The Wild Year: a story of homelessness, perseverance and hope

by Jen Benson

This book tells the uplifting true story of a family who left their old life behind to spend a year living wild in a tent around Britain.

With a baby and a toddler , mounting debt , work demands and stress trampling over their desire to spend time together as a family in nature, Jen and Sim Benson move out of their rented accommodation, sell up their possessions and decide to live in a tent for a year as nomads around rural Britain.

This is the story of that year – the highs and the lows – the doubts, epiphanies and the weather .

Detailing one family's search for a life in the wild , away from th e screens and stresses of modern life,  this captivating memoir is a must read for nature lovers or anyone who has dreamed of a life outdoors.

It’s nature writ large with the joys and challenges of each season experienced under canvas, a story of ultimate freedom in the beautiful landscapes of Britain.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Travel

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2022

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I loved the idea of it and I have read similar stories. Unfortunately I just found it irritating!
For me, there was a sense of entitlement from the writer. They wanted a career writing books, being in the wild and running. That’s great but you can’t afford it! I lost it when they filed for bankruptcy half way through the book.
A lot of people would love to do the jobs they dream of but they have to work hard at other jobs whilst building that. She just came across to me as ‘why shouldn’t we have the life that we want?’ Good question, but should it be at the expense of others?!
When they had no funds, I was screaming ‘get a proper job!!’ Many people work menial jobs to put food on the table for their family. Do that in a tent if you have to but don’t sit around waiting for a book deal! Rant over 😂

[Helen Whittaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this book in love with the idea of freedom in nature and wanted to see how this couple made it possible. I found myself overlooking the fact that they planned to exist on tax credits as they set off on their adventure but, half way through, I started to get increasingly annoyed with how the adults felt that they were due this life without working a job between them to support themselves. I realise they were writing and researching but I felt no sympathy for the author when, after bankruptcy, she was told that proceeds from their book would be seized. Shouldn’t that have been expected?

The ‘we went here and it was scary’ followed by the ‘we went there and it was lovely’ repetitive format became predictable and I began to lose interest.

Nearly a DNF.

Two stars - purely because I enjoyed the descriptions of the beauty of nature. That’s all.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute I spent immersed in the wild year camping adventure with Jen, Sim and their two delightful children. 
Jen has written this account of their year camping straight from the heart, which is clearly full of the love of being outdoors and with nature.
Having reached a decision that they could not carry on living as they were, struggling to make ends meet and Sim hardly having any free time to spend with the children, they made the decision to leave their rented property, sell most of their possessions and spend a year camping with their children at various places around Britain, albeit on an extremely tight budget. Jen and Sim were both used to the outdoors and camping so had a fair amount of knowledge already, but taking two young children was going to be a new and challenging experience.
What they found was the children loved it, enjoying being outdoors and discovering nature in their own way. They also found how generous complete strangers could be, as well as how much support family and friends can be in times of need.

I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of reading by giving too much of the adventure away, but I highly recommend this book.  What an amazing family adventure!

[Angela DT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wild Year by Jen Benson

With a baby and a toddler, mounting debt, work demands and stress trampling over their desire to spend time together as a family in nature, Jen and Sim Benson move out of their rented accommodation, sell up their possessions and decide to live in a tent for a year as nomads around rural Britain.

I've read a few other biographies of people that for whatever reason have had to make the decision to take to travelling about the UK with little more than a tent to live in. I've never read about a couple that had to go that with their children who were very young.
It might seem an idyllic lifestyle but of course this is not the case especially in the ever changing weather that we get here.
I very much enjoyed hearing about the life that Jen and Simon and their children experienced with the highs and lows that doing it , and the way that they shared their journey with us the reader.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first question I had when I first came across this book was : how on earth does one camp in winter? I have lived in the UK for a few years and I vividly remember how cold it could get even in spring! My curiosity as to how this family with a baby and toddler to boot survived and even thrived!

I must say I found the story quite engrossing but I sure am glad they are doing better now and no longer have to live in tents!

