We sent our Ambassadors (DBHFers to me and you!) this month’s non-fiction top pick – Wavewalker: A memoir of breaking free – to do a book review. This is what they thought.

What’s it all about?

Aged just seven, Suzanne Heywood set sail with her parents and brother on a three-year voyage around the world. What followed turned instead into a decade-long way of life, through storms, shipwrecks, reefs and isolation, with little formal schooling.

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…

Navigating the waves: The Wavewalker reviews

“Given the incredibly unusual experience, Suzy appears to be a surprisingly normal person”

I have to say that I really didn’t like Mr and Mrs Cook, they appeared to have absolutely no thought or love for their kids at all. Overall it was a really interesting book and the trip around the world was great.

“Thank you for making me read something out of my norm!”

I can’t get over the amount of time she spent below deck – it made me MAD! Where the author says she “felt she was living in someone else’s dream” really got me. I just thought, “that is so accurate with how they were forced to live”. Unbelievable the things she went on to achieve.

“A thrilling and shocking read but a book I could not put down”

An incredibly brave and honest account of the trials and tribulations of living on a 70ft yacht. HUGE admiration for Heywood’s grit and determination to get herself an education. I am inspired by her fierce determination to go on and achieve great things.

“I might not have picked it ordinarily but I REALLY enjoyed it”

Absolutely loved the book! A brilliant read, but I did have to keep reminding myself that this is based on someone’s true story – I couldn’t quite believe it. It also makes me think I shouldn’t put myself down at times when I think I am not being a good enough Mum!

Thank you for your book review, DBHFers

Thank you, ladies! We’re glad you enjoyed the book. If you know someone who would happily settle down with this book and a nice cuppa, definitely take a look at our Book Gift Box.