Island Wife

Two Roads, March 2013 Island Wife tells the story of Judy, who, at 19, met her Wild Pioneer. He whisked her off into an adventure, a marriage of forty years, and a life on a remote Hebridean island where the sea-birds fly, the weather is always changing and whales swim in the deep. Along the way she bears five children, learns how run a rocky hill farm, a studio and the first whale watching business in the UK – trying inventively making fraying ends meet. When her children start to leave home, things fall apart but there is sadness and joy in how she puts them back together. Judy tells her story in a clear and unique voice, in turns funny, unforgettable and intensely moving. Praise for Island Wife An unflinching and hugely entertaining story of family travails and triumphs Kirsty Wark A sensitive, brave and honest look at a life lived in the wake of others’ needs The Daily Mail This is exceptional. It is beautifully written with important things to say about how we value life, our relationships and our surroundings BBC Countrylife Magazine First there was the romance: moving to a tiny Hebridean island with wild orchids, wilder seas and the man she loves. Judy Fairbairns dutifully looks after livestock in bleak winters, raises five children and behaves just how the world and her husband thinks she should. But then her own storm kicks in and blasts open a door to a whole new life Sainsbury’s Magazine This true story is one of stoicism, adventure and family in the face of adversities that threaten to wreck her dreams The Daily Express In this delightfully warm, frank memoir, Judy Fairbairns describes the ups and downs of life on a Scottish island estate. Full of humour and wisdom, this is also Judy’s own story, and a touching and uplifting one at that. Her vibrancy – obvious at even the most testing of times – is evident on every page Good Book Guide