Windswept

Windswept by Annabel Abbs takes readers on a transformative journey through the eyes of women who dared to tread the untamed paths of nature. This evocative narrative delves deep into the lives of six remarkable women, each of whom sought solace, inspiration, and a rekindling of their spirit by walking through some of the world's harshest and most beautiful landscapes.

For centuries, the great outdoors have been considered the realm of men, with women traditionally confined to the domestic sphere. However, Windswept reveals a different history—one where courageous women embraced the wilderness as a means of liberation and self-discovery. From the vast deserts of Texas and New Mexico walked by Georgia O'Keeffe, to the rugged Scottish Highlands explored by Nan Shepherd, this book chronicles how walking in nature became a powerful act of rebellion and self-affirmation.

Annabel Abbs intertwines her own story of an isolated, car-less childhood with the trails blazed by women long before her. This dual narrative structure enriches the book, providing a poignant memoir of self-discovery alongside historical accounts of daring women walkers.

Readers will follow Gwen John along the banks of the Garonne, witness Simone de Beauvoir navigating the mountains and forests of France, and accompany Daphne du Maurier along the River Rhone. Each of these women used walking not only as an artistic and emotional escape but also as a critical instrument for reconciling with their inner selves.

Esteemed figures such as Virginia Nicholson, author of How Was It for You?, laud the book as 'Moving and memorable'. Charlotte Peacock, who penned Into the Mountain: A Life of Nan Shepherd, describes it as 'A triumph ... I felt as though I were being lifted, carried up to peaks.' Publishers Weekly praises it as 'A beautiful and meditative memoir.'

A single question pulses through their walks: How does a woman change once she becomes windswept? This powerful book will inspire readers to find their own paths, wherever they may lead.