Devorgilla Days: A memoir of hope and healing

by Kathleen Hart

'We all need a Devorgilla Cottage somewhere in our hearts' - Kirsty Wark
'Beautifully written' - Alexander Armstrong

This is a story about uncovering the things that really matter, and discovering what makes us feel alive. It is a story about finding that inner strength and resilience, and never giving up hope.

Eight years ago, Kathleen Hart was diagnosed with breast cancer. Further complications led to a protracted recovery and months spent in hospital, where Kathleen had to learn how to walk again. While recuperating, she came across a small whitewashed cottage for sale in Wigtown, Scotland. Driving hundreds of miles on nothing more than a few photographs and an inkling, she bought it that very same day, and named it Devorgilla after the formidable 13th century Scottish princess.

Devorgilla Days is the story of how Kathleen left behind her old life to begin again in Scotland's book capital. From renovating her cottage to exploring the seemingly quiet, but actually bustling town, she encounters a whole community of book lovers, beekeepers, artists and writers - and Lobster Fishermen. Kathleen starts wild swimming, a ritual that brings peace and clarity to her mind as her body heals. And, with the support of her virtual worldwide community who know her as PoshPedlar on Instagram, she rebuilds her life again.

Heartwarming and deeply moving, Devorgilla Days is an inspiring tale of one woman's remarkable journey, a celebration of community, and a call-to-arms for anyone who has ever dreamt of starting over.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Scotland, Biography, Book Club, Autobiography

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2022

Reviews

[Heather Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Feel bereft as I’ve finished it and I want more. Absolutely brilliant. More thorough review to follow...

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilience is the word that springs to mind when reading about Kathleen Hart’s long and arduous recovery from life-threatening illness, a process that was not without its setbacks.  Devorgilla Days charts her decision to leave her old life behind (a surprisingly glamorous one, we learn) and move to Wigtown, known as Scotland’s book capital. A town with twelve bookshops – how fantastic is that? The rather dilapidated cottage she renovates she names Devorgilla after a 13th century Scottish princess whose independence of spirit Kathleen emulates in spades.

The author writes of her surprise at the generosity of the local people and how readily they welcome her into the community. It’s the sort of place where people leave fresh lobsters at your door, bring you a hot drink at the beach on a cold day or check up on you if they haven’t seen you for a few days.  However, I think Kathleen underplays her own willingness to throw herself into the life of the town, chatting to people she meets in the street and embracing the various social activities Wigtown has to offer. ‘Have a go’ becomes her motto and so we see her taking art and tai chi classes, joining ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions in the village hall, attempting to learn Scottish country dancing (even if she describes her efforts as those of ‘a geriatric elephant’), attending pub quiz nights and, eventually, taking a course in beekeeping.

Central to her new life though – and an essential part of her physical and mental recovery- is her daily swim in the sea. One of the lovely features of the book is the chapters in which Kathleen relates details of her daily swim and the wildlife she encounters – everything from ‘belligerent gulls’ to ‘a bedraggled skein of geese’ to jellyfish (the latter with rather unfortunate results). Although she lives alone, it’s by choice; a conscious decision to focus on what’s important to her and to prioritise her own wellbeing. As she observes, ‘I’m learning to be my own best friend.’  The cottage itself, which she gradually fills with furniture from the Aladdin’s cave which is the community shop, she describes as her sanctuary, ‘a hug of a place where I feel comfortable and safe’.

Devorgilla Days is an unflinchingly honest account of recovering from the trauma of serious illness. It’s also a wonderfully uplifting book about the power of the human spirit, the role of nature in our health and wellbeing, and the importance of community.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart is an excellent book that is part memoir, part naturalist essays, part journal that I can say will confidently be one of the best books that I have ever read. Honestly.

