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Getting Lost On My Way: Self-Discovery on Ireland's Backroads
For fans of McCarthy’s Bar, a debut memoir about a woman’s humorous and poignant solo adventures of self-discovery on Ireland’s backroads following a painful divorce.
When an introverted, divorced, middle-aged mother and school librarian from the Midwest decides to leave her comfort zone and travel alone to Ireland, her desire to fulfill her dream overcomes her fear as she immerses herself into what will become an adventure of courage and self-discovery.
Motivated by her love of Irish music and Celtic spirituality, along with her desire to find healing from depression and divorce, Diane sets off for Ireland, a country she’s been obsessed with for years. Her romantic preconceptions of the Emerald Isle quickly clash with reality, however, and while there she faces many obstacles, including driving the narrow, ill-marked roads throughout the countryside she traverses. Nevertheless, this first sojourn leads to three more trips over the next six years, and she gradually learns to navigate Ireland’s back roads—not to mention her own personal and spiritual roads toward self-discovery and acceptance.
This heartfelt and humorous account of Diane’s adventures—including hanging out with an Irish rock band, traveling remote roads in search of a hermit nun, and meeting her favorite Irish musician not once but twice—is sure to inspire readers to get outside their own comfort zones and take some rewarding risks of their own.
When an introverted, divorced, middle-aged mother and school librarian from the Midwest decides to leave her comfort zone and travel alone to Ireland, her desire to fulfill her dream overcomes her fear as she immerses herself into what will become an adventure of courage and self-discovery.
Motivated by her love of Irish music and Celtic spirituality, along with her desire to find healing from depression and divorce, Diane sets off for Ireland, a country she’s been obsessed with for years. Her romantic preconceptions of the Emerald Isle quickly clash with reality, however, and while there she faces many obstacles, including driving the narrow, ill-marked roads throughout the countryside she traverses. Nevertheless, this first sojourn leads to three more trips over the next six years, and she gradually learns to navigate Ireland’s back roads—not to mention her own personal and spiritual roads toward self-discovery and acceptance.
This heartfelt and humorous account of Diane’s adventures—including hanging out with an Irish rock band, traveling remote roads in search of a hermit nun, and meeting her favorite Irish musician not once but twice—is sure to inspire readers to get outside their own comfort zones and take some rewarding risks of their own.
- GenresMemoirTravelNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
About the author
Diane Hartman
8 books11 followersDiane Hartman: Diane Hartman is a retired school librarian, photographer, dog rescuer, mother, grandmother, and lover of Ireland. She has received honors for her writing from Midwest Writers Workshop, Daisy Pettles Women’s Writing Award, and the Griffith Writing Fellowship at the Mary Anderson Center. Her photography has garnered several awards, including the Indiana Governor’s Award. She is an alumnus of Laura Munson’s Haven Writing Workshops and Retreats, and this is her first book. Diane lives in Indianapolis with her rescued corgi, Winston.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 22, 2026
Worth Thousands of Words
In her debut memoir, Diane Hartman chronicles a series of solo journeys across Ireland in the wake of a difficult divorce. Set against a scenic backdrop of Irish landscapes and traditional music, the narrative follows her path toward healing from depression and rediscovering herself. Although the book effectively portrays the author's resilience and bravery, my own response was somewhat lukewarm; I found the experience to be simply... agreeable.
The memoir’s concept resonated with me deeply as a fellow introvert with an ancestral affinity for Ireland and a shared history of post-divorce depression. The book was also a welcome opportunity to revisit the music of Luka Bloom, whom I had listened to extensively in the early 1990s. Hartman was compelled to find her Ireland and I bought into her premise.
The narrative frequently explores recurring themes, perhaps excessively so, including the enduring emotional toll of Hartman’s divorce, the anxiety of navigating Ireland’s narrow roads, and her pursuit of new romance. Though an avowed introvert, she successfully forges deep bonds throughout her Irish travels. Her journeys are defined by interactions with various eccentric individuals, most notably a hermit nun harboring a surprising secret.
