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Skinful
When Robyn Flemming left Australia to wander the world as a nomadic freelance editor, it wasn't the first time she had shed an old skin for a new one in the hope of changing who she was on the inside.
Was her decision to risk everything yet again an act of faith or folly?
Skinful is about the questions we ask at life's turning points. Who am I? What life do I want to live?
Was her decision to risk everything yet again an act of faith or folly?
Skinful is about the questions we ask at life's turning points. Who am I? What life do I want to live?
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2022
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 28, 2022
I met the author Robyn in 2009 when she joined our running group (I'm mentioned midway through the book!) and have followed her journeys via Facebook ever since. Her book is not only about her battles with alcohol but chock full of hilarious (and scary/sad) travel anecdotes and life lessons. Her stories and observations develop throughout the book and you can sense the clarity of life coming into focus as the book wraps up the writing becomes even better.
December 25, 2021
Drinking plays a part in this avid traveler’s engaging memoir. Robyn Flemming details her struggles with alcohol and men and finds other joys as she discovers the globe and herself. Part world travel journal, part intimate confession Australian native Flemming details her adventures as she crafts a life without permanent roots. Every place becomes “home”—at least until it doesn’t. She takes the reader along with her on her voyage and we share in her discoveries.
Why did she decide to toss everything aside, sell her goods and take off? That’s the mystery hidden inside the memoir for the reader to discover. Maybe it was a “It’s never too late for a change” resolution. The fearless voyager reveals that she saw midlife approaching and decided to fight back. At an age when many settle down to whatever life they have crafted, this editor and writer changed everything after a 1986 job assignment required temporary residence in Hong Kong. Her memoir begins with life there, one whose ups and downs (romantic and otherwise) she shares with the curious reader. Although she returned to Australia in 1993, Flemming soon decided a permanent location was not for her, so in 2010, at the age of 57 she reinvented herself as a global nomad. After that decision, home might be New York City one month, Kuching the next, followed by Budapest, Florence, Santiago or another fascinating city. She also plays tourist and takes us with her as she roams around the globe to sites as disparate as the Isle of Skye, New Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and even the Himalayas. Not at all shy, she made friends and found communities based on common interests such as art, photography, distance running (often a daily practice) or dog walking—wherever she went.
But there is a dark side always accompanying Flemming in her travels, one that took her years to admit: she’s an alcoholic. The easy drink with friends or alone morphed into at least a bottle or more of white wine a night. She tried to hide her addiction, for instance she hid empty bottles from her landlord, but at last, her shame motivated her to change. Her passage to sobriety (helped, in her case, by Alcoholics Anonymous) began. And now, she reports, she’s been sober since 2011. “I had my own power back. The days of fear and anxiety were in the past. I was no longer afraid of what others might see should I let down my guard. I felt at home in my skin now, free to be me and to let what was on the inside show on the outside.”
In a word: A look at the world through the words of a strong woman, one who doesn’t disguise her impatience or her fury or her curiosity or her joy. Flemming describes her one precious, imperfect life in a manner familiar to readers of Educated (Tara Westover); The Liars’ Club (Mary Karr), Wild (Cheryl Strayed) and even—yes, the classic Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert).
Why did she decide to toss everything aside, sell her goods and take off? That’s the mystery hidden inside the memoir for the reader to discover. Maybe it was a “It’s never too late for a change” resolution. The fearless voyager reveals that she saw midlife approaching and decided to fight back. At an age when many settle down to whatever life they have crafted, this editor and writer changed everything after a 1986 job assignment required temporary residence in Hong Kong. Her memoir begins with life there, one whose ups and downs (romantic and otherwise) she shares with the curious reader. Although she returned to Australia in 1993, Flemming soon decided a permanent location was not for her, so in 2010, at the age of 57 she reinvented herself as a global nomad. After that decision, home might be New York City one month, Kuching the next, followed by Budapest, Florence, Santiago or another fascinating city. She also plays tourist and takes us with her as she roams around the globe to sites as disparate as the Isle of Skye, New Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and even the Himalayas. Not at all shy, she made friends and found communities based on common interests such as art, photography, distance running (often a daily practice) or dog walking—wherever she went.
But there is a dark side always accompanying Flemming in her travels, one that took her years to admit: she’s an alcoholic. The easy drink with friends or alone morphed into at least a bottle or more of white wine a night. She tried to hide her addiction, for instance she hid empty bottles from her landlord, but at last, her shame motivated her to change. Her passage to sobriety (helped, in her case, by Alcoholics Anonymous) began. And now, she reports, she’s been sober since 2011. “I had my own power back. The days of fear and anxiety were in the past. I was no longer afraid of what others might see should I let down my guard. I felt at home in my skin now, free to be me and to let what was on the inside show on the outside.”
