Glowing Still: A Woman's Life on the Road - 'Funny, furious writing from the queen of intrepid travel' Daily Telegraph

Glowing Still is a memoir by Sara Wheeler, a renowned British woman travel writer, who shares her adventures from the Antarctic to Zanzibar, including humorous and poignant experiences. She reflects on the importance of travel and pays tribute to her heroines, such as Martha Gellhorn.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Britain's foremost woman travel writer, Sara Wheeler, embarks on an exhilarating journey through her life of adventure, spanning from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the vibrant shores of Zanzibar. Her captivating memoir, "Glowing Still," has been recognized with prestigious awards from the Times Literary Supplement and the Financial Times, earning it a spot on the coveted Book of the Year list. Wheeler's writing is a delightful blend of humor, passion, and insightful observations, earning her the title of the queen of intrepid travel. The Daily Telegraph praises her for her "intrepid and sparky" style, filled with clever quips and lightly poetic musings.

Growing up in Bristol, Wheeler felt a longing for something different, a desire to escape the familiarity of her surroundings. In her twenties, she embarked on a daring escape, traversing from Pole to Pole, via Poland. "Glowing Still" vividly recalls the joyful moments she experienced on India's Puri Express, the thrilling encounter with a seal in an Antarctic lavatory, and the colorful life of a Parisian shopgirl. Wheeler's adventures take her to the remote Arctic regions of Sweden, where she engages in heartwarming interactions with the Sámi people, corralling reindeer and towing her baby on a sledge. A helpful herdsman offers her valuable advice, suggesting she put foil down her bra to facilitate nursing during the journey.

As Wheeler sets sail on her voyages, she navigates through the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field of travel writing. Role models were scarce, but as she grew older, she embraced the newfound freedoms that came with age. The journey's end finds Wheeler in a state of tranquility, surrounded by the serene beauty of Zanzibar's dhows. In her introduction, Wheeler reflects on the transformative power of travel and the profound connections it fosters with other lives. She pays homage to her heroines, including the legendary war correspondent Martha Gellhorn, who serves as an inspiration for Wheeler's adventurous spirit. Wheeler's epigraph captures her unwavering determination: "I do not wish to be good. I wish to be hell on wheels, or dead."

Through her captivating memoir, Sara Wheeler invites readers to join her on a journey of discovery, humor, and introspection. "Glowing Still" showcases her talent for capturing the essence of travel, reminding us of the irreplaceable value it brings to our lives and the indomitable spirit of those who embrace the unknown. Wheeler's adventures and reflections inspire us to embark on our own journeys, to seek out new experiences, and to embrace the transformative power of travel.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408716731