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  • The Outrun

  • By: Amy Liptrot
  • Narrated by: Tracy Wiles
  • Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (653 ratings)

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The Outrun

By: Amy Liptrot
Narrated by: Tracy Wiles
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Summary

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE 2016 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2017 ONDAATJE PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2016 WELLCOME PRIZE

At the age of thirty, Amy Liptrot finds herself washed up back home on Orkney. Standing unstable on the island, she tries to come to terms with the addiction that has swallowed the last decade of her life. As she spends her mornings swimming in the bracingly cold sea, her days tracking Orkney's wildlife, and her nights searching the sky for the Merry Dancers, Amy discovers how the wild can restore life and renew hope.
©2016 Amy Liptrot (P)2016 Canongate Books Ltd
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What listeners say about The Outrun

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Overall, a well written and read book.

What made the experience of listening to The Outrun the most enjoyable?

Hearing about the birds on Orkney and other islands.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outrun?

Can't think of 1.

Have you listened to any of Tracy Wiles’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Hearing about some of Amy's experiences with depression and some of her thoughts, I can relate to.

Any additional comments?

Overall, this book is well written and read and I found her journey to becoming and remaining sober interesting, but I found it a little boring at the end and I feel awkward saying that about a story that is actually real life.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Refreshingly different

This is very different from other recovery books I have read, the memoir flits between the authors sober life on Orkney (read as present day) and historic alcoholism in London. It’s a great listen and is beautifully narrated. Would highly recommend if (like me) you are a in recovery and love nature.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A brave story

With destructive influences from her past Amy has succeeded in providing an interesting insight into her struggle with her demons. Well presented and clear recital from audiobooks.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Magical, natural, renaissance

A beautifully told tale of recovery, resurgence and renewal in the challenging wild surroundings of the Orkney islands.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous book.

Loved the descriptions of nature/ the universe and her journey and struggles through life. Ultimately uplifting although with grit and a realness of living with addiction. Xx

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent read, honest and believable

Enjoyed the accurate descriptions of her life in London and again on Orkney.
A heartfelt story, thank you for sharing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Soothing

Wish I could of just kept listening. Let's you know life can be hard but it can get better.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The reality of alcoholism

The author says two things that make me really understand what it must be like to be an alcoholic.
"I fantasise about having a drink the way you would fantasise about having an affair."
"I knew all the whereabouts of the off-licenses within a five-mile radius of my flat."

It must be absolutely horrible to be an alcoholic. I love my glass of wine but it's usually no more than that. I sometimes worry about drinking (once a year, maybe) and then wonder if I'm in denial. But this is a whole different level. i have no idea how the author is still alive.

She seems like a nice person and the writing is excellent. My only criticism is that there isn't a single line of dialogue which can be a bit...lonely at times.

You're transported to the islands of Orkney which my husband says are totally bleak, no matter what she says, but she makes it all sound very romantic. She IS born to it, after all.

It's not depressing at all and I recommend it. And boy am I glad that I never found that drinking and partying lifestyle so attractive that it wasn't easy to walk away at the ripe old age of 23. Poor Amy, what a curse to be born with this terrible affliction. But she has kicked it (no spoiler there) and I admire her greatly for that.

The narrator has a beautiful voice.


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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting

Learnt a bit about Orkneys flora and fauna, which this book is mostly about, and it’s read well.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

This book deserves its many awards

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outrun?

There were many memorable moments. The most poignant was her period of living in London before deciding to give up alcohol.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It didn't make me laugh or cry, but it is very moving. I really appreciate her honesty.

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