When Your Heart Says Go: My Year of Traveling Beyond Loss and Loneliness

A woman nearing fifty and recently widowed embarks on a year-long journey without a plan or agenda. The book explores her struggle to find her way as a sober, single, independent woman in the vast world as it edges toward the collapse of the Soviet Union and war in the Middle East.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

When Your Heart Says Go is a novel that delves into the depths of a woman's yearning, nearing fifty and recently widowed, to sell everything she owns, purchase an around-the-world airline ticket, pack a single suitcase, and embark on a year-long journey without a plan or agenda. Set in 1990-91, Judy's story takes readers on a captivating journey from San Diego to eleven European countries, the then-Soviet Union, and finally India, during the tumultuous lead-up to the first Gulf War. Along the way, she explores foreign locales, interacts with strangers and acquaintances who become lifelines to friendship, and occasionally relives memories of her life with her late husband, Tom, as well as his illness and passing.

Descriptions of historic and current sites serve as both a backdrop to Judy's daily life and a reflection of the world as it teeters on the brink of collapse and war in the Middle East. The outer journey becomes a container for the inner, as Judy experiences the world's wonders and learns more about herself, inching closer to realizing her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

Through her travels, Judy encounters a diverse range of characters, from a German couple who become her closest friends to a young Indian girl who teaches her the importance of compassion and resilience. She also faces challenges and setbacks, including a near-death experience in the Soviet Union and a difficult breakup with a potential love interest in India.

Despite these obstacles, Judy perseveres, driven by her unwavering determination and a deep sense of curiosity about the world. Her journey not only broadens her horizons but also deepens her understanding of herself and her place in the world.

In the end, When Your Heart Says Go is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the courage it takes to pursue one's dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the importance of following our hearts and embracing the unknown.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425630