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wild year is about family that going camping for a year . I found it very interesting and fascinating. I like the front cover is very pretty and that’s what drawn me to the book. I like how there is picture on each chapter as well.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

[Clare Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this book at times was inspiring, interesting, enjoyable and made me want to live in a tent! However the reason I have given it 3 stars is - Jen refers to her children as E& H all the time - I get that she might want to keep her children’s names out of it but surely she could have just renamed them! Also she barely moves out of the south west of the country, despite at the beginning saying she was planning to travel round Britain - the chapters outside of the south west probably account for 5% of the whole book! Sometimes she also over described things rather than capturing the emotions of things.
Overall it was ok but a bit disappointed as I was expecting more!

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read but I couldn't relate to many of the decisions they made to try and relieve their housing situation. I had a detached 'you do you' attitude to their wild year. Their avoidance of other people and determination to be an enclosed family unit meant that decisions were made without any advice. Who goes off and arranges bankruptcy on the spur of the moment during a phonecall after a bad night's sleep?

[Jamie Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year of ups and downs, but with a different look at living and what's important

[Steve Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Camping with a young family for a year (of necessity) was the difficult choice that is chronicled in this book. The ups and downs of the life the family faced are well described, but I was disappointed with the sections about the nature around them. The author writes honestly about keeping things together AND trying to earn a living whilst camping. Overall, a positive journey.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst I wholeheartedly loved what they did as a family, the book itself was not that entertaining. A bit we went here and then we went there, but not leaving me, the reader, with any feeling that I was sharing the experience. Having said that, I persevered with finishing it out of the heart felt respect I have for their free spirited souls which refused to be trampled on by life’s endless challenges.

[Colin Kitchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some nice writing about the countryside but I got bored with the tedious descriptions of their camping life. In order to Camp a whole year with a young child and baby you either need a medal or preferably be certified.
It seems all a bit new age. I guess most of us have wanted to give up our jobs at some point and head for the hills but this seems not only brave but extremely selfish. The author reveals that she suffered a life threatening motoring accident in her early adult life which partly explains this self centred attitude. I have seen it in other outdoor people who think families and friends revolve around their personnel agendas to go running, cycling climbing etc
I don’t mind people who want to live a healthy greener lifestyle but this is taking it too far. What really irked me was when they declared themselves bankrupt thus avoiding paying off all their debts because they don’t want to earn proper living. This not only means the rest of us foot the bill but also means they will never get credit again and be living off the state for the foreseeable future.
Sorry to rant but as much as I like the countryside and camping for a few days I just could not see the point of this challenge and felt sorry for the children.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I couldn’t stop turning the pages! This insightful memoir is beautifully written and pulled me in straight away, I felt swept away in the exciting adventure unfolding and the vivid landscapes so well captured on the page. Compelling topics are discussed and it leaves us with a lot to think about; it’s timely, relatable in the everyday struggles faced, and inspiring.

The ever increasing costs of living mean quality family time is dwindling as the work/life balance becomes more impossible, stress levels are rising, and the flawed society we live in is harder to ignore. I loved Jen and Sim’s search for a better way of life, to be active participants rather than just going through the motions. To get the most out of life in a meaningful way, and their amazing can do attitude and support for one another clearly shines through.

As they bravely step into the unknown and get back to basics, fully immersing themselves in the great outdoors, the family get to appreciate and explore nature and wildlife, and a calmer, quieter pace of life. The writing wonderfully captures the tranquil settings experienced but doesn’t shy away from the challenges faced as they battled against the elements and harsh setbacks.

It’s heartwarming to hear how the children flourish, it’s such an enriching experience to have this unfettered access to the natural wonders on offer. I loved the family motto: all together or not at all, and how a deeper connection with each other, nature, and the world around them is forged.

We see the kindness of strangers they meet along the way, and how challenges are overcome that are physically and emotionally draining but they are the stronger for it. It’s a gem of a story about family and striving to do our best in a world where so much is out of our control. It opens our eyes to the true meaning of home, and is hopeful and full of possibilities. It’s definitely a book I recommend and leaves a lasting impression.

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey, and good luck for the next chapter!

With thanks to @crudites_, @jenandsim, and @aurumpress for my gifted copy, and the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jess Linstead · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to come across this book that I stopped reading mid-way through another one, only to find it so difficult to get through I almost DNF multiple times. I persevered thinking the entitlement of the author might be the one thing she became self-aware of on this journey but alas.. it only grew.