This is the story of one woman, Kathleen, that moves to a small village in western Scotland in the quest of healing, happiness, and as a way to conquer the years of medical diagnoses and physical obstacles that she has tackled with fortitude and determination. This is a story of being able to settle with what is beyond our control, the process of healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and finding that ray of light that finally peaks through the overcast. This is one woman's story of a chance at life.

I have to say, I had not heard of @poshpedlar before reading this book, but I have to say I am now following, and now a fan. Ms. Hart has went through more medical concerns and complications, not even counting the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, then most people I have known. My heart went out to her on her reflections of all of the problems that ensued from the fallout that presented itself after her initial diagnosis and surgery. I am beyond impressed with her right off just from that. But her bravery to exit her comfort zone, move from western England and to a small village in Scotland into a true fixer-upper cottage where she knows no one or anything, was heroic. Her ability to create a life for herself, well-deserved, working through her traumas, her past, and finding herself, her ability to find happiness, and to find a future was just inspiring. And her ability to write all of this down in a series of entries, reflections, and essays, all the while having the talent to figuratively take the reader there with her was just stunning.

I loved every moment of her (hopeful) daily swims, her descriptions of the village, the landscapes, nature, her feelings, her hopes, dreams, fears...I loved it all. It was presently so perfectly, flaws and all. It is truly touching, memorable, and I am honored to be able to read her story and her life, and I can only hope that I can look onward in regards to my life with that mentality, drive, determination, and heart. I have already started following her on Instagram and have pre-ordered her book, which says it all.

This book is just stunning. Do yourself a favor and read this. It will change your life. I feel as if it has changed mine.

5/5 stars enthusiastically.

Thank you NG and Two Roads/John Murray Press for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/27/21.

[Jood · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author, after enduring dreadful ill health and undergoing gruelling treatment decides to upsticks and move from Cheshire to Wigtown in Scotland. There she buys and renovates a small cottage and immerses herself in writing and in the local community. Wigtown is known as Scotland's “book town” and so she finds it the perfect place in which to recover.

I tried to like this book. I really wanted to, but I just cannot get into it. The writing style is all a bit twee for me and, if I'm honest, a bit stodgy.

I'm pleased that the author found peace and happiness and the road to recovery, but I didn't enjoy reading about it and gave up before I was a third of the way in.

My thanks to Amazon for a free copy to review

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved The Saltpath you will like this book. A story of health struggles interlinked with amazing descriptions of Scotland. Set in an area I know well and describes a lot of areas I would like to explore further.
Hold
On
Pain
Ends

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to reading this, based as it is in Wigtown, Scotland’s book town and I was absolutely not disappointed. What a wonderful read, in the words of the author,
‘it’s a pared down,stress less existence, the edited version ;a much-needed holiday for my head.’

Forget shop till you drop experiences and triumph over ‘stuff’, instead try swimming in the cold sea, knit and natter, bee keeping, lots of lovely bookshops and friendly welcoming folk. Kathleen Hart is a magician - conjuring up Wigtown - the sights, the smells, the sounds.

When you read a book you look for the perfect place, time and person - ta da!! Here it is !!

A real balm for the soul - I loved it.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC . Published 28.05.21 - I will certainly be buying a copy as I will be revisiting this book for years to come.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Devorgilla Days' is an absolute tonic for the soul. A beautiful book about starting again and not giving up when life has dealt you a tough hand. Kathleen Kent is a wonderful author, she has a very intimate way of writing that draws you in and fills your head with beautiful pictures of the people and landscapes she meets and sees. I defy anyone to read this book and not put Wigtown on a list of place they want to visit. I'm already planning a trip there (when we can finally do things like go on trips that don't involve supermarkets!) At any time this book would lift one's spirits but right now it was exactly the right kind of book to be reading and left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and the hope that things can turn out okay in the end. I sincerely hope that we will be able to return to Devorgilla Cottage in further books.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devorgilla Days is an inspiring account of Kathleen Hart's 'rebirth' after years of serious and life-threatening illness. She sold up her home and moved to a small cottage in Wigtown, Scotland, to start over in a completely different environment and with very different priorities from her pre-cancer days.

