Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Finding Hildasay is a memoir born out of loss, grief and the need to keep moving when standing still feels impossible. After the sudden death of his best friend, Christian Lewis sets out to walk the length of the British coastline with his dog Jet. What begins as an act of survival slowly becomes a journey of reflection, endurance and unexpected human kindness. From the opening pages, the book feels deeply personal and emotionally honest.

✅ What I Liked:
The emotional authenticity is the book’s greatest strength. Lewis writes openly about grief, mental health and the isolating aftermath of loss without sentimentality or self pity. The relationship between Christian and Jet provides warmth and grounding throughout the journey, offering moments of levity amid the emotional weight. The descriptions of the British coastline are vivid but never indulgent, serving the emotional arc rather than overshadowing it. Encounters with strangers along the way highlight a quiet generosity that feels both realistic and uplifting.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The episodic nature of the journey means some sections feel repetitive, particularly during longer stretches of walking where little changes externally. Readers looking for a tightly structured narrative may find the pacing uneven at times. There are moments where the emotional reflection circles familiar ground without moving much further forward.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy travel memoirs rooted in personal transformation, this is a rewarding read. It will resonate strongly with readers who have experienced grief, burnout or a desire to step away from conventional life in search of clarity. It is especially appealing to those who appreciate stories about walking, nature and the quiet power of persistence.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Finding Hildasay is a gentle but powerful memoir about putting one foot in front of the other when life fractures unexpectedly. It does not offer easy answers or dramatic resolutions, but instead finds meaning in movement, companionship and small acts of kindness. Honest, grounding and quietly hopeful, it lingers long after the final page.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A heartfelt reminder of how healing can begin with simply moving forward