The work presents an account of emotional and physical discovery, yet it is significantly hampered by the almost complete lack of photographs. Given that the author is an award-winning photographer and the text is filled with vivid depictions of Ireland's breathtaking scenery, the absence of a visual anchor feels like a major oversight, irrespective of any budget constraints. Although the memoir effectively documents a personal journey toward healing, the narrative feels unfinished without the imagery that clearly defined the author's passion and the stunning environments she encountered.
Thank you to She Writes Press and Edelweiss Plus for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
In her debut memoir, Diane Hartman chronicles a series of solo journeys across Ireland in the wake of a difficult divorce. Set against a scenic backdrop of Irish landscapes and traditional music, the narrative follows her path toward healing from depression and rediscovering herself. Although the book effectively portrays the author's resilience and bravery, my own response was somewhat lukewarm; I found the experience to be simply... agreeable.
The memoir’s concept resonated with me deeply as a fellow introvert with an ancestral affinity for Ireland and a shared history of post-divorce depression. The book was also a welcome opportunity to revisit the music of Luka Bloom, whom I had listened to extensively in the early 1990s. Hartman was compelled to find her Ireland and I bought into her premise.
The narrative frequently explores recurring themes, perhaps excessively so, including the enduring emotional toll of Hartman’s divorce, the anxiety of navigating Ireland’s narrow roads, and her pursuit of new romance. Though an avowed introvert, she successfully forges deep bonds throughout her Irish travels. Her journeys are defined by interactions with various eccentric individuals, most notably a hermit nun harboring a surprising secret.
The work presents an account of emotional and physical discovery, yet it is significantly hampered by the almost complete lack of photographs. Given that the author is an award-winning photographer and the text is filled with vivid depictions of Ireland's breathtaking scenery, the absence of a visual anchor feels like a major oversight, irrespective of any budget constraints. Although the memoir effectively documents a personal journey toward healing, the narrative feels unfinished without the imagery that clearly defined the author's passion and the stunning environments she encountered.
Thank you to She Writes Press and Edelweiss Plus for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Getting Lost On My Way by Diane Hartman is a debut memoir that blends self-discovery with a detailed travel guide to Ireland. Readers will applaud the bravery of this solitary, middle-aged librarian. Divorce and “black dog” depression ignite a fire to embark on a rare journey. Inspired by her love of Irish music and Celtic mysticism, she plans a trip to Ireland—alone.
Ms. Hartman writes about the beauty of the countryside but also details every hitch, misadventure, and wrong turn of the trip. Did loneliness creep up on her? Of course, but she was just as lonely back at home. And I honestly believe that she could see herself more clearly because she was alone. The reader is there for every emotional minute, in the times of courage and when life fell apart. I loved her honesty and found myself cheering for her as she grew in her self-awareness and became a more powerful version of herself.
“I would need to remind myself to wrestle the Black Dog, to stand my ground, to love unconditionally, to forgive others, to forgive myself. And most of all that . . .
‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
She Writes Press
Ms. Hartman writes about the beauty of the countryside but also details every hitch, misadventure, and wrong turn of the trip. Did loneliness creep up on her? Of course, but she was just as lonely back at home. And I honestly believe that she could see herself more clearly because she was alone. The reader is there for every emotional minute, in the times of courage and when life fell apart. I loved her honesty and found myself cheering for her as she grew in her self-awareness and became a more powerful version of herself.
“I would need to remind myself to wrestle the Black Dog, to stand my ground, to love unconditionally, to forgive others, to forgive myself. And most of all that . . .
‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
She Writes Press
October 7, 2025
Full disclosure: I was given a free advance reader copy of this book by Books Forward in exchange for an honest review.