In a word: A look at the world through the words of a strong woman, one who doesn’t disguise her impatience or her fury or her curiosity or her joy. Flemming describes her one precious, imperfect life in a manner familiar to readers of Educated (Tara Westover); The Liars’ Club (Mary Karr), Wild (Cheryl Strayed) and even—yes, the classic Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert).
March 4, 2022
This is not a misery memoir of addiction. 'Skinful' is a well crafted story by a professional editor who was addicted to white wine, male relationships which under-valued her, long distance running, dogs and travel to avoid boredom. As a single female, her style of travel scored high on risky physical adventure and cultural enjoyment, but intimate relationships were short lived. She's candid about her skills of coping by frequently running way and starting a new life, with a new 'skin'. And she's a brilliant travel writer evoking lesser known places, especially in Asia. Her addictive personality also extended to writing as work. But that was a positive addiction giving validation , as was running.
The initiative shown in starting new businesses in Hong Kong and creating Dogs' Breakfast socialising in Albury or seeking running partners internationally shows her organisational skills. To maintain a freelance income as an editor- writer while she travelled so much, indicates her work ethic .Former clients retained her even when she was in another country's time zone. Reading the sub-text, she was very good at her job, made 'travel' friends quickly and 'networked' well.
But the last section of the book becomes repetitive and 'listy' with yet another running challenge or inappropriate male partner. For a woman so decisive in business, and so adventurous in new cultures, her expectations of emotional relationships were unrealistic. But it takes courage to reveal that.
To physically challenge and distract herself from drinking with AA meetings and marathons in her sixties is admirable. And she was generous with her friends and family, hosting young relatives in Paris etc. The need for emotional admiration and acceptance was her weakness, leftover from childhood. 'Skinful' is an ambiguous title but all the meanings apply. Very insightful of an addictive personality.
The real addiction was looking for acceptance and emotional support. 'Skinful' should achieve this.
The initiative shown in starting new businesses in Hong Kong and creating Dogs' Breakfast socialising in Albury or seeking running partners internationally shows her organisational skills. To maintain a freelance income as an editor- writer while she travelled so much, indicates her work ethic .Former clients retained her even when she was in another country's time zone. Reading the sub-text, she was very good at her job, made 'travel' friends quickly and 'networked' well.
But the last section of the book becomes repetitive and 'listy' with yet another running challenge or inappropriate male partner. For a woman so decisive in business, and so adventurous in new cultures, her expectations of emotional relationships were unrealistic. But it takes courage to reveal that.
To physically challenge and distract herself from drinking with AA meetings and marathons in her sixties is admirable. And she was generous with her friends and family, hosting young relatives in Paris etc. The need for emotional admiration and acceptance was her weakness, leftover from childhood. 'Skinful' is an ambiguous title but all the meanings apply. Very insightful of an addictive personality.
The real addiction was looking for acceptance and emotional support. 'Skinful' should achieve this.
January 1, 2022
The author’s journey to sobriety took me on a tumultuous ride. Robyn has accomplished so much life, including her ability to fight alcohol addiction and travel the world. Her adventures are far more than most will ever experience. Robyn puts it all out there. She’s a successful career woman, who tells her story of friendships, intimate relationships and zest for life while fighting a secret battle. She is a strong woman, and brave to tell us her story. I didn’t want the story to finish but happy with the way it ended.
January 26, 2022
I’ve had some experience with people close to me being addicted to alcohol. What I find so interesting is the way that everyone has a different path leading them into their dependency and have unique experiences that encourage them to make a change in their lives. Robyn was living a very exciting life travelling the world but she knew that she had to gain control of her drinking. ‘Skinful’ tells the story of a woman who was not comfortable in her own skin, and who needed to shed her old skin and old habits in order to start anew. Her honesty and experiences in life make a wonderful read and give us all another unique perspective on addiction. I highly recommend this book.
February 7, 2022
Skinful is a rollercoaster of a memoir in which the author Robyn takes us on an incredible journey through her struggles with addiction, men, her self image and where it is she finds home.
Within this beautifully written memoir Robyn allows the reader to see every single high and low she experiences, every single achievement and indeed every single flaw she possesses. It is for this reason I found myself wanting to shake her at times and was almost shouting at the book. Indeed, there are some sections in the book where you will think "Here we go again" but I think it is this often repetitive feeling which portrays Robyn's journey perfectly to the reader.
