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Title:	Adventures with Emilie
Authors:	Bruce, Victoria
Genre:	Non Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	336
Year:	2023
Publisher:	Penguin Books
Language:	English
Description:	In 2021, Victoria Bruce quit her corporate job, packed up her life and embarked on Te Araroa trail with her seven-year-old daughter, Emilie. On the 3000-kilometre journey that traverses the length of Aotearoa, the duo faced Covid lockdowns, the harsh elements of New Zealand's backcountry and even a near-death experience. A keen tramper, Victoria's drive to complete the walk was to take time out, create lasting memories with Emilie and reconnect with nature. But it was also a way for her to face her past, and the events that led to her post-traumatic stress disorder. In this remarkable book, Victoria interweaves her experiences on the trail with reflections on her painful childhood, her time in state care, recovering from addiction and assault, becoming a mother, and escaping everyday life to finally confront her demons. Powerful and evocative, this is a story about the healing power of nature, our wondrous unique environment, the deep bond between mother and daughter, and survival - both in the wilderness and in life itself. [Taken from book cover, Penguin Books]
Categories:	Non-fiction NZ, Non-fiction, Biography, Adventure/Exploration, Environmental, Content may disturb, 2025 Titles

Reviews

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By: PICT 005		2025-08-12 15:49:10

What "adventures"? Our group described this book as an emotional memoir and a "green prescription for mental health". Evocative descriptions of the flora and fauna generated discussions about tramping trips and Emilie's perspectives.

By: RICH 010		2025-08-07 14:40:47

I think we all enjoyed this book enormously. From the descriptive writing about the trail, to the joy of Emilie's presence, the writing is so evocative. But then the added layer of the author's attempts to wrangle her PTSD demons by immersing herself and her daughter in nature was captivating.

By: HUNTLY 001		2025-06-25 12:04:12

Most of our group are, or have been, avid trampers so we really enjoyed reading about this tramp from one end of N.Z. to the other. The honest portrayal of the author's battle with mental illness made it more interesting still.

By: NELS 090		2025-06-23 14:34:20

A good book to discuss.

By: DUNED 080		2025-05-05 13:00:47

This book generated a lot of discussion about whether it was ok to take a 7 year old on this walk, and some of the dangerous decisions the author made.

By: ASHB 015		2025-03-10 11:43:29

A very inspiring read. We admired her courage to speak about some difficult times in her life, as well as a delightful description of our beautiful country.

By: TAUR 023		2024-12-16 13:15:05

Enjoyed by all. Some members related to the stories of depression - others found it written about to excess.