Wavewalker: Breaking Free

Wavewalker is a memoir by Suzanne Heywood, who, at seven years old, set sail with her parents and brother on a three-year voyage around the world. What began as an adventure turned into a decade-long way of life, filled with storms, shipwrecks, reefs, and isolation. Suzanne fought her parents, longing to return to England and to education and stability. This memoir covers her astonishing upbringing, a survival story of a child deprived of safety, friendships, schooling, and occasionally drinking water. At seventeen, Suzanne earned an interview at Oxford University and returned to the UK. Wavewalker is a powerful story of resilience and determination.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The captivating memoir "Wavewalker" has been recognized as a 2023 Times Best Memoir, capturing the hearts of readers with its gripping and vivid storytelling. Written by Suzanne Heywood, the book takes us on a remarkable journey as a seven-year-old girl embarks on a seventy-foot yacht with her parents and brother for a three-year voyage around the world. However, what initially seemed like an exciting adventure soon transforms into a decade-long odyssey filled with storms, shipwrecks, reefs, and isolation. Suzanne's upbringing is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she navigates through these challenging circumstances while lacking basic safety, friendships, schooling, and even access to drinking water.

Despite her longing to return to England and pursue an education, Suzanne's parents persist in their unconventional lifestyle. They refuse to conform to societal norms and prioritize their own desires over their children's well-being. Suzanne's frustration and longing for a stable and secure life are palpable throughout the memoir. She fights against her parents, yearning for a return to the familiar comforts of home and education.

As Suzanne grows older, her determination to educate herself becomes unwavering. She seizes every opportunity that comes her way, even earning an interview at Oxford University at the age of seventeen. With unwavering focus, Suzanne returns to the United Kingdom, determined to pursue her dreams and build a better future for herself.

"Wavewalker" is not just a survival story; it is also a powerful testament to the human spirit and the power of education. Suzanne's journey showcases her unwavering determination, resilience, and intelligence, despite the overwhelming obstacles she faces. The book offers valuable insights into the consequences of midlife crises and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, education can be a transformative force, enabling individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

"Wavewalker" has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. The Times praised it as "grippingly vivid and pacey," while the Telegraph described it as "an astonishing almost day-by-day account of [a] hazardous journey and its legacy." Ed Balls, a renowned author and journalist, praised the book as "thrilling, horrifying, beautifully written—I couldn't put it down."

In conclusion, "Wavewalker" is a captivating memoir that delves into the extraordinary life of Suzanne Heywood. Through her unwavering determination and resilience, she emerges as a hero, overcoming adversity and achieving her dreams against all odds. The book offers valuable insights into the human spirit, the power of education, and the consequences of unconventional parenting. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and is interested in exploring the resilience of the human mind.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008498498