Windswept

Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women

By: Annabel Abbs

Narrated by: Fenella Fudge

Annabel Abbs's Windswept: Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women is a beautifully written meditation on connecting with the outdoors through the simple act of walking. In captivating and elegant prose, Abbs follows in the footsteps of women who boldly reclaimed wild landscapes for themselves, including Georgia O'Keeffe in the empty plains of Texas and New Mexico, Nan Shepherd in the mountains of Scotland, Gwen John following the French River Garonne, Daphne du Maurier along the River Rhône, and Simone de Beauvoir - who walked as much as 25 miles a day in a dress and espadrilles - through the mountains and forests of France.

Part historical inquiry and part memoir, the stories of these writers and artists are laced together by moments in Abbs's own life, beginning with her poet father who raised her in the Welsh countryside as an "experiment", according to the principles of Rousseau. Abbs explores a forgotten legacy of moving on foot and discovers how it has helped women throughout history to find their voices, to reimagine their lives, and to break free from convention.

As Abbs traces the paths of exceptional women, she realizes that she, too, is walking away from her past and into a radically different future. Windswept crosses continents and centuries in a provocative and poignant account of the power of walking in nature.

©2021 Annabel Abbs (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Inspiring and at times Breathtaking

Absolutely loved this gorgeous book! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these unknown (in many cases) women who walked, and scan tell how much research went into it. I was swept away by the way the author retraced the trails blazed by these incredible women, and sort of stitched past and present together. I, along with author Annabel Abbs, am also entering the ‘empty nest phase’ of motherhood, and so appreciate the way that journey dovetailed with the larger undertaking. Exquisite writing. Highly recommend for everyone.

Hmmm

I was going to give it two stars: I am sure I am the minority, I would have liked it better without the memoir aspect. Even though I am contradicting myself, I added a star for the part she talks about taking Grayhound Bus! I have taken long distance trains and love the experience of getting to know snippets of people’s lives.

Absolutely stunning!

Love this story of women and their journeys which also connected to the authors journey.
The words are so lyrical and beautiful.

Fasinating

Exactly what my soul was seeking to read. Abb’s was able to put into words what I feel when walking.

Marvelous!

I deeply appreciated both the research and the personal reflections of this author and the reading performance was wonderful.