Content warning: this review briefly mentions depression and suicide.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to two Ireland study abroad reunion events hosted by my college. It was a lot of fun. While I was there, I reminisced about my time there back in 2014 with other alumni. I also happened to be reading the memoir "Getting Lost on My Way: Self-Discovery on Ireland’s Backroads" by Diane Hartman at the same time. Not only did it put me in the best nostalgic mode ever, I was completely invested in the story of one woman’s journey towards acceptance.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
Content warning: this review briefly mentions depression and suicide.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to two Ireland study abroad reunion events hosted by my college. It was a lot of fun. While I was there, I reminisced about my time there back in 2014 with other alumni. I also happened to be reading the memoir "Getting Lost on My Way: Self-Discovery on Ireland’s Backroads" by Diane Hartman at the same time. Not only did it put me in the best nostalgic mode ever, I was completely invested in the story of one woman’s journey towards acceptance.
To read more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
October 4, 2025
A travel memoir featuring a middle-aged woman trying to rediscover herself after her divorce.
This one certainly had some things going for it, but I'm glad that I've finally made my way through it. It was interesting enough to learn more about Ireland and witness an account of Diane's experiences in this beautiful country that helped shape her into the person she is today. However, I did find this book to get a tad repetitive, because she returns to many of the same places again and again. This is real life though, so I don't fault her for it.
One thing that I found neat about this book is the fact that Diane is a photographer. Photography is something that I find fascinating, though I despise taking pictures myself and know little about the artform. I found it entertaining to see Diane photographing the majestic landscapes of Ireland as well as the various different kinds of wildlife and farm animals that reside there. I was disappointed that very little of Diane's work made it into the book; I think accompanying photos would have greatly enhanced the reading experience for me.
Another thing I found interesting is how Diane learns some great lessons about herself and the world around her through the beauty of everyday occurrences. She contemplates synchronicity, fate, and other such things all as she works to become a more confident version of herself. Lessons can be pulled consistently from her work and Diane tends to end every chapter with a reflection on the story. The way that she accounts how each incident affected her as a person is open and honest, which makes for an easy reading experience. Everyone has work to be done on themself, so reading about other's bettering themselves can be inspirational and good for the soul.
Overall, "Getting Lost on My Way" was by no means the most interesting memoir I've ever read. However, it was a decent enough read that showcased one women's allure towards Ireland and the many journeys she experienced while there. Diane's interest in Irish culture, photography, music, and poetry often enhanced my enjoyment of this book, but in the end, it all sort of blends together with only a few scenes sticking out. I can't say I'd recommend this one, but if you are a travel buff or an Ireland fanatic, this may be one to add to your list.
This one certainly had some things going for it, but I'm glad that I've finally made my way through it. It was interesting enough to learn more about Ireland and witness an account of Diane's experiences in this beautiful country that helped shape her into the person she is today. However, I did find this book to get a tad repetitive, because she returns to many of the same places again and again. This is real life though, so I don't fault her for it.
One thing that I found neat about this book is the fact that Diane is a photographer. Photography is something that I find fascinating, though I despise taking pictures myself and know little about the artform. I found it entertaining to see Diane photographing the majestic landscapes of Ireland as well as the various different kinds of wildlife and farm animals that reside there. I was disappointed that very little of Diane's work made it into the book; I think accompanying photos would have greatly enhanced the reading experience for me.
Another thing I found interesting is how Diane learns some great lessons about herself and the world around her through the beauty of everyday occurrences. She contemplates synchronicity, fate, and other such things all as she works to become a more confident version of herself. Lessons can be pulled consistently from her work and Diane tends to end every chapter with a reflection on the story. The way that she accounts how each incident affected her as a person is open and honest, which makes for an easy reading experience. Everyone has work to be done on themself, so reading about other's bettering themselves can be inspirational and good for the soul.
Overall, "Getting Lost on My Way" was by no means the most interesting memoir I've ever read. However, it was a decent enough read that showcased one women's allure towards Ireland and the many journeys she experienced while there. Diane's interest in Irish culture, photography, music, and poetry often enhanced my enjoyment of this book, but in the end, it all sort of blends together with only a few scenes sticking out. I can't say I'd recommend this one, but if you are a travel buff or an Ireland fanatic, this may be one to add to your list.
