LoveReading Says
Jessica Hepburn's claim to be the only person to run the London Marathon, swim the English Channel, climb Everest and listen to the entire back catalogue of Desert Island Discs is incredible - especially when you consider there are over 3000 episodes. No doubt those other things are also difficult but 3000!.. that's a listening feat of 24,000 pieces of music which isn't that far off the number of vertical feet that Everest amounts to.
In Save Me From The Waves Jessica weaves her way between her adventurous achievements, the songs and stories of her own life and moments of inspiration derived from her favourite show. It's a clever title which not only references a highlight of the weekly programme when famous guests are asked to pick their very favourite track to save, but also perhaps refers to radio airwaves and of course her own Channel swim.
It is on Everest though where she has her most dangerous moment, and at this stage of the book she is reflecting on song choices to die to - having earlier listed childhood songs, love songs, faith songs and so on. At every chapter turn she is providing lists but holds back from delivering her overall favourite eight tracks. Anyone who listens to Desert Island Discs has probably had a go at doing this and if they are like me will have given up as it seems a little self-aggrandising and is also bloody difficult.
What Save Me From The Waves celebrates so beautifully is the way in which music is the mortar that holds the bricks of our lives together. The radio show does this too, but our author has turned that on its head in the way that her listening provides the inspiration for adventure and also the companionship to get her through. In some cases the songs she hears trigger her own memories, but in others they provide answers, direction and even closure.
This is a heart-warming memoir written with a light and humorous touch that inspires and reflects in equal measure.
Greg Hackett
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Jessica Hepburn Press Reviews
‘A breathtaking adventure of a truly inspirational woman.’ Maxine Peake, Actress & Desert Island Discs Castaway
‘An amazing, touching, at times deeply moving adventure about mountains and music and love. I loved it.’ Ann Daniels, Record Breaking Polar Explorer & Desert Island Disc Castaway
‘The moment you open this book you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend. It’s such a delicious adventure and Jessica’s warm voice will immediately make you feel less alone – whatever journey you’re on.’ Lisa Faulkner, Actress, presenter & author of Meant to Be
‘This musical adventure story is written from the heart, and speaks to what it means to be human. Bringing the Desert Island Discs archive alive in a skilful and meticulously researched interweaving of a myriad of interconnected stories, Jessica Hepburn takes us on a journey of love and loss but it is so much more than an autobiography – it draws on the power of music, why it matters and means so much to the many protagonists who stories are included. A tour de force of obsession, resilience, and challenge.’ Alexandra Lamont, Professor of Music Psychology and Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Music
‘There are so many things to love about this book – Jessica is a one-off and the world will be fascinated at her story – which is both a reading and listening experience – told with singular honesty and humanity and which has an explosive climax that is both awe-inspiring and moving.’ Anna Disley, Executive Director, New Writing North
‘An inspiring tale of endurance and redemption. Jessica's story will dare you to answer your own call to adventure.’ Belinda Kirk, Founder of Adventure Mind & author of Adventure Revolution
“This extraordinary woman took me on an unexpected journey of adventure. Deeply personal, searingly honest, achingly painful. Jessica writes with such self-deprecating heart, you can’t help but love the bones of her. This book will move you with music, mountains, melanjoy and, mostly, Molly.’ Hannah Vaughan Jones, Broadcaster
‘An incredible new book. Prepare to be inspired by Jessica’s words as she takes us on an unforgettable journey to the top of the world.’ Sarah Williams, Tough Girl Podcast
About Jessica Hepburn
Jessica Hepburn is an author, arts producer and adventure activist, and one of the UK’s leading voices on fertility and family. The former Executive Director of one of London’s leading theatres, the Lyric Hammersmith,
Jessica is the author of two previous books The Pursuit of Motherhood (2014) and 21 Miles (2018). She lives in London.
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