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A Van of One's Own

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A Van of One's Own

By: Biddy Wells
Narrated by: Janine Cooper-Marshall
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About this listen

In her debut memoir A Van of One's Own, Biddy Wells tells the story of how, propelled by a thirst for peace and quiet, for a modest adventure and, perhaps, for freedom, she left for Portugal on her own, with only her old campervan, Myfanwy, and her GPS, Tanya, for company.

Having left just about everything behind, her solo trip forces her to face her fears, her past, and herself. The road provides the perfect canvas to connect the dots between a past breakdown and her present need for freedom, as she reflects on her own life, her relationship, her family and the world around her - to see whether her life still has room for her in it. As she meets wise and not-so-wise people, members of the campervan community and friendly locals, her outlook on life begins to shift, and a chance meeting in a bar leads to the person who will put her on the right track. But will she go back home, to Wales? And what is the meaning of 'home?'

©2017 Biddy Wells (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Western Europe

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would interest those building up life again after a breakdown in a supportive positive way and women who enjoy or might want to take up solo campervan life

interesting on two levels

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beautiful story about a middle aged woman's journey to Portugal in her van. the ultimate conclusion is that she ends up learning more about herself than the civilisations that she visits.

lovely colourful tale

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Overall very enjoyable. Thank you Biddy Wells and Janine Cooper-Marshall. Will look out for more stories and narration by these two.

Enjoyable

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I didn’t get into this audiobook until around chapter 4- I initially thought I wouldn’t finish it, but I am so glad I did. Although it has, in my opinion, a slow start, and can sometimes read as a little self-indulgent, it does later blossom into a moving, eloquent account of self-discovery that I found uplifting and inspiring. I came to realise that what I at first thought of as self-indulgent complaining is actually very brave self-examination, and I see the value of it now.

I notice a lot of critical comments about the performance but I personally found it soothing and very enjoyable to listen to- I guess it is a matter of personal taste.

I would definitely recommend this book and performance to anyone who enjoys philosophy, psychology, sociology, and accounts of self-empowerment.

I think that despite the repetitiveness I couldn’t help but notice occasionally and a few slow patches, it has a lot to offer- it has certainly left me feeling calmer and emotionally refreshed.

As a teacher of neurodivergent students, I thought the discussions around the terminology we apply to ‘breakdowns/ breakthroughs/ breaks’ were especially stimulating and useful. I also loved the idea of having had a ‘brain washing’ as a positive, cleansing thing in the epilogue!

Pleasantly surprising: stick with it

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Nice and light a listen on a warm sunny afternoon when doodling in my art book.

Enjoyable and light

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Amazing book of bravery, raw honest and truth . I really hope the second book comes onto audible. Listened to it in a couple of days like a good meal didn't want it to end .

The story mirrors what I desperately want to do in my life

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From a camper who would love a campervan this was fabulous, so easy to listen to and an amazing story of adventure and learning about yourself along the way. Narrator was amazing, will be watching out for more audio books by this duo.

absolutely brilliant

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loved this book explains well intricate details of finding oneself just by being still in the way of travel makes me want to get in a camper and go off into the sunset

Reflective & understanding of life

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I loved Biddy's account, which resonated with my own life experience, but I found the over-expressive narration detracted from the serious reflections of the author, presenting her experiences as trite and lighthearted. it leaves me wanting to buy and read the print copy myself.

Great book spoiled by over-expressive narration

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This story was spoilt by poor performance. I had to stop about half way through as I was not enjoying the performance. I’ll buy the book and read it for myself as I do want to finish this one.

Great story spoilt by bad performance

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