Others have already summarised their problematic approach to debt management so I won’t go too hard on my thoughts there. But the other things that irked me almost to giving up were:
- the blasé attitude about the reliance on the husbands parents to get through the year
- the inherent belief that they deserve a life away from ‘the grind’ at the expense of other people stuck in it
- the repeated attempts to convince the reader that this year was a financial decision, whilst simultaneously spending as much as it would have cost to rent somewhere in a cheaper area until they got back on their feet
- the big takeaway of things they can do now they’re self employed.. go on runs at the same time. Wow.

No self-reflection on what led them to this financial position. No real learning being taken into their ‘normal life’. By the end of the book it actually ended up feeling like a “SEE ANYONE CAN LIVE IN NATURE” dig at other people who fantasise about more free time with their kids to see the world. No acknowledgement of how unrealistic, selfish, support network dependent or achievable it would actually be.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive account of surviving and celebrating trauma with compelling transparency and detail that draws me in to feel I share the experience. As I think Krakeuer said of climbing mountains, it 's like fun but different, the challenge of achievement, the experience of raw nature under your bare feet. This is part of what I see as an emerging and welcome genre of simple personal narrative by women overcoming adversity, Bee Rowlatt "In search of Mary", "The Outrun". by Amy Liptrot, "Salt Path" by Raynor Wynn, "Lone rider" by Elspeth Beard, sensitive and open in a way that is difficult for men to emulate.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of Salt Path, comes a more truthful story.
Due to a mountain of issues, including unpaid maternity leave, unaffordable rent, a sense of a lost purpose and rising credit card debt, one family take a gamble, a leap of faith and bring us along on their “wild year”.

This isn’t a romanticisation of a way of life, a sense of freedom and living off the grid. You can sense the struggle, feel the imminent pressure and heartache. I did think that this was somewhat self-indulgent, ill prepared and naive bringing a baby camping in the winter, but when that storm hit, the tent pole snapped and it seemed like it was all over I felt for them. Unfortunately that’s not where their bad luck ends, the storms brewing outside weren’t the only things keeping them awake. We see them bargaining for work, finding salvation in their runs and making the tough decision to file for bankruptcy.

It was an eye opening read that left me equal parts frustrated and empathetic for this family. Jen shared in her book the times she felt looked down, criticised and made a mockery of, so I won’t contribute further to that. If anything this book has highlighted to me the unfairness of the welfare system, the nativity about credit card debt and how unfortunately this was only viable solution for them.

It’s currently included on kindle unlimited, so go wild!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young family with a 3 year old and an infant give up their rented home and traditional job to live in a tent for a year. The goal is to live more affordably while increasing their income with various writing jobs. I think it's also a cool thing to have accomplished. The task and the writing were exceptional. JB spoke of all the planning required, especially where to stay over the winter (southern beach locales) and how to stay warm enough overnight, cook, and keep kids happy. Both parents were outdoor activity people, runners and hikers, so it wasn't so hard to envision this effort.

One thing JB spoke about was not having the mess of her period (due to breastfeeding) while camping. This lead me to wonder about diapering. I think this would've been the biggest challenge.

I was reminded of Homesick: Why I Live in a Shed by Catrina Davies, another book about alternate living styles and the high cost of housing in the UK.

"My home, I know now, doesn't have to be a specific building or a particular place, but it does need to be my refuge. It is where I can be myself: private, separate from public."

Suffolk library

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the connection that camping brings to nature. I didn’t grow up camping (my only experiences as a child were a short trip with a friend and her family and sleeping in a tiny, often soaked tent, on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions). I grew up in countryside with a large garden but have spent all my adult live living in cities and towns. It’s been important to me that my ‘townie’ children have an opportunity to connect with nature on holidays and so when we camp we choose simple campsites without a hook-up. We usually just camp for a weekend. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to camp all year round so was drawn to this book as a result. What an experience for this family and I hope they take away the positives and forget the negatives. It was a courageous step to take with children so young to regain control of their finances.

[Tracy Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - read it everyday and finished it within a week! Just loved the simplicity of the book and its message - that nature, family and just enjoying both is what really matters - not all the materialistic things; not trying to be better than anyone else - just being with your family, with people who matter, in nature and just being kind to others - I loved this message and it really resonated with me. Its definitely a book that people who crave to be better than others, to show off & to have the latest gadget or material thing, needs to read - it just shows you what is important - you only live one life, so live it the way you want to. Very inspiring and very honest.

