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Boater

A Life on England's Waterways

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Boater

By: Jo Bell
Narrated by: Jo Bell
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Step aboard Boater, a mesmerising voyage along the tranquil waterways of England, written by former UK Canal Laureate, Jo Bell.

' It's not a lifestyle. It's a life '

For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It’s a journey that's taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks, and above all, about the necessity for a constant supply of biscuits.

In this smart, funny memoir she describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks.

Always at home, always on the move, Jo's peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support.

©2025 Jo Bell (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers Diaries & Journals Essays Memoirs, Diaries & Correspondence Sailing & Boating Travel Writing & Commentary Water Sports England Funny United Kingdom
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Critic reviews

'What a wonderful exploration of love and waterways – this evocative writing had populated the canals with so many more ghosts and stories – a truly enriching experience' Robin Ince
'A very enjoyable immersion with an entertaining and knowledgeable guide' Tristan Gooley
'Jo Bell beautifully captures the “other side of the map” in this compelling memoir … Boater is both a guide and a personal story that will have you pining for a day (or a year) exploring the inland waterways yourself' Hannah Pierce
'As a poet, archaeologist and boat dweller, Jo Bell has an insider’s knowledge and enthusiasm whether she’s delving into the giddy history of the waterways, describing fellow boaters or chronicling her own joys and heartaches as they unfold at three miles an hour on Britain’s canal system' Jasper Winn
'Bell is a brilliant and often very funny writer. She navigates with ease through the deeply fascinating themes of industrial archaeology, personal memoir and our country’s waterways' Sally Coulthard
'A vivid, illuminating account of canal history’ Stuart Maconie
'Jo Bell steers us around a parallel country, our canal network. Keen to its history and fragile beauty, its wildlife and cast of endlessly contrary characters, she peels back the layers with precision, empathy and unfettered joy. Boater is a delicious glimpse of an alternative England that you’ll never find if you stick to the satnav' Mike Parker
'Boater effortlessly threads a personal narrative through the history and culture of Britain's waterways, all of it told with the distinctive, compelling voice that has long established Bell as one of the UK's finest poets' Adam Farrer
'This highly original, beautifully written account of a personal journey through England's canal system melds love and anguish with poetry, humour and history' Brian Groom
'She makes life on a boat sound a tremendous adventure' Mail on Sunday
'Boater is one of the most entertaining and interesting canal history books in many years' Waterways World
All stars
Most relevant
What a charming and delightful read. Clearly written, and read, by someone who knows and loves the subject. It is as witty as it is funny, and subversively educational. Loved it.

Kingfishers are clearly blue!

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Thoroughly enjoyed the trial’s & tribulations of Jo’s experiences on the waterways of England. As a narrowboat owner since 2004, there were many observations I could relate to. Amusing, informative & a joy to listen to.

Very honest, realistic insight into the waterways of England

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A great adventure in life, love and nature. Observations on people and places enlivened with Jo’s dry humour and well chosen quotations. A very interesting and enjoyable listen, highly recommended

Jo’s personality and honesty shine through

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enjoyed every chapter ,best narrowboat content ive read .look forward to next book and tales with the new boat.

honest story

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This is one of those books you wish would never end, like the waterways which form its scenery and subject and backdrop, and the people whose maps form the warp to the weft to most of ours. It is beautifully written. One (very!) minor point is that the editor of the sound track needed to leave a slightly bigger gap between passages where there is a change of topic … the lack of them can produce some interesting mental gymnastics!

A rich and vivid book

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