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The Half Bird
- One woman’s voyage of self-discovery from Land’s End to the shores of Greece
- Narrated by: Susan Smillie
- Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
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Summary
Brought 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.
'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.
What listeners say about The Half Bird
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- Sally FERGUSON
- 31-07-24
Lovely book
Really enjoyed this book. Inspiring tale, beautifully written and read. Thank you Audible and Susan Smilie
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- Anneli Johnstone
- 07-04-24
Beautiful book!
I loved the story as well as the poetic prose. This book touches the grief of loss and the joy of overcoming life’s challenges. This book is Beautiful.
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- Lyn
- 29-05-24
AWESOME! simply brilliant
I really loved this book. I was in awe of the writer's bravery and envious of her ability to trust her instincts and respect nature in all its forms and to realise just how strong we really can be and also what is really precious and important about life.
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- DWS
- 30-04-24
A book that makes you sad - because it ends.
It's light in a way. Like a new dawn brings optimism kind of way.
Mixture of sailing adventure, personal processing of grief and life, commentary on the forces that are shaping our humanity.
Hope to find the adventures continue and want yo read more - soothes and grips in equal measure.
Bravo Susan.
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- Jill
- 26-03-24
Poetic and wise
I loved everything about this book, from the lyrical voices of the author and her boat, to the poetic descriptions of Ms Smillie’s destinations and the more practical elements of living on and sailing the seas. One part, where her father sang to a young man in distress to comfort him, brought tears to my eyes. There’s a lot about managing grief, learning to like life in your own skin, and realizing that we don’t need that much to have a full and satisfying life. Although this is a factual book the way it read reminded me of A gentleman in Moscow - beautiful, calm and satisfying.
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- Amazon Customer
- 29-06-24
Good descriptions of Greek coast
i felt there was too much home made philosophy..not enough story..not sure the boats contribution contributed much.
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