By Ernie Harbott

“Resurrection in a Bucket: The Rich and Fertile Story of Compost” by Margaret Simons, 2004

“Resurrection in a Bucket: The Rich and Fertile Story of Compost” delivers more than what the title promises. This enthusiastic dive into the compost pile is an informative and easy read, exploring the history and significance of composting. Margaret Simons delves into the lessons at the heart of compost, such as life and death, sex, and how compost can be a source of joy and enlightenment. She covers the history of the organic and biodynamic movements, the key characters who have championed compost over the decades, its role in modern society and compost philosophy and etiquette.

Simons doesn’t shy away from topics that make people awkward and instead discusses night soil, humanure, death and decay with insight and reason. “Resurrection” had me nodding in agreement and laughing out loud. It is obvious that Simons’ journalistic and writing career has always existed side by side with her gardening life and that she is in fact a composter. What I love most is how this comprehensive and worldly tale of a topic close to my heart was written by a local. For years she lived in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, where she kept chooks, had multiple compost heaps and was self-sufficient in vegetables for much of the year.

This is not really a book for general interest reading or even those developing an interest in composting. This book is recommended for those looking to deepen their knowledge and passion for composting.

Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about composting, along comes Margaret with her thorough, thoughtful and humorous ideas. She crushes the notion that I’ve ever had an innovative breakthrough or an original compost idea about compost that some other composter hasn’t already thought of. If you feel like you’re composting in isolation, Margaret has articulated your tribe.

I loved this book. Dare I say it is my new favourite non-fiction book. It was delightful, fascinating and hilarious. Everything that compost is. This book is perfect for anyone who talks so much about composting that people have stopped inviting you out. You don’t need them: you need this book.