Windswept

Ms. Abbs’s brief biographies are unfailingly interesting and even revelatory. . . . Reading about the unfettered freedom to roam enjoyed by these trailblazing women induced considerable vicarious pleasure—and envy.—The Wall Street Journal

Beautiful and meditative. . . . This lush narrative serves as the perfect excuse to get moving.—Publishers Weekly

[Abbs] connects clarity of mind, communion with land, and rejection of gender roles to this specific corporeal movement—one which many have turned to in the past year.—BuzzFeed

A writer follows in the footsteps—literally—of eight hiking women of the 19th and early 20th centuries. . . . A fascinating, deeply thoughtful read.—The Star Tribune

Inspirational.—Smithsonian Magazine

An emotional and often amusing book that provides refreshing insight into the walking lives of women artists and writers of the twentieth century.—The Times Literary Supplement

Should be read by all women and those who love the outdoors.—Booklist

Abbs brings to life the joys and inspirations that only a nature walk can provide.—Powell’s

Deeply personal. . . . Windswept is the record of one woman’s trek to find other walking women. When Abbs sets out into the wild, she finds them, and she comes to find herself more fully too. —Colorado Review

Part memoir, part cultural critique through the lens of ‘famous walking women,’ including but not limited to Simone de Beauvoir, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Daphne du Maurier.—Departures

This unusual blend of history and memoir traces the paths—literally—of female trailblazers who used walking as a way to connect with the world, and themselves.—The Story Exchange

Windswept crosses continents and centuries in a provocative and poignant account of the power of walking in nature. —New Books Network

Compelling. . . . One of the most exhilarating and masterful reflections ever on how to meaningfully move on our own feet and the remarkable women who made this a unique expression of their being.—Bookreporter.com

Abbs is a witty and engaging guide, seamlessly weaving her own experience with those of her ‘walking women,’ all of whom discovered that the simple act of taking one step at a time can be the most powerful—and defiant—of all.—Abbott Kahler, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park

A triumph . . . I felt as though I were being lifted, carried up to peaks.—Charlotte Peacock, author of Into the Mountain: A Life of Nan Shepherd

I couldn’t put it down. Quite extraordinary. . . . written in such a free flowing, readable style. I’m in awe.—Maggie Humm, author of Talland House

I love how the act of walking connects the lives of these women—and how it transforms them. It makes me want to go for a hike just to see what happens. Windswept satisfies my endless appetite for untold stories of women’s history, filling important gaps and bringing their stories into light. —Mia Kankimäki, author of The Women I Think About At Night