The Electricity of Every Living Thing

A life-affirming and perspective-shifting memoir of one woman's walk in the wilds as she comes to terms with an Asperger's diagnosis.

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From the bestselling author of Wintering, Katherine May, The Electricity of Every Living Thing is a life-affirming and poignant exploration of nature, and how reconnecting to wild landscapes can create peace in our unquiet minds.

'A windswept tale, beautifully told' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path

'A manifesto for the value of difficult people. I loved it' Amy Liptrot, author of The Outrun

In August 2015, Katherine May set out to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. She wanted to understand why she had stopped coping with everyday life; why motherhood had been so overwhelming and isolating, and why the world felt full of inundation and expectations she can't meet. Setting her feet down on the rugged and difficult path by the sea, the answer begins to unfold.

The Electricity of Every Living Thing tells the story of the year in which Katherine comes to terms with a diagnosis which shakes her to her core. It leads to a re-evaluation of her life so far - a kinder one, which finally allows her to be different rather than simply awkward, arrogant or unfeeling. The physical and psychological journeys become inextricably entwined, and as Katherine finds her way across the untameable coast, she also finds the way to herself.

What readers are saying about The Electricity of Every Living Thing:

'Honest and sensitive'

'The astonishing sensitivity and awareness in her writing, both about the beautiful landscapes and nature around on her walks, and in relation to her family, friends and self put paid to many outdated myths about what it is like to be autistic'

'Compelling and transformative. I could not put this book down so I stayed in bed and read it in one go.'

'Katherine has a fantastic way with words, I could read her books for hours on end, they are calming and relatable.'

'Read it - you won't regret it.'