We will all experience recovery at some point in our lives, whether from addiction, physical illness, mental health issues, or loss. In the experience of recovery, we may discover ways to live with our changed selves, and to reclaim a life. We may find a new voice, or unearth one which has been submerged.
Vitally, recovery can mean community. This anthology grew out of a small creative writing class run by Lily Dunn at Hackney Recovery Service, and was later broadened into a nationwide call for submissions by Dunn and her teaching partner, Zoe Gilbert. It represents a community of writers: new, unheard voices alongside emerging and established authors.
Theirs are stories from the dark back alleys, the deep crevices of the mind, and from the wild, ecstatic heights of life before, during and after recovery. These are voices that urgently need to be heard, in all their variety. Their writings include: a Scottish family who laughs its way through destitution and debauchery; a song to an addict now passed; the power of words to destroy and to heal; a girl waking up in her hospital bed ready to face her anorexia — and many more.
Edited by Lily Dunn and Zoe Gilbert, A Wild and Precious Life, contains fifty stories about recovery. This includes work by celebrated writers such as Kerry Hudson (Lowborn), Julia Bell (Radical Attention), Michele Kirsch (Clean), and John O Donoghue (Sectioned: A Life Interrupted), alongside an exciting range of new and emerging voices. Plus, a foreword by Will Self.
This is what reviewers have said about A Wild and Precious Life
‘I loved the array of voices that shine through across this book. I also loved how unapologetically vulnerable and real each piece was. Addiction is often glossed over and its causes and difficulties misunderstood. I cannot recall ever reading such gritty accounts and this is vital if we are to begin to provide the correct support to those in need.
I felt exceptionally inspired by all of the pieces in this anthology, even those that were hard-hitting. I think this was especially evident in the emphasis on the value of community that ran through the book. This reminded the reader that when life is difficult you never have to suffer alone.
I think my favourite aspect of the anthology was how well it demonstrates the importance of creativity in recovery and mental health. This especially resonated with me as, since developing anxiety in the past year, creativity brings me relief in the pressures of life.’ Anna Reid all.about.it
‘𝘈 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 is especially powerful because it’s composed of stories about recovery from so many different things and as a result, can resonate with so many different readers. All narrators have struggled, have fought, continued living. What I really loved about the book is how it emphasises the importance of writing and creativity in different forms on the road to healing and recovery.’ Alicjawrites
‘A Wild and Precious Life is a really special book. An eclectic collection of poems and short stories about recovering from a variety of circumstances, I found it moving, powerful, and very human. I particularly related to, and felt validated by, the poems and stories from those who, like myself, have experienced mental illness, and there are some parts of the book I can see myself turning to for comfort again and again. Something else that struck me as I was reading was the importance of the kindness, patience, and belief of others in aiding recovery, whether that’s from friends, family, medical staff, or other support workers. A Wild and Precious Life is a powerful and moving collection that demonstrates the power of writing.’ By Alice Violett
‘Pulling together an eclectic band of voices covering a wide expanse of experiences this collection has held me captive over the last few days. It oozes honesty, humility, pain, vulnerability as well as hope, inspiration and courage. The standard of writing throughout is exceptional and I love that a short biography of each author is included at the end as it provides additional context and background to the author’s words. Three pieces in particular had a profound impact on me: Telling Blue, What a Laugh and Fox Field and Coconut Shell.’ agirlandabook85
‘Some of the themes of the book which I found interesting are the imagery used by people, of trees and seasoned wood, of the inside of rooms explored in minute detail, of the sounds, smells light and dark of life with addictions, mental health issues and those who develop physical symptoms which are brushed off. There are dark pieces set in the corners of society which most of us do not see, or wish to experience, as well as the sometimes twisted reality of family life when challenges emerge. This book undoubtedly represents some deep feelings of virtually every variety, and represents the honest attempts of many people to reflect how every life is precious, however wild, challenging or disappointing, but also how hope survives and different ways of living can be achieved. I recommend this book for its honesty, its artistry, and its variety of lived experiences.’ Northern Reader
Published 13th May 2021 | PB £9.99 For more information or to see a review copy, please contact Anna Galbraith at anna.galbraith@unbound.co.uk