There's a lot to like about this book. How she fills her time and gets involved with the community in her new town is very inspiring. I recently lost my job and find myself also with time to get more involved and can see real parallels in Kathleen's life. Anybody fearing that a Sassenach will not be welcomed north of the border will soon realise this isn't a "You're not from round here" type of town.

I was familiar with Wigtown from the book 'Confessions of a Bookseller' and found it mildly amusing that the book store in that book doesn't even get a mention.

My one criticism - and the reason for 4 stars rather than potentially 5 stars - is that there's WAY too much about cold water swimming for my liking. Whilst it's an important part of her recovery, the accounts get very repetitive and a bit draining.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.

[Sally Boocock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly wonderful account of showing resilience in the face of adversity. In these hard times it was a pleasure to be whisked away to Devorgilla cottage in Wigtown, which is Scotland's book town. It certainly made me want to go there. After numerous health issues Katleen moves to a dilapidated cottage in Scotland where she fully embraces the local culture and is able to pursue her love of swimming in the sea. Beautifully written it certainly made me feel uplifted.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devorgilla days,tells Kathleens story as she recovers from breast cancer surgery, and other surgery leaving her weak in pain and a shadow of her former self! Big life choices are made as Kathleen leaves her home and partner and moves to Scotland to live a more basic/Simple life, the slower pace of life, seasonal food, daily swims in the sea are all part of the healing process for Kathleen and as she establishes herself in the community, making friends, joining groups and being accepted by the locals she begins to enjoy her new way of life and flourishes as her recovery continues!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In parts a difficult but honest read with the subject matter. I felt fully immersed in the scenery and such beautiful descriptions of the surrounding area. An uplifting story and inspiring one. Not quite what i was expecting in a good way.

[Alison Starnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Kathleen Hart moved to Wigtown in Scotland (not to be confused with Wigton in Cumbria) after a series of major surgeries and protracted recovery. Buying a small rundown cottage, she sets to work making it habitable and, in the process, discovers a warm community of people who go out of their way to make her welcome.

Wigtown is a book town, with several bookshops, and Kathleen mentions most of them in her book, as well as her visits to the library and various classes she undertakes. Each of the main chapters is separated by a chapter on her wild swims in a small bay near Wigtown, the cold water bracing but therapeutic.

Kathleen's journey has not been straightforward and she is disarmingly candid about the dips in that journey, the scares and wobbles along the road to recovery. She faces the future without self-pity, determined to forge something positive from the most challenging years in her life.

I was particularly struck by the section where she mentioned getting rid of a vast collection of handbags and clothes, accumulated over the years before her operations. It seemed to be a metaphor for shedding her old life to embrace the new one and challenged me to think about my priorities.

Wigtown comes across as a lovely town, with friendly and kind souls who have a real sense of community spirit, just like the town where I live here on the south coast of England. So much of the local landscape is mentioned too, and the way the weather and landscape change over the course of the year. I also love the way the conversations and laughter are recounted from the various classes and groups that Kathleen becomes part of.

An uplifting and affirming read, full of life and warmth, which I thoroughly recommend.

I was sent an advance review copy of this book by John Murray Press, in return for an honest appraisal.