February 24, 2026
Getting Lost On My Way, takes us on Diane Hartman’s journey to Ireland to find herself after the end of her twenty-two-year-long marriage. It is, in her own words, “the story of a middle-aged woman who set out on four solo journeys to Ireland, a country I had yearned to visit for several years, to conquer fears, take risks, and tame the Black Dog of depression.”
Hartman winds through the back roads of Ireland, touring sacred sites, visiting with writers and following one of her favorite folk-rock bands, the Saw Doctors, reflecting her love of Celtic literature, music, and spirituality. She goes to poetry readings and concerts, visits the Cliffs of Mohr, and participates in a writer’s retreat. Covering four separate trips, short chapters describe Diane’s many experiences meeting local Irish folks as well as her visits with people who become her friends. Hartman recounts friendly encounters with farmers, dogs, and goats, and a bizarre afternoon with a nun. The book is filled with conversations with B & B hosts, writers, and musicians, as Diane gains new insights about Ireland and its people with each successive trip.
Diane reveals that she struggles with depression and describes herself as an introvert, but seems to transform as she ventures out to explore the Emerald Isle. Though understandably nervous at first about traveling alone, Diane manages driving narrow roads and easily chats with local Irish she meets along the way. While there are many colorful descriptions of the beautiful landscape, a map would have helped me visualize the places Diane traveled to and added a stronger send of place.
Getting Lost On My Way is a memoir about a woman finding out who she is away from her usual life and her connection to a place that holds special meaning for her. By the end of her last journey, Diane has navigated some important turning points and set an example to other women longing to set out on their own journey of self-discovery.
- Story Circle Network
Hartman winds through the back roads of Ireland, touring sacred sites, visiting with writers and following one of her favorite folk-rock bands, the Saw Doctors, reflecting her love of Celtic literature, music, and spirituality. She goes to poetry readings and concerts, visits the Cliffs of Mohr, and participates in a writer’s retreat. Covering four separate trips, short chapters describe Diane’s many experiences meeting local Irish folks as well as her visits with people who become her friends. Hartman recounts friendly encounters with farmers, dogs, and goats, and a bizarre afternoon with a nun. The book is filled with conversations with B & B hosts, writers, and musicians, as Diane gains new insights about Ireland and its people with each successive trip.
Diane reveals that she struggles with depression and describes herself as an introvert, but seems to transform as she ventures out to explore the Emerald Isle. Though understandably nervous at first about traveling alone, Diane manages driving narrow roads and easily chats with local Irish she meets along the way. While there are many colorful descriptions of the beautiful landscape, a map would have helped me visualize the places Diane traveled to and added a stronger send of place.
Getting Lost On My Way is a memoir about a woman finding out who she is away from her usual life and her connection to a place that holds special meaning for her. By the end of her last journey, Diane has navigated some important turning points and set an example to other women longing to set out on their own journey of self-discovery.
- Story Circle Network
August 14, 2025
IRELAND
Memoir/Travelogue
The author found herself drawn to all things Irish, the music, the people, the folklore and traditions, and following her divorce, she found the courage to explore the South Western / Western corners of the island, motivated in large part by an encounter with the author John O'Donohue and knowledge of his book Anam Cara. She had accumulated a lot of emotional baggage over the years and needed time to process and reflect and clearly she felt 'called' to the Emerald Isle. This was to be her adventure and hers alone.
"Look at ye. Traveling all by yerself! Brilliant!" as one travelling companion observed.
From Shannon airport she begins the steep learning curve of driving and navigating her way around the windy roads. She details her route, her encounters, and is overwhelmed in general by the kindness of the locals (although she receives a snooty retort when learning about bog cotton in Galway 😉). This, her first short trip, sows the seeds for subsequent travels, treading familiar paths and branching out in new directions. Driving is much easier, she discovers, with an automatic vehicle rather than one with a gear-stick.
This is a heartening and redemptive memoir about Ireland, travel, resilience and joy, as the author finds her travelling feet, meets new and old friends including a hermit nun; and delights in her encounters with her favourite Irish rock band.
This is inspiration for any individual planning a trip to Ireland.
