I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. It had some really good reviews and sounded like it would be quite interesting. It was interesting, but it wasn’t very well written. I finished it, only because it wasn’t too long, but I feel like I wasted my time. Perhaps I would enjoy the original writings of Isabella Bird, but I'm inclined to think not.

My biggest complaint about the book is the lack of consistency in verb usage. It would switch from past tense to present tense without any apparent explanations. This was jarring every time it happened and left me beyond frustrated. It completely hampered my ability to enjoy the story. There were also so abrupt interruptions in the timeline (moving from one scene to another without clear transitions).

The other thing that bothered me, although I can’t really criticize the book for this, was the violence. I admit I can be squeamish, and it bothers me more than most when I read about people or animals being hurt. Descriptions of hunting, Mountain Jim’s encounter with a bear, even the treatment of the horses by the Hawaiians… All of it bothered me. And when I read descriptions of Miss Bird’s travels, I honestly had trouble believing they were not embellished. Some of it was just too fantastical. Believe it or not, this ties into my complaint about violence, because Miss Bird was in so many situations which should have gravely injured her, but she continued to put herself in these situations again and again, with no hesitancy. To me, they were cringe-worth.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t enjoy the book and I don’t feel I gained much from reading it, other than knowing about another feminist from the annals of history who did remarkable things. I don’t know if this book was the best source for that information, but it’s where I learned about it, so I must give it credit for that. I think I would advise anyone interested in the content to look for the original writings of Isabella Lucy Bird. And because I don’t want to leave this review without any compliments for the author, I did enjoy the phrase used to describe prostitutes: ladies of negotiable affections.

I really enjoyed reading this, it was a great historical novel about a person I had never really knew about before. The story was well done and I enjoyed reading this.

A fictionalised biography of Isabella Lucy Bird, 19th century who turned explorer extraordinaire in her 40s after overcoming serious illness. This book covers just her travels in Hawaii and then Colorado. The descriptions are vivid as are those of the characters she meets but I prefer the original letters written by Isabella to her sister Henrietta for the Colorado story. 'Embrace of the Wild' gets too personal which just doesn't work for me - an affair or not with Jim seems so out of character. I've not read the original works about the Hawaiian travels but am guessing that they might be more of the same. Nonetheless a good introduction to a redoubtable lady traveller and the trials and tribulations she met and overcame at a time when women generally were not independent travellers. Thanks to NetGalley and Wind Dancer Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a wonderful read! Reading this book was like taking a vacation and never having to leave home. I loved reading about the places she visited and the adventures she had. Loved it!! Thank you Wind Dancer Press via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

An interesting look into the life of Isabella Bird and her travels despite adversity. There was so much description in this book that it really set the scene but also caused my mind to wander a little and made it difficult to follow the story. Overall, I enjoyed the stories but felt a little bogged down.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#EmbraceoftheWild #NetGalley

Meticulously researched fictionalized biography of an amazing woman. Ms. Bird (1831-1904) wrote 38 books in her own time detailing her travels and more, but here there is an accounting of her personal trials and tribulations as a child (including spinal surgery WITHOUT ANESTHESIA) and how the rigors of travel actually helped reduce her physical pain (especially when she chucked her corsets!). It is written as if by the woman herself and is wonderful. I've already purchased a copy.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Wind Dancer Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

A very descriptive vivid account of one woman’s desire to travel and see the world. I love the cover of this book.
This book was easy to read and allows you to see the countryside through her eyes. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy