Eggbox’s new Winter Anthology publication, Hibernation, is a stunning series of creative pieces written by a variety of students all reflecting on the effect of winter and the human experience of this season. It explores the idea of the human urge to hibernate, rest and recover like a vast variety of nature does, contrasted by the harsh reality that we are unable to do so. 

We are constantly reminded of the requirement to carry on despite the harsh winter in a way that feels quite bittersweet. When reading, I found beauty in winter despite its resistance to such beauty. I also found solace in the fact that, like I did, everyone just wanted to sleep through February.

From a short story to an artfully crafted photograph, from dystopian fiction reflecting fears about our world today, to gentle poems reflecting real and hopeful experiences, there is something for everyone in these pages. I found myself diving in and losing an awareness of everything around me. I found Seasonal Auto-Reply for the Soft Animal Of Your Body (after Mary Oliver) by Davinia Hamilton and Baggage by Nandini Devdutt to be among some of my favourites. One moment I was exploring the effect of winter through an interpretation of my favourite poem and the next I was laughing out loud at a shocking plot twist.

So, if you have a spare afternoon as spring brightens up the world around us, give it a go.

Image credit: Hazel Love and Polly Dye