Memoir/Travelogue
The author found herself drawn to all things Irish, the music, the people, the folklore and traditions, and following her divorce, she found the courage to explore the South Western / Western corners of the island, motivated in large part by an encounter with the author John O'Donohue and knowledge of his book Anam Cara. She had accumulated a lot of emotional baggage over the years and needed time to process and reflect and clearly she felt 'called' to the Emerald Isle. This was to be her adventure and hers alone.
"Look at ye. Traveling all by yerself! Brilliant!" as one travelling companion observed.
From Shannon airport she begins the steep learning curve of driving and navigating her way around the windy roads. She details her route, her encounters, and is overwhelmed in general by the kindness of the locals (although she receives a snooty retort when learning about bog cotton in Galway 😉). This, her first short trip, sows the seeds for subsequent travels, treading familiar paths and branching out in new directions. Driving is much easier, she discovers, with an automatic vehicle rather than one with a gear-stick.
This is a heartening and redemptive memoir about Ireland, travel, resilience and joy, as the author finds her travelling feet, meets new and old friends including a hermit nun; and delights in her encounters with her favourite Irish rock band.
This is inspiration for any individual planning a trip to Ireland.
August 30, 2025
Getting Lost On My Way by Diane Hartman felt like sitting down with a friend over tea and hearing the story of how she rebuilt her life. In Getting Lost On My Way, Diane Hartman, a middle-aged, introverted librarian, takes a leap that so many of us dream about but rarely do she books a solo trip to Ireland. What starts as a getaway rooted in her love of Irish music and Celtic spirituality quickly turns into a winding road trip of healing, courage, and finding herself again after divorce and depression.
What I loved most is that Diane doesn’t romanticize her journey. Sure, Ireland is beautiful, but she also writes about the fear, the wrong turns literally and figuratively, the near-impossible-to-navigate roads, and the way loneliness sometimes crept in. Her honesty makes her victories whether it’s successfully navigating a narrow country lane or embracing a moment of stillness feel all the more powerful.
By the end, Ireland isn’t just a backdrop; it becomes a partner in her transformation. Each trip back gives her another piece of clarity, another step toward acceptance and joy. It’s inspiring without being sugarcoated, and I found myself cheering for her courage to keep showing up for herself, even when it was messy.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Diane Hartman for sharing this book with me!
What I loved most is that Diane doesn’t romanticize her journey. Sure, Ireland is beautiful, but she also writes about the fear, the wrong turns literally and figuratively, the near-impossible-to-navigate roads, and the way loneliness sometimes crept in. Her honesty makes her victories whether it’s successfully navigating a narrow country lane or embracing a moment of stillness feel all the more powerful.
By the end, Ireland isn’t just a backdrop; it becomes a partner in her transformation. Each trip back gives her another piece of clarity, another step toward acceptance and joy. It’s inspiring without being sugarcoated, and I found myself cheering for her courage to keep showing up for herself, even when it was messy.
⚡️Thank you Books Forward PR and Diane Hartman for sharing this book with me!
September 10, 2025
Getting Lost on My Way is an endearing and inspiring memoir that blends self-discovery with the irresistible charm of travel. Diane Hartman takes us along on her journey through Ireland’s winding backroads, where every wrong turn leads to unexpected beauty and meaningful encounters.
Her storytelling feels intimate and authentic, as though you’re sitting beside her in the car, laughing at missed roundabouts, sharing quiet moments of awe, and feeling the weight of personal transformation as she rediscovers herself. The backdrop of Ireland — its rugged cliffs, cozy pubs, ancient ruins, and warm-hearted people — becomes almost a character of its own, guiding her healing and growth.
This isn’t just a book about travel; it’s about finding courage, embracing uncertainty, and opening yourself to the magic of life’s detours. Diane’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone and follow curiosity wherever it leads makes this memoir both uplifting and deeply relatable.
For anyone who loves tales of exploration, reinvention, and the quiet power of wandering, Getting Lost on My Way will leave you with a full heart and a renewed sense of adventure.