[Laura Macdonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like I should have loved this book because I enjoyed Homesick by Catrina Davies and The Wild Year seemed to be in the same vein, but instead it annoyed me and was almost a DNF several times. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think it was the sum of multiple small annoyances that ruined it for me; "around Britain" was actually 75% the south west of England and nothing north of the Lake District, using initials for the children's names made for tedious reading (I had the same issue with Caro Giles' Twelve Moons and her strange replacement names), and something in the writing style and attitude made the author come across as entitled. I gave this two stars because the idea was interesting but I was expecting something more.

[Erin Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was glad this book was over. Nearly a DNF but I suffered through. I found it very much “telling” rather than “showing” in her descriptions. She spends a lot of time tediously describing the British countryside which I found super boring but not sure if that’s because I’m well aware of what the British countryside is like. She didn’t distinguish much between the different parts of the country so for a lot of it I couldn’t really picture where they were. Ultimately I felt like nothing really happened the whole story, I don’t think she came to any profound revelations from their year away that they shared with us other than that she values ‘connection’ more. They went one place and it was lovely then went to the next and there was a storm, repeat repeat repeat.

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely read

To begin with, I wasn't sure this book and I would get on. A little too fey, perhaps. It wasn't true. As the memoir of their Wild Year, living under canvas, Jen Benson's beautiful descriptions of the good and the bad of the living,the weather, the countryside, the natural world, her family, all enveloped me so that I was almost there.

I wish I had had the courage to try a Wild Year of my own, when I was younger and my children slept in the crook of my arm, but it takes a very committed couple with portable talents to do it. I'm just grateful that Jen Benson did it for me. A thoroughly recommended read.

[Charlotte Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and its exploration into living alternatively in a world so governed by structure and rules. I found myself in awe of the grit and resilience that was required to keep a whole family going in the harsh terrain, no matter what season it was. It was also really heartwarming to hear how people's kindness made their wild year a little less wild and a little more comfortable. This book is a really good reminder that we don't need loads in life, and that connection, perseverance and resourcefulness are so important, no matter what our living situation is.
An inspiring read - would recommend to anyone who is interested in alternative living and going off the grid.

[Zareen Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, compelling, wholesome, full of integrity.

Jen & Sim Benson make a conscious decision to camp with their two children. The detailed account of their wild year is stimulating, intriguing and very inspiring. They wished to simplify their lives and strip away as many expenses as they could.
Sometimes it was an endurance test but they built up their resilience.

In the epilogue Jen listed all the lessons they learn during their Wild Year under canvas. The family bonded during this challenging year.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir.

[Hannah Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt account of an inspiring year under canvas born from a really challenging time for this family. At points I had tears in my eyes and at others I was laughing but through it all I was reminded how lucky we are to live in a country with so much wild on our doorstep and how we can all play our part in both enjoying it today and protecting it for years to come!

Thank you Jen for sharing your story - I loved reading it!

[Keith Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book since hearing about it in a magazine earlier in the year. I placed it on hold with my local library, and checked back regularly to see how soon I could borrow it. When I eventually got a copy I couldn’t stop listening to it, it’s such a fascinating story about a family’s real-life adventure packing up their family home and belongings, and setting out for a year spent camping.

I devoured every page and it surpassed every expectation I had of it.

[Natasja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest story of a family with small children that decides to live in a tent for a whole year. Jen tells the ups and downs of such a life. And she’s honest about their financial struggles. She’s really got a way of describing their small adventures in nature in all it’s glory. The family even managed to camp during the winter, which was not easy. I’m happy that they’ve got a more permanent place to stay nowadays.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book I've read so far this year. Jen Benson writes about the year she, her husband and two young children lived in a tent around parts of Britain. They faced various storms (not just weather related) and struggles to find a laundromat but they also found a lot of freedom. Highly recommend this book.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a lovely story of real-life travels of a young family around parts of Britain. To keep expenditure low, they lived in tents. It wasn't the wild camping I imagined but mainly on sites, sometimes staying with family.
Still, they did it with trials and tribulations along the way.
Great idea, though.
Not a very long book, £10 a lot to spend on a book that took me 3 days to finish.

[Yvonne Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a different angle about travelling and camping in the UK . Its rare to read of the special challenges of winter camping in wild weather, with a baby and toddler in tow. The kindness of people is often recounted, many were strangers encountered along the journey. This story shows something of the struggle that a young family can encounter, with the high cost of housing in 2016.