• Wavewalker

  • A Memoir of Breaking Free
  • By: Suzanne Heywood
  • Narrated by: Suzanne Heywood
  • Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (65 ratings)

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Wavewalker  By  cover art

Wavewalker

By: Suzanne Heywood
Narrated by: Suzanne Heywood
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Publisher's summary

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

A TIMES BEST MEMOIR OF 2023

Aged just seven, Suzanne Heywood set sail with her parents and brother on a three-year voyage around the world. What followed turned instead into a decade-long way of life, through storms, shipwrecks, reefs and isolation, with little formal schooling. No one else knew where they were most of the time and no state showed any interest in what was happening to the children.

Suzanne fought her parents, longing to return to England and to education and stability. This memoir covers her astonishing upbringing, a survival story of a child deprived of safety, friendships, schooling and occasionally drinking water… At seventeen Suzanne earned an interview at Oxford University and returned to the UK.

From the bestselling author of What Does Jeremy Think?, Wavewalker is the incredible true story of how the adventure of a lifetime became one child’s worst nightmare – and how her determination to educate herself enabled her to escape.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Suzanne Heywood (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘Suzanne's memoir exposes, scene by scene, the bare reality behind the romantic notion of sailing round the world.’ Daily Mail

‘A jaw-dropping and thrilling real-life adventure on the high seas.’ Sarah Brown

‘This personal and powerful book is so great. What a journey – a hardcore one at times. I’m glad the compass has found its way home.’ Bear Grylls

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What listeners say about Wavewalker

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Incredible Story

A truly captivating and true ‘coming of age’ story. The author’s voice is so pleasant to listen to as well! 5/5 stars.

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Excellent book, great narration by the author

I first heard about Wavewalker in an article that popped into my newsfeed. The glimpse of this book provided in that article prompted me to preorder it. I’m so glad I did. This book is a well-written memoir/coming of age experience. Suzanne is an excellent writer and she offers broad strokes of her younger life bound together by details that shape the narrative beautifully. Her story is profoundly moving, thought provoking, and inspiring. I highly recommend Wavewalker.

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Sue’s ability to overcome adversity

I enjoyed hearing about the South Pacific Islands and geography. Sue is a brilliant woman who educated herself and overcame obstacles to graduate from university to become a successful, productive individual. The harrowing experience with the ‘wave’ was so intense! Excellent book

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  • ap
  • 02-09-24

Incredible

This is an amazing story. That’s it. That’s the review. Got a bit slow during the first 1/3, but then it picks up and I couldn’t stop listening.

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A true page turner

I was intrigued by the premise of her story while admittedly wondering how well a book could be given it was written by someone who was not formally educated. With author's own voice, her compelling story came to life as she utilized many powerful metaphors in its telling. I didn't want to put it down, waiting to find out if her parents would ever wake up to realize they had failed her as a child. You'll want to find out for yourself!

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I love her accent— the way she tells her story

I felt like I got to take this journey with her— such beautiful writing— so honest and easy to relate to.

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Learned the importance of kindness and support when others live your dream.

I just finished your story. I sit on the fly bridge of my 36’ Trawler steaming between Charleston and Beaufort SC for our winter cruise to Florida and the Bahamas. My wife and I have cruised 10 K miles together on The Great Loop and Lake Michigan. Reading your story enlighten me as to how to better appreciate the sacrifice my wife makes to go cruising. I love it and she tolerates it to be with me. Why do men love the sea and woman may not. Good question, but given the circumstance I will use the feelings you shared to make her as happy as I can while on the water. In the summer, we return to our condo on Lake Michigan and I sail. My wife enjoys her time with friends on land. Thank you for this gift you have shared. I watch you tube sailing videos, young couples starting families and I hope they get a chance to read your book. There is a time to be on land and on the water. If lucky you get to do both!

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Compelling listen!

A well told and exciting story. What an adventure/ordeal! I enjoyed every moment listening.

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Unforgettable

Such an amazing story. It was told so well and I found myself slowly realizing her childhood slipping away year by year. Such an incredible story and I’m so happy that I read it and I’m so happy that she exists!

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Compelling, Inspiring, Heartbreaking

Beautifully written & read. I couldn’t get enough of this book. Reminded me of Educated by Tara Westover, but on a boat and with many more barriers to success for the author. I rarely take the time to leave a review, but this one more than deserves praise. Highly recommend this book!

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