Climbing the Walls

A climber in Sondrio, Italy, finds solace in climbing when mountains are out of reach, but when COVID-19 lockdowns make them off-limits, he struggles with his mental health. Climbing the Walls is a memoir about mental health, nature, and exercise, combining an honest account of living with Bipolar 1 with a love song to small-town Italian life and the high places that keep him healthy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

After a decade of restless travel in search of a way of life that suited him, journalist Kieran Cunningham settled in Sondrio, a small town in Lombardy, Italy. Just a stone's throw from the majestic Alps, he found the perfect blend of fresh mountain air, a strong network of local friends, and ample opportunities for climbing. Finally, he was able to embrace and manage his diagnosis of Bipolar 1. However, fate had other plans for him. When Lombardy became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and faced stringent lockdown measures, Kieran found himself grappling with a new set of challenges.

What does a climber do when his beloved peaks are off-limits? When he is only permitted to leave the house for his weekly sanctioned grocery run? When all the things that help him maintain his delicate equilibrium are taken away? As Kieran's mental health begins to unravel, he searches desperately for something he can climb to release his pent-up energy and hopefully restore his balance.

Kieran finds himself repeatedly navigating the walls of his house, his gaze fixed on the distant mountain ranges that tantalizely beckon. He yearns for that first exhilarating climb, alone in the clouds, tired but happy, and utterly satisfied.

Climbing the Walls is a memoir that delves into the realm of mental health and the profound impact of nature and exercise. It is a heartbreakingly honest account of living with Bipolar 1, as well as a celebration of small-town Italian life and the high places that sustain Kieran's well-being.

In the face of adversity, Kieran's determination to find solace in climbing is unwavering. He understands that the mountains are not just physical obstacles to overcome, but also a source of strength and resilience. Through his journey, he learns to embrace the challenges and find joy in the simplest of activities, such as simply walking in the fresh air or practicing mindfulness.

The power of nature and exercise becomes increasingly evident as Kieran's mental health improves. The mountains provide him with a sense of tranquility and peace, allowing him to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Climbing also serves as a form of therapy, helping him to manage his symptoms and cultivate a sense of self-awareness.

Despite the lockdown measures that confined him to his house, Kieran refused to let his passion for climbing wane. He turned to indoor climbing, using virtual reality technology to simulate the experience of climbing in the outdoors. This allowed him to continue his training and maintain his physical and mental well-being.

Kieran's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of nature to heal. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always something we can climb to help us find our way back to balance and happiness.

In conclusion, Climbing the Walls is a captivating memoir that explores the intersection of mental health, nature, and exercise. Through Kieran's journey, we learn that the mountains are not just physical landmarks, but also a source of solace and strength. By embracing the power of nature and exercise, we can find healing and resilience in the face of adversity.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398500228