Her storytelling feels intimate and authentic, as though you’re sitting beside her in the car, laughing at missed roundabouts, sharing quiet moments of awe, and feeling the weight of personal transformation as she rediscovers herself. The backdrop of Ireland — its rugged cliffs, cozy pubs, ancient ruins, and warm-hearted people — becomes almost a character of its own, guiding her healing and growth.
This isn’t just a book about travel; it’s about finding courage, embracing uncertainty, and opening yourself to the magic of life’s detours. Diane’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone and follow curiosity wherever it leads makes this memoir both uplifting and deeply relatable.
For anyone who loves tales of exploration, reinvention, and the quiet power of wandering, Getting Lost on My Way will leave you with a full heart and a renewed sense of adventure.
October 21, 2025
With so much turbulence in America, taking a respite and finding yourself in the rocky cliffs of Ireland feels like a dream. Diane Hartman didn't wait for the dream to happen--with chaotic driving and a mantra, she jumped into her own adventure and encourages others to do the same. Getting Lost is equal parts big details and little details, small characters from the little boy on the bicycle, to literary and musical icons. I hope to be listening to Luka Bloom long after this review has collected dust. The smaller details help the reader feel like Hartman's journey could be theirs. Hartman doesn't overdramatize; she includes the wet laundry in her narrative, so you can feel like your feet are crunching the earth and birdwatching beside her. If you enjoy turning past storms into peace, sensory details, and easy companionships, this is a good book to add to your library.
January 21, 2026
Getting Lost on My Way by Diane Hartman is a wonderful book about the author’s journey traveling through the backroads of Ireland and her own self-discovery journey. The book has a wonderful conversational tone that helps you to feel like you have taken up your own back-pack and are walking with the author. The descriptions of the people and places she visited in Ireland came to life for me, and her contemplations resonated with me.
Getting Lost on My Way by Diane Hartman is filled with the author’s honesty, humor, and relatable experiences. This reflective work is a beautiful redemptive story. I highly recommend.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
Getting Lost on My Way by Diane Hartman is filled with the author’s honesty, humor, and relatable experiences. This reflective work is a beautiful redemptive story. I highly recommend.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
October 3, 2025
Getting Lost on My Way by Diane Hartman is a memoir written by the author and goes into the author's journey as she takes a journey around Ireland and tries to discover herself along the way. The author tells the readers about the beautiful countryside and the adventure of a lifetime of her trip. It is such a realistic and real telling of how you can sometimes be lonely anywhere in the world and have baggage anywhere in the world that you need to deal with. She also gets the chance to meet new and old friends on her journey in this book also, which is amazing. You really get a chance to hear about her life and how she completely rebuilt a lot about her life overall.
April 19, 2026
Author Diane Hartman takes us along the roads of The Emerald Isle as she travels solo to places that guide her heart. I enjoyed following her along on Google Maps to learn more about Ireland. She takes us along her inner terrain of depression as well as into her adventurous spirit. Diane pushes herself to find inner peace. Along the way, she meets interesting people and hob nobs with notable musicians. A great read and roadmap if you're thinking of visiting Ireland!
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this humorous and inspiring memoir! I am also a fan of Irish culture and music so learning about her experience traveling there several times was so much fun. I am Irish, but you don't have to be to enjoy the travel diary of mishaps and miracles.
September 11, 2025
Getting Lost On My Way is a beautifully written memoir that reminds us healing isn’t linear, and meaning often waits in the places we least expect. The book is more than a travelogue; it’s an intimate reflection on grief, resilience, and the messy, beautiful process of beginning again.
July 3, 2025
Like all the best travel memoirs, this one made me want to take a trip. To Ireland!
January 4, 2026
Excellent book by Diane Hartman. It makes me want to visit the places in the book in Ireland.
April 15, 2026
Getting Lost on My Way by Diane Hartman is an enchanting story of self discovery. The author takes us on a fascinating journey through Ireland’s backroads. Her descriptions of the landscape and stories of stepping out of her comfort zone and making new friends makes you feel as if you are right there with her. If you love Ireland you’ll definitely want to read this one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews