Windswept
why women walk
Format:Paperback
Publisher:John Murray Press
Published:3rd Mar '22
Should be back in stock very soon
In Windswept, Annabel Abbs explores the journeys of extraordinary women who found their identity and freedom through walking in nature's wild landscapes.
In Windswept, Annabel Abbs embarks on a profound exploration of the transformative power of walking in nature, drawing inspiration from the lives of remarkable women such as Gwen John, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Simone de Beauvoir. These women, often constrained by societal norms, ventured into the wild to reclaim their identities and sense of freedom. Abbs highlights how these extraordinary figures navigated the often male-dominated landscapes, finding solace and inspiration in the wilderness that surrounded them.
The narrative weaves together the stories of these trailblazing women who, despite the dangers, recognized an inherent need for connection with nature. Abbs’ writing is both meditative and evocative, capturing the essence of their journeys through unpeopled landscapes. Each woman's experience serves as a testament to the liberating power of the natural world, illustrating how walking can lead to profound self-discovery and empowerment.
As Abbs recounts her own journey from a car-less childhood to traversing the paths of these iconic figures, she poses a compelling question: How does a woman change once she becomes windswept? Windswept is not just a memoir; it is a celebration of the wild spirit within women and an invitation to embrace the freedom found in nature's embrace.
*Praise for Annabel Abbs*
Abbs has a healthy disregard for the "great man" theory of literary history... With a fine eye for period detail, Abbs confirms her standing as one of the best historical novelists today. * Observer *
*Praise for WINDSWEPT*
A gorgeous and revelatory blend of memoir, travelogue, and long-forgotten history, Annabel Abbs's Windswept tells the stories of six extraordinary women and their intertwining journeys-one accomplished by foot and the other by the mind and heart. Abbs is a witty and engaging guide, seamlessly weaving her own experience with those of her "walking women," all of whom discovered that the simple act of taking one step at a time can be the most powerful-and defiant-of all. * Abbott Kahler, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park *
Amazing... lovely, haunting, inspiring and so well done. * Professor Amy Von Lintel, author of The Wartime Texas Letters of Georgia O’Keeffe, and Georgia O’Keeffe Watercolours. *
A triumph ... I felt as though I were being lifted, carried up to peaks. * Charlotte Peacock, author of Into the Mountain: A Life of Nan Shepherd *
'I couldn't put it down...The interweaving of different chronologies, the lives of these fascinating women, with scientific information about the value of walking is incredibly deft. The humour, the very prescient section on women's unsafe walking in public, sexual harassment, the chapter headings like Victorian novels, the sac a dos as walking companion, the range: menstruation, mothering, art, literature sexuality and more! Quite extraordinary. And yet written in such a free flowing, readable style. I'm in awe.' * Maggie Humm, author of Talland House, Washington Independent Review of Books '51 Favourite Books of 2020' *
I love how the act of walking connects the lives of these women - and how it transforms them. It makes me want to go for a hike just to see what happens. Windswept satisfies my endless appetite for untold stories of women's history, filling important gaps and bringing their stories into light. * Mia Kankimäki, author of Women I Think About At Night *
An invigorating paean to the liberating power of rural rambles ... inspiring...riveting...deeply researched... unfailingly interesting and even revelatory. * The Wall Street Journal *
[A] beautiful and meditative memoir. This lush narrative serves as the perfect excuse to get moving. * Publishers Weekly *
A compelling, erudite book that mixes travel memoir with tantalising oblique biography. * Saga *
Brilliant... clever, clever Annabel * Postcards from Midlife *
I loved it. So many 'yes' moments! -- Catie Friend * Chatting with a Friend podcast *
Exhilarating * Country Walking *
Should be read by all women and those who love the outdoors.
* Booklist Magazine *A fascinating, deeply thoughtful read -- Laurie Hertzel * The Star Tribune *
Brings to life the joys and inspirations that only a nature walk can provide.
* Powell’s Best Books of the Fall *A lovely ode to moving one foot in front of the other. * Porchlight, Staff Pick *
Interesting, well written and full of both spiritual and practical inspiration. * Kirkus Reviews *
One of the best travel books of 2021 * Wanderlust Magazine *
Inspirational * Smithsonian Magazine, Best Travel Books 2021 *
A book for all women who love the outdoors... a summer must read * Travel Magazine *
Moving and memorable * Virginia Nicholson, author of How Was it For You? *
ISBN: 9781529324730
Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 28mm
Weight: 227g
320 pages