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Wanderers


Synopsis


Offering a beguiling view of the history of walking, Wanderers guides us through the different ways of seeing-of being-articulated by ten pathfinding women writers.

"A wild portrayal of the passion and spirit of female walkers and the deep sense of 'knowing' that they found along the path."-Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path

 
"I opened this book and instantly found that I was part of a conversation I didn't want to leave. A dazzling, inspirational history."-Helen Mort, author of No Map Could Show Them

This is a book about ten women over the past three hundred years who have found walking essential to their sense of themselves, as people and as writers. Wanderers traces their footsteps, from eighteenth-century parson's daughter Elizabeth Carter-who desired nothing more than to be taken for a vagabond in the wilds of southern England-to modern walker-writers such as Nan Shepherd and Cheryl Strayed. For each, walking was integral, whether it was rambling for miles across the Highlands, like Sarah Stoddart Hazlitt, or pacing novels into being, as Virginia Woolf did around Bloomsbury. Offering a beguiling view of the history of walking, Wanderers guides us through the different ways of seeing-of being-articulated by these ten pathfinding women.

Kerri Andrews

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call to Wander

* Explores the innate human desire to wander and the benefits of embracing it.
* Example: A couple decides to quit their jobs and travel the world, inspired by the stories of other wanderers who have found fulfillment and adventure.

Chapter 2: The Art of Letting Go

* Discusses the importance of releasing control and embracing uncertainty when wandering.
* Example: A backpacker embarks on a solo trip without a set itinerary, allowing unexpected experiences and encounters to shape their journey.

Chapter 3: The Power of Presence

* Emphasizes the transformative effects of being fully present in the moment.
* Example: A group of hikers disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, creating unforgettable memories and fostering deeper connections.

Chapter 4: The Wisdom of Strangers

* Highlights the value of interacting with new people and learning from diverse perspectives.
* Example: A traveler engages with locals and fellow wanderers, broadening their worldview and gaining insights into different cultures and ways of life.

Chapter 5: The Journey Within

* Explores the personal growth and self-discovery that can occur through wandering.
* Example: A solo traveler embarks on a pilgrimage to a sacred site, seeking both external and internal transformation.

Chapter 6: The Return to Home

* Discusses the challenges and opportunities of returning home after a period of wandering.
* Example: A couple returns from a transformative trip abroad, navigating the transition back to their familiar life while integrating the lessons and experiences they've gained.

Chapter 7: The Wanderers' Legacy

* Reflects on the impact and enduring legacy of those who wander.
* Example: A group of wanderers create a network of support and inspiration for others who are drawn to the path of wandering.

Chapter 8: The Wanderlust Within Us

* Concludes the book by emphasizing the universal human spirit of wanderlust and encouraging readers to embrace their own path of wandering.
* Example: A young person realizes that they can find fulfillment and adventure in their own community, discovering the beauty and richness of their surroundings through local wanderings.