Author:David Rose,Ed Douglas
Discover the powerful story of one woman's lifelong dedication to adventure and determination to succeed, as featured in the brand new BBC2 documentary The Last Mountain
'I shed a tear as I read this . . . I'll admit that I did not do so when I originally heard of her death. The difference? This book' INDEPENDENT
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Alison Hargeaves was one of the finest climbers of her generation.
But in 1995, she died during a violent storm on K2.
On her death she was vilified by media outrage that a wife and mother would take such extreme risks.
This is the story of a woman with an astonishing determination to be the best that she could.
A woman driven to succeed just to secure a future for herself and her family.
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'A riveting and incredibly moving story' Irish News
'Few realized the extent of her inner turmoil - and her courage. A very moving biography of an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary talent and determination' Daily Telegraph
'A sensitive and intelligent book . . . Rose and Douglas recuse Hargreaves from the crude distortions of those who wanted to vilify or venerate her' Sunday Telegraph
[In] This honest but sympathetic biography ... Rose and Douglas help us understand the complex reality behind the headlines.
—— The GuardianThis book sets the record straight
—— The Daily MailStrong and well-written...Gives a through-provoking insight into what made Hargreaves tick. It is both disturbing and moving and leaves questions which linger in the mind long after closing the final pages.
—— High Mountain SportsI am absolutely in awe; a mind-blowing and phenomenal feat. A Boy in the Water will change ideas of what is possible
—— Chrissie Wellington, former professional triathlete and four-time Ironman Triathlon World ChampionA compelling story of dedication and commitment. It'll make a great movie, but you should read the book first.
—— sportsbookofthemonth.comA Boy in the Water is a truly wonderful read of resilience, determination and courage. Whether you are interested in what it takes to be a Channel swimmer, or love a sport memoir, or simply like stories of our different experiences in the water, this book will win your heart.
—— Lexi Earl, The Outdoor Swimming SocietyA compelling account that serves above all as tribute to John Bullet, [Tom Gregory's] charismatic coach.
—— Nick Pitt, 'Best sports books of 2018' , The TimesThis evocative memoir recounts an agonising, hallucination-filled swim across the English Channel in 1988, when Gregory was just 11 years old.
—— The Telegraph, '50 books that blew us away'The gruelling, awe-inspiring feat is recounted with poignancy and affection here, and this becomes a thrilling and moving tribute to the joys and perils of open-water swimming, too. Gregory's devotion to his incredibly tough challenge is remarkable
—— Charlotte Runcie , Radio ChoiceCharming and different; a lovely, brilliant memoir. What a boy! What a feat!
—— Victoria DerbyshireGregory convinces us that for all his flaws, Bullett (who died of a stroke not long after the swim) was an extraordinary, inspirational man. He seems less willing to acknowledge that there is something even more remarkable about a chubby eleven-year-old fuelled by chocolate Digestives and Heinz tomato soup, with the sound of "Together in Electric Dreams" in his head, swimming in temperatures of around 16 degrees for 11 hours and fifty-four minutes. But A Boy in the Water allows the reader his own private amazement.
—— David Horspool , The Times Literary Supplement'Reading this and it's extraordinary. The challenge and the exhilaration of open water swimming brilliantly evoked. A really different and interesting read.' Clare Balding
—— TwitterAn extraordinary story ... his account of his swim is certainly a tough read ... A Boy in the Water is a fascinating study, at its core there remains an extraordinary achievement by a dogged, huge-hearted kid. Reading this, you have to remind yourself that this was just a little boy, smothered in grease, who was bobbing about in one of the world's busiest maritime routes, battling the tide, waves and wind.
—— Helen Davies , Sunday TimesA lifelong journey begins with an incredible swim
—— RadioTimesJust part of a story that began at a swimming pool in south London, where one man changed countless young lives
—— RadioTimesAn 11-year-old boy slaps on the grease, adjusts his goggles and plunges into a grey, cold sea in an attempt to become the youngest person to swim the Channel. This is Tom Gregory's true story about the events that led him to this chilly endeavour.
