The Outrun

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==The Outrun ==

The Outrun is a memoir by Amy Liptrot, first published in 2016. The book details Liptrot's return to her native Orkney after a decade of living in London and struggling with alcoholism. It explores themes of recovery, nature, and the healing power of the natural world.

Synopsis

The Outrun begins with Liptrot's return to Orkney, where she grew up on a farm. After years of battling addiction in London, she decides to return to the islands to rebuild her life. The memoir is structured around her experiences on Orkney, interspersed with reflections on her past struggles with alcoholism.

Liptrot describes the rugged beauty of the Orkney landscape, including the cliffs, beaches, and wildlife. She finds solace in the natural environment, which plays a crucial role in her recovery. The book also delves into her family history and the challenges she faced growing up.

Themes

The Outrun explores several key themes:

• **Recovery**: The memoir is a powerful account of Liptrot's journey to sobriety and the challenges she faces along the way.
• **Nature**: The natural world is a central theme, with detailed descriptions of the Orkney landscape and its impact on Liptrot's healing process.
• **Isolation**: Liptrot's return to the remote islands highlights the theme of isolation, both physical and emotional.
• **Identity**: The book examines Liptrot's sense of identity and belonging, as she reconnects with her roots in Orkney.

Reception

The Outrun received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It won the 2016 Wainwright Prize and was shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize and the Saltire Society Literary Awards. Critics praised Liptrot's lyrical prose and the honesty with which she recounts her struggles.

Author

Amy Liptrot is a Scottish writer and journalist. The Outrun is her debut book, and she has since written for various publications, including The Guardian and The Scotsman.

See also

• Orkney
• Alcoholism
• Memoir
• Recovery (addiction)
• Nature writing