Wild Fierce Life: Dangerous Moments on the Outer Coast

by Joanna Streetly

Unflinching and heart-stopping stories that evoke a respect for nature both in its fragility and its power.

Wild Fierce Life is a heart-stopping collection of true stories that blend life on the Pacific Coast with the life of a girl unfurling into a woman and learning how a landscape can change her. Author Joanna Streetly arrived on the west coast of Vancouver Island when she was nineteen, and soon adapted to a kind of life only a few Canadians can imagine: working on boats of all sorts, guiding multi-day wilderness kayak trips along the BC coast, and coping with remote living situations often without electricity or running water.

From a near-death experience while swimming at night to an enigmatic encounter with a cougar, these stories capture the isolation of living on the continental edge contrasted with the beachcomber’s delight and a sense of belonging among the ocean and the shore. Streetly's vivid storytelling evokes a sincere respect for nature, both its fragility and its power.

Full of unflinching self-examination, unwavering attention to detail, and a fidelity to the landscape of Vancouver Island's outer coast, these stories paint a rich portrait not only of a remote wilderness lifestyle but also of a woman learning to cope with the unexpected pleasures and dangers of the wild life.

Genres: Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2018

Reviews

[Leah Vanderwiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, and definitely a page turner. Sometimes though I found myself lost in the timeline, as it is a series of small stories rather than a timeline of Joanna's life. Other than that, it is a deeply fascinating read for anyone who knows and loves the rugged West Coast.

[Emma Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! So vivid, amazingly written, feels so close to nature to read and imagine the stories. Loved it

[Marjorie Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Well-written tales of harrowing situations that the author either got herself into or happened to her, and the ways she got herself out. Frankly, it was a little scary - she seems to court danger at times.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. Coincidence that I read it concurrently with “One Native Life” by Richard Wagamese. Both authors musings about life according to their experiences. I would have given this book a 5 save for a misleading “sneak peek” as my son calls it. From the book jacket intro I was expecting wild stories of ship wrecks and storms, but Streetly tells of everyday dangers that occur within her coastal lifestyle. No less Wild or Fierce, just not what I was expecting. Her stories kept me interested and reading. Would recommend.

[Amanda Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book chronicles moments of the author’s life. Sometimes tense, sometimes reflective. It is written in such beautiful prose that it made me cry and dream of living on my own float house on the west coast.

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me so nostalgic for my time growing up in rural Canada: when life was simpler, one was surrounded by nature, and life on the water. It’s also a healthy reminder that within these wonderful pockets of the world are a healthy amount of things that want to kill you!

Check out the floathouses via internet search - these things are super cool! Having lived in London, I was picturing canal houseboats but no, these are literal floating houses!

A great read from a fantastically unique perspective. I’m glad I found this for £1 at my local book shop. It’s engaging, highly readable, and transports you fully to the Outer Coast.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed her writing style and poignant observations on life...both the wild and the fierce. Also, I knew nothing of house boat living in Canada before reading this book. Quelle belle surprise.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful writing, poetic.
interesting stories about living on the coast.