resilience which challenges assumptions . Restores hope in kindnes

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems simple, but just beautiful

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely heart warming story about a woman who meets two men who live under Hornbeam trees in a park. She then visits and cooks for them regularly.

Loved this book

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5