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Start giftingThe Half Bird
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreBrought to you by Penguin.
Discover the incredible story of one woman's solo journey across the Bay of Biscay, into the Mediterranean, and the unexpected joy of solitude, self-discovery and resilience
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'We have no idea how much resilience there is inside us until we have to draw on it. We learn that we grow through adversity only as we go through it. That we crave happiness like plants leaning toward the light'
When Susan quit her job in London and set sail off the south coast of England on her beloved sailboat, Isean, she was unaware this spontaneous departure would lead to a three-year journey spanning several countries across the continent.
With only the very basics on board, resourcefulness becomes an unexpected source of joy and contentment. The highs and lows of living in such an extreme way awakens a newfound appreciation for the beauty of her surroundings, for being safe - for just being alive.
For all the physical and navigational challenges of her journey, the other side of her story reveals a more important change - an inner journey - that took place along the way.
This wasn't merely a challenge, a mid-life adventure or gap-year career break; it was much gentler than that, but much greater too.
She was seeking nothing less than an entirely different life, having left the land far behind to call the wild, unbiddable sea home.
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©2024 Susan Smillie (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Susan Smillie is a former food editor for G2 and Guardian.com, and wrote mainly on travel, food and the arts. She's the author of one previous book, The Last Sea Nomads, published by Guardian Shorts. She is based between Scotland, with her family, and Greece, where her boat, Isean, is currently moored.
Susan Smillie is a former food editor for G2 and Guardian.com, and wrote mainly on travel, food and the arts. She's the author of one previous book, The Last Sea Nomads, published by Guardian Shorts. She is based between Scotland, with her family, and Greece, where her boat, Isean, is currently moored.