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amber_ray's review
5.0
It’s taken me quite a while to write a review for ’The Outrun', mostly because I’ve still been soaking this one in. It’s funny, because I don’t really read memoirs too often and if you told me I had to read a book about nature I’d probably just start snoring on the spot. But what Amy Liptrot has done is combine the two genres in a profound and visceral way that I didn’t expect - and I loved!
The author provides a raw account of her struggles with alcoholism after moving to London, but the real emphasis is on her recovery and return to her native Orkney. At once bleak, beautiful and isolated, she parallels her experiences in nature with her heartbreaking struggles to stay sober and understand herself.
Liptrot counts rare Corncrakes, she tracks the stars and swims in icy waters, hikes in howling winds and encounters otters. She engages with nature and all of its extremes whole-heartedly, always counterpointing her experiences with her inner world of addiction. All of this is so brilliantly, thrillingly done - sometimes bleak but ultimately full of hope.
I look forward to more from Amy Liptrot, because if I’ve learned anything from ‘The Outrun,’ it’s that Amy is not only incredibly brave and strong, she’s also an absolutely stunning writer.
The author provides a raw account of her struggles with alcoholism after moving to London, but the real emphasis is on her recovery and return to her native Orkney. At once bleak, beautiful and isolated, she parallels her experiences in nature with her heartbreaking struggles to stay sober and understand herself.
Liptrot counts rare Corncrakes, she tracks the stars and swims in icy waters, hikes in howling winds and encounters otters. She engages with nature and all of its extremes whole-heartedly, always counterpointing her experiences with her inner world of addiction. All of this is so brilliantly, thrillingly done - sometimes bleak but ultimately full of hope.
I look forward to more from Amy Liptrot, because if I’ve learned anything from ‘The Outrun,’ it’s that Amy is not only incredibly brave and strong, she’s also an absolutely stunning writer.
kiwi96's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
sentientspace's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this - both the descriptions of life on Orkney and Papay, but also the authors journey - her desire for new experiences, and the different outcomes that could come from the choices she was making. Her honesty about the low points contrasted with the uplifting conclusions from the various episodes of her rediscovery of her home. Highly recommended.
lookingtosea's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook whilst walking to and from work so I didn’t mind how repetitive the narrative was
hesmykindofgirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
started off slow but got better in the second half, when it became more focused on showing vs telling. would have been half a star less but THAT CHAPTER ON WILD SWIMMING. oh my god!!!!! it made me want to run outside and enjoy and cavort in the beauty of nature. a wonderful book.
started off slow but got better in the second half, when it became more focused on showing vs telling. would have been half a star less but THAT CHAPTER ON WILD SWIMMING. oh my god!!!!! it made me want to run outside and enjoy and cavort in the beauty of nature. a wonderful book.
jennybpenny's review against another edition
4.0
"Looking back towards the farm, the dark island was illuminated by just the moon and the only other lights were stars, the glowing windows of cosy houses and my lighter, which briefly flamed, then the red tip of my cigarette."
katieadaniel's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I thought this was a really beautiful book showing the contrast of urban and rural life through a womans recovery from alcoholism and appreciation for Scottish nature. Something I can relate to in some ways on a less extreme scale. I like how for a memoir it was about what was in her head more than what she did. The descriptions of nature were very poetic
tashmashy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
This is a really inspiring read. It was very interesting particularly the information on Orkney and the surrounding isles and I loved all the discussion of the wildlife. Especially the birds and sea creatures. It also made me consider my own relationship with alcohol. Overall an excellent read.