[The Brown Paper Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Hart draws us in with her wit and wisdom in Devorgilla Days: A Memoir of Hope and Healing. An engaging storyteller, every scene of her new life in the bookish village of Wigtown gives you the feeling that something exciting is about to happen. She makes it happen. Still standing and determined after one devastating health blow after another, she sets her sights on the future, which happens to be “Scotland’s National Book Town’. She buys a dilapidated house, renovates, and names it “Devorgilla, after a thirteenth-century Scottish noblewoman, Lady of Galloway. She was sassy, strong, and brave with bucketloads of moxie.” The house reflects the new owner who has moxie in spades. She takes to wild swimming to heal her tired body, joins The October Club, Knit and Knatter, Reading Lasses for Lunch, takes Gaelic lessons, beekeeping, and more. In these pages, she finds who she truly is, and we cheer her on. It is what I loved about this book, a reminder that life is precious, it is to be celebrated, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Posh Pedlar before, despite being a bit of an Instagram junkie. I fell in love with her through the words in this book and as soon as I'd finished it, rushed off to follow her on Instagram because I want to find out what happens next in her remarkable life. This is a memoir of coming through trauma and suffering and starting again. It's not in the slightest bit miserable. I found it uplifting and joyous and I was rooting her on from the first chapter. She writes beautifully about a part of the country that has deep significance in my own life and I felt she loves and honours it as much as I do. It's glorious.

[Daisy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite probably my favourite book of 2021, Devorgilla Days soothed my soul, raised my spirits and inspired me to make room for the magic.

A memoir of healing and hope, written with true grit, with heart and with warmth.

The author endured what can only be described as hell. Cancer, mastectomy, post-op infections, pneumonia and back surgery (plus more infections). Life literally could not carry on as before.

So, a move to Scotland. To a cottage named Devorgilla, derelict and in desperate need of tlc. Immediately embraced by the local community, Kathleen immerses herself in gentle pursuits. And in contrast, swims as often as weather permits in the sea. The place that soothes pain and lifts spirits. Here she pares life back to its simplest and finds a new way to be.

My favourite quote is towards the end of this beautiful memoir and is simply this:

'The pair of us together, once neglected and derelict, now revived and restored. We rescued each other'.

[Lidwien · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are no rules. It is never too late.”

Kathleen Hart moves to Wigtown, Scotland after a series of serious health battles. Here, she finally has time to recover and to consider what she wants her future to look like. This is a story about a woman who “Marie Kondo’d” her life and has regained a new focus on what’s important to her: nature, community and healing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was very eager to learn more about Kathleen’s story. Although she had to face incredible health challenges, she did not become pessimistic but is instead trying to get back to enjoying life. While this may sound dark, I actually thought the book was full of hope. I really enjoyed the descriptions of nature and Scotland and in my opinion she managed to capture the spirit of the place. I was also impressed by the number of community clubs that she partakes in! This is an inspiring story about finding the light at the end of the tunnel. I just wish I was on a flight to Scotland now…
I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in Scotland, healing, and the power of taking charge of your own life.

[Cassandra Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a memoir that is much more than the story of a life changing move to a Scottish village, although the author's love of Galloway spills over in the many eloquent passages about this beautiful part of Scotland. The locals are depicted with sharp observation, but kindly, respectfully and with gentle humour.

In 'Devorgilla Days' there are devastating parts of Kathleen Hart's personal history which are gradually revealed throughout. They are recalled honestly and factually without self indulgence of any sort, but with strength and stoicism. The structure of this work moves between the past and the present in a way which maintains the gentle, reflective pace of the work while still building curiosity and tension at intervals. This story shows an individual who has chosen to live her life as fully as possible, finding and embracing new challenges

[Lisa Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving every page of this tenderly written memoir of a devastating health crisis, followed by the author's return to health and peace and stability. Her move to a small Scottish town is the result of following her heart instead of others' expectations of how she should live her life--an inspiration for all of us looking for authenticity and meaning in life. She details the natural world there through the chapters that focus on her solitary ocean swims, juxtaposed with the kind people who befriend her.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a trip to Scotland with an engaging travel guide, and inspiration on living a life true to yourself. Beautifully written. I feel like I am there when I pick up this book and begin turning pages.

[Tony S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not follow Kathleen on her blog (though I do now). The description of this book sounded really interesting and I must say I was not disappointed.
This really is an uplifting and life affirming book that is totally captivating. While reading it I looked up so many references and points of interest it took longer to finish than I thought!
I can not recommend this book highly enough if you want a real tonic to lift your mood and to show what you can do with your life once you set your mind to it. I wont say much more as I will let the story tell itself but read this book you will not regret it..

