Alone in the World: How to find courage & clarity in uncertain times

by Miriam Lancewood

With inspiring stories and practical advice, Miriam shows how to become more self-reliant and independent. Whether you are an adventurer or just want to learn how to be better prepared for challenging situations, this is your guide to a freer life.

'Miriam finds beauty in what lies beyond fear.' Ben Fogle, New Lives in the Wild

Do something unexpected. Sooner, rather than later.

Miriam Lancewood – adventurer, philosopher, brave and extraordinary yet humble human being – takes you into her world of expeditions through New Zealand, Bulgaria, the Himalayas, India, Turkey, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

She hitchhikes to remote locations, camps in the wild, fights off bears, fights off unwanted men, climbs mountains, and survives by eating from the land and living by her wits.

Miriam aims to overcome fear by deepening her independence. Each adventure reflects both her strengths and vulnerabilities, and she tells vivid and deeply personal stories drawn from those experiences.

With practical advice on how to prepare for the unexpected, Alone in the World will resonate with anyone seeking courage and clarity as the world becomes increasingly unpredictable and fragile.

Miriam Lancewood's first book, the international bestseller Woman in the Wilderness, described the seven incredible years she and her husband Peter spent living in the wilderness. With no modern conveniences they embraced a nomadic lifestyle, sleeping in a tent, cooking over open fires and moving with the rhythm of nature. Her second book Wild at Heart focused on a time when Peter became very ill and their lifestyle had to adapt.

Genres: Nonfiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Elsa Termato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am drawn to any stories of adventure to wild places and this is a stand out for combining the outer journeys with the inner ones that provide meaning. Miriam is an extraordinary woman of courage and determination and strength. And writes very well.

[Montana Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a small store in New Zealand my first night road tripping and camping in my car alone, it gave me lots of comfort and a new mindset

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire how Miriam has chosen the path less travelled. She wrote both practically and philosophically about her various adventures.

What stood out to me –
“Dividing life into numbers and blindly following a script is a trap. Challenge the stories in your mind. Stepping away from safety reignites inner courage. Too much excitement can lead to burn out, and too little makes the mind dull. If you cling on to something just for the sake of security, it will lead to regrets. Without rest, movement loses its meaning, and without movement, rest feels empty.”

My only criticism is she seems to have nothing positive to say about cities (or those who live in them). Connection to nature is a spectrum.

[Margaret Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book by Miriam Lancewoid.
O loved it. Some may nit. You have to like the grand outdoors andyramoing and climbing for weeks at a time sometimes on your own.
Miriam par5ner/hysband live in a small old cottage in rhe forest in Bulgaria. Off grid. As he has kidney problems caused by dehydration during a trip to India Miriam goes off on trips yo India Himalayas ans try kaftan wrong spelling.with friends.
She was born in the Netherlands and partner is a kiwi.
I am going to read an earlier book of hers called in the Wilderness when they both live alone in rhe bush for 4 years in Aotearoa.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly open and honest, Miriam's wild and free lifestyle and thoughtful contemplations are good food for thought for those of us inclined to somehow not follow the traditional path and expectations.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of wide-eyed adventure, immersion in wild nature, and philosophical insights into life, this is a warm and inspiring read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Miriam’s writing and this was no exception. Another great read that left me inspired and full of awe. I hope she never stops writing books

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly enjoyable read. Wonder what her next adventure will be?