I’m sure many of us have considered the possibility of running off into the woods to start a new life. This is the story of a woman who did just that, and all the realities that come with it. It is an understandable desire when you start to feel trapped in your life, one that comes across as brave and inspiring to act on at a quick glance. Even more so as our narrator is a woman escaping the confines of her housewife and mothering role. This book does more than explore the fantasy though, it acknowledges the very individualistic nature of it and those left behind. Without directly tying the narrative to any current events or political states, this novel feels very timely despite being written close to fifty years ago.

50 years old this book may be, but you could scarcely tell. Its story of a woman breaking free reads fresh as a daisy,, even while reminiscent of Betty Friedan and her era. Barefoot takes a seemingly simple scenario and mines it to its core. Yes, the book is feminist, but it’s more than that, a spiritual quest in search of identity and meaning, of responsibility and truth. Well done, for the decision to reissue it.