Oyster Isles: A Journey Through Britain and Ireland's Oysters

by Bobby Groves

Bobby Groves was born in Maldon, Essex - where 2000 years ago the Romans developed a taste for the native oysters, and they were shipped back to Rome as a highly prized delicacy. Bobby's first job as a young lad was on the oyster farms, packing thousands of oysters into crates with frostbitten fingers in the Essex winter. It's a long way from serving the rich and famous at Chiltern Firehouse, but it's his physical first hand, lifelong, understanding of these strange creatures and their provenance that makes him so beloved of oyster fans from far and wide. In Oyster Isles , Bobby takes us on a wonderful journey around the oysters of the British Isles and Ireland, showing how their story is interwoven into the fabric of our history, culture, nature and people. Oysters were here before humans, and recently oyster shell remains were found in Skara Brae, cast aside in a Neolithic village 5000 years ago - we've been eating oysters all that time. They were a food of the poor when in abundance before industrialisation and then a food of decadence once they became scarce at the turn of the century. From fun facts (you'll learn where the word 'ostracized' comes from...) to socio-political history (like the impact of Beeching's trainline closures on fisheries) to wonderful nature writing and celebration of our coastlines, Oyster Isles will be a joy to dip into or read from cover to cover.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2019

Reviews

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy eating oysters, or niche non-fiction, you'll love this. For me, that's two boxes ticked. Bobby Groves' journey is one that I deeply envy: travelling around the UK sampling oysters up and down the country. Short, punchy chapters describe individual fisheries he visits on his trip, meeting owners and employees and finding out about their very traditional - or very innovative - methods and operations. It's a fascinating account of the various oyster farms one can find in the UK, and heartwarming in its cheery, cheeky attitude. Bobby is not an outstanding writer, but he is up to the task of conveying his experiences in an amusing way that kept me interested throughout. The accounts are not massively detailed, but perhaps it's best that way. They're beautiful snapshots of landscape, history, livelihoods and threats to those livelihoods. Be very prepared to salivate throughout the entire read - I know I was constantly drooling. Very annoying in lockdown when I can't just up and visit one of his many recommended restaurants (10/10 for the appendix in this book!).

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great to read a travel book when you know some of the places, and I was fortunate enough to be reading this as I travelled around the coast of Essex and Suffolk. In doing so I was able to samples of oysters (and other seafood) on both Mersea Island and in Orford. A great accompaniment to the book!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, especially if you love a dozen oysters or two. A travelogue around Britain and Ireland, visiting oyster farms and throwing in some history and descriptions of the local countryside.

The only negative is that I have failed to eat any oysters while reading this book and I'm now DESPERATE to enjoy some!

[Greg Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, made up of a fabulous and atmospheric travelogue plus extra oyster knowledge at the end! Ace book.

[Savannah Donohue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book per se, but if you are looking for a history of the industry look elsewhere. This is primarily a travel book which was not exactly what I was looking for.

[Kurtie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool travelogue: Britain and Ireland by motorcycle, focusing on areas with oyster farming. Mixes in history and current environment. Even visits the Channel Islands.

[Laura Browny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book would turn anyone who enjoys an oyster into a ostreaphile! It's a fascinating look at the bi-valve and takes you on a guided tour around not only Britain and Ireland, but social and food history, with lots of insight into the seafood industry too. It's passionate, whimsical and a good reminder of the need to care for our coastal environment.

It's an incredibly well written book and so easy to read, but I would love to see it made as a documentary so you get to see some of the coastline described. Bonus content at the back of the book, was the recommended places to eat oysters up and down the UK - some I have visited and agree with wholeheartedly but plenty to go and seek out!