[Zoe Fraser]

I have followed Kathleen Hart as @poshpedlar on Instagram for some years and knew a little of the illness in her life but until I read this memoir I had no idea just how truly traumatic it had been. I admired her spirit and courage before reading Devorgilla Days now I am just full of admiration for her courage and stoicism not only in the way she dealt with each major health issue that affected her but also her courage to start a new life in Scotland whilst still recovering and the way she embraced and immersed herself in her new life . This book is uplifting , brave and inspirational and in my view this woman has balls. Well done Kathleen. I am proud to be an Insta friend .

[Janet Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Devorgilla Days which tells the heartwarming story of Kathleen’s search for a simpler and more meaningful life following a devastating and life-changing period of ill-health. She was irresistibly drawn to a run-down cottage by the sea in rural SW Scotland , and the book tells us how Kathleen started to rebuild her health, her life, and her cottage. She found strength in the way the locals took her to their hearts - whether the knit and natter group, the bee keepers, or the local Community shop.
Like many others , I knew of Kathleen through her uplifting , positive @Poshpedler Instagram page, so it came as no surprise to me that Devorgilla Days was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully written book, telling a very honest and emotional story. I loved the escapism of the move to Scotland, and reading all about the different villages/towns. I would love more than anything to be able to pack up and start a new solo adventure, so I found this totally relatable and was lost in the story. I found the changes in the time lines a little confusing throughout, unless this was to do with the formatting? I found in certain places I was unsure if it was still telling the story in the present time or if it had gone into the past and a retelling. I thought that the settings and scenery were described beautifully and could picture yourself there. Would definitely join for a swim! A huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

[Charlie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and wonderfully uplifting story of hope, healing and happiness. Set in Scotland's national book town, Devorgilla Days is filled with fascinating characters, relateble and humourous stories and unexpected events. The author's journey, from sickness and unhappiness to recovery and renewed joy in life, through relocating to the southern Scottish coast is inspirational and heartwarming. I might even move there myself!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book, read it whilst staying in the area which added to the enjoyment, found it inspiring and hopeful.Kathleen had been through so much, moving to an unknown area was a brave decision but ultimately the right one to find a supportive community and the most beautiful nature to help her heal.
There were nods to her BC life which I didnt find appealing at all , it was interesting to read about her realisation of what really matters.Looking forward to the next book

[Kaye Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy this book is! A rather odd thing to say about a memoir by a woman who has seen such appalling illness and has come so close to death, but the book is so full of hope, warmth, friendship and belonging that the reader can’t help but be uplifted by it. Kathleen Hart writes beautifully, with an immediately appealing style, and all who read this wonderful book will be willing her on to a long and healthy life in the small Scottish village where she finds herself in this genuinely beautiful autobiography.

[jeanne geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This absolutely lovely story/memoir takes you on Kathleen’s journey from why she sought out the charming cottage she made her home to all the kind hearted locals who welcomed her to the sweet village by the sea.
A truly unforgettable story written with such love and grace. I laughed out loud and shed some tears.
Thank you Kathleen for “making the magic”.

[Sue Hayward-Ault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to #Netgalley & #JohnMurryPress for the opportunity to review this ARC.
This was so beautifully written. I enjoyed every page, the descriptive narrative is a joy. I now have Wigtown and lifestyle envy.
I can’t recommend this book enough to anybody who feels they are at rock bottom because this book oozes hope and resilience with every page.
So disappointed when I reached the last page.

[Carlene Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautifully written book about starting over and healing.

[Hilda Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written. You will feel you are the one in this magical setting by the sea. Couldn’t put it down. A book to read and reread. Hilda

[Linda Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was all about new beginnings, how it’s never too late to consciously choose change and personal evolution. I found myself cheering the author on while she was looking for and finding beauty in every day activities following the terrifying reality of chronic pain.