—— Susan Jeffrey , Daily MailA memoir about the power of a good teacher, about family, about loss, about growing into the man you are meant to be
—— Lemn Sissay , Radio 4A Boy in the Water is an uplifting and truly remarkable story of innocence, dedication, and commitment
—— AmazonThis book really struck a chord with me and I couldn't put it down until I read it all . . . amazing, a must read
—— AmazonMesmerising. It is one of the most uplifting, inspiring books that I've ever read
—— i (The paper for today)Filled with wry humour, this is a wonderfully uplifting and touching book
—— GuardianThis is a wonderful, heart-gladdening, life-affirming read. It will make you want to walk. What a gem.
—— Kate Riordan, author of The Girl in the PhotographLuminescent. A literary phenomenon
—— Mail on SundayUtterly inspirational
—— The TimesThe Salt Path broke my heart and put it back together again over and over. Beautiful writing, and such a sharp eye - both for nature and for people. It's hopeful and sad and honest and I LOVED it.
—— Maggie Harcourt, author of Unconventional and The Last Summer of UsHarnesses the wildness of rock, sky and coastal walking in life-affirming prose
—— Emma Stonex , GuardianRadiant, soaring, heartstring-tugging
—— BBC CountryfileA remarkable account of the healing power of landscape and the resilience of the human spirit. I felt the rain on my face and heard the waves pounding on the sand.
—— Phillipa AshleyInspirational
—— Good HousekeepingThe Salt Path pummelled me like Atlantic winds. It carried me along on a rain-soaked, sun-burnt, despair-infused, hope-driven walk. The writing is at times raw, poetic, funny, shocking. It is consistently honest, vulnerable, clear. I finished the book reminded of the importance of really hearing people's stories, of the healing power of the natural world, and of our individual and collective now.
—— The EcologistA thoughtful, lyrical story of homelessness, strength and endurance
—— The WeekA moving true story
—— i PaperBy turns inspirational and horrifying . . . [Winn] writes with a detail and a joy that tugs at the reader, lifting this beyond a mere travel memoir and all the privations and hardship to be something truly meaningful
—— Times Higher EducationBeautiful, sad, erudite and uplifting
—— The New EuropeanAn uplifting tale
—— Cornish TimesVivid . . .This is a book essentially about hope, but also about sheer gritty determination not to give in, to survive extreme discomfort, danger and sometimes disillusionment
—— Kibworth & District ChronicleAn inspirational true story
—— Top SanteIt's a heart-warming, heart-wrenching story, told by Raynor in vivid yet plain prose. There are so many wonderful passages
—— Church TimesRaynor's writing is beautiful. It's a heart-wrenching read at times, but you won't be able to put it down
—— MirrorWe walk with Ray and Moth every step of the way, sharing the hunger, exhaustion, blazing heat and freezing rain in an account that is both lyrical and inspirational
—— Guardian, Top 10 books about walking in BritainAn extraordinary memoir - moving, funny and uplifting
—— Open UpAn inspirational and lyrically observed memoir on the regenerative power of walking in nature, as well as a reminder that material things are much less important than we sometimes think. If you love the landscape of the British coastline and are drawn to the philosophies of mindfulness and minimalism, this is a moving and reflective book to read during a break from your everyday life
—— Gill Walker, Newham Books , GuardianRaynor Winn's glorious memoir tells the real-life story of her hike along the South West Coast Path, which she embarked upon with her husband after they lost their home. It's raw yet uplifting - and guaranteed to inspire your next adventure
—— Huffington Post UKA thoughtful reflection on ageing and infirmity, home and homelessness, hope and survival
—— Dr Michael Fitzpatrick , Daily TelegraphA life-affirming story that examines grief and the power of nature
—— Liz Earle WellbeingPoignant . . . It's far from a book without hope, and you'll be with Raynor and Moth every step of their walk along the South West Coast Path
—— Country WalkingA heart-wrenching, inspiring tale of one couple's enduring love for each other in the face of calamity and of their accidental odyssey along England's South West Coast Path
—— AdvntureA love story of resilience and optimism, brimming with heart and humanity
—— Ruth Jones , PrimaA gripping domestic disaster story turned celebration of survival
—— Country WalkingA true story of hope in a dire situation
—— Daily Express