Robyn doesn't try to dress up her experiences as anything profound, there's no glitter covered "this saved me" moment. Skinful is a brutally honest look at how one woman tumbled into a downward spiral starting with one nightly glass of wine and very slowly but surely grappled her way back to the top with stubborn determination. A fantastic read for anyone who is at a stuck point in their lives or is questioning their relationship with alcohol.
Within this beautifully written memoir Robyn allows the reader to see every single high and low she experiences, every single achievement and indeed every single flaw she possesses. It is for this reason I found myself wanting to shake her at times and was almost shouting at the book. Indeed, there are some sections in the book where you will think "Here we go again" but I think it is this often repetitive feeling which portrays Robyn's journey perfectly to the reader.
Robyn doesn't try to dress up her experiences as anything profound, there's no glitter covered "this saved me" moment. Skinful is a brutally honest look at how one woman tumbled into a downward spiral starting with one nightly glass of wine and very slowly but surely grappled her way back to the top with stubborn determination. A fantastic read for anyone who is at a stuck point in their lives or is questioning their relationship with alcohol.
March 29, 2022
Do you know when you dream of exotic and off-the-beaten-track places you would like to visit, at least once? Robyn Flemming has been to them multiple times. Her account of living a nomad lifestyle, coping and living with her alcohol addiction and recognising that she would never settle in one home for too long is intense, exceptionally descriptive and at times sad.
Robyn is so honest in her narrative with her own eccentricities and addictions. Having an addictive personality doesn’t stop with alcohol alone and this was very apparent throughout Robyn’s life. Yet, she has managed to live multiple lives so far and I believe will have another book out as a continuation of Skinful. There is no way she will slow down; the world is too big for Robyn. She is a modern day explorer, navigating her way through jungles, airports and numerous homes.
I loved hearing stories about Australia as I have a connection with parts of where Robyn described so it took me right back to those happy memories. I also feel I have had better geography lessons from reading about all of Robyn’s escapades around the world. It truly is incredible the places she has lived, visited and at times ended up by chance.
Robyn’s running goals and accolades should be applauded as it shows her true ability to be completely focused on her goals. Unfortunately, her alcohol addiction got in the way too many times resulting in Robyn going cold turkey in New York in 2011. Her willpower and tenacity won out in the end, and she beat her demon after many years.
Robyn’s story is captivating, educational, emotional, inspiring and so well written as I couldn’t put it down once I began. And as for her obsession and devotion to her ‘friend’ Tom, I found myself shouting at the book numerous times “No, don’t go there Robyn.” Haha
A friend in the book described Robyn as a ‘herder’ because everywhere Robyn set up home for a while, she seemed to gather people around her -her flock - like a security blanket.
Protecting herself perhaps from herself. It's so interesting reading how she does this. But a lot of her ‘herd’ are unique friends now after traveling back and forth to these countries many times and picking up exactly where she had lived for a month, a year - even longer.
A nomadic lifestyle doesn’t seem so alien to me after reading this book, but I would suggest buying nice underwear for the journey. After reading this book, you will know what I mean.
Robyn is so honest in her narrative with her own eccentricities and addictions. Having an addictive personality doesn’t stop with alcohol alone and this was very apparent throughout Robyn’s life. Yet, she has managed to live multiple lives so far and I believe will have another book out as a continuation of Skinful. There is no way she will slow down; the world is too big for Robyn. She is a modern day explorer, navigating her way through jungles, airports and numerous homes.
I loved hearing stories about Australia as I have a connection with parts of where Robyn described so it took me right back to those happy memories. I also feel I have had better geography lessons from reading about all of Robyn’s escapades around the world. It truly is incredible the places she has lived, visited and at times ended up by chance.
Robyn’s running goals and accolades should be applauded as it shows her true ability to be completely focused on her goals. Unfortunately, her alcohol addiction got in the way too many times resulting in Robyn going cold turkey in New York in 2011. Her willpower and tenacity won out in the end, and she beat her demon after many years.
Robyn’s story is captivating, educational, emotional, inspiring and so well written as I couldn’t put it down once I began. And as for her obsession and devotion to her ‘friend’ Tom, I found myself shouting at the book numerous times “No, don’t go there Robyn.” Haha
A friend in the book described Robyn as a ‘herder’ because everywhere Robyn set up home for a while, she seemed to gather people around her -her flock - like a security blanket.
Protecting herself perhaps from herself. It's so interesting reading how she does this. But a lot of her ‘herd’ are unique friends now after traveling back and forth to these countries many times and picking up exactly where she had lived for a month, a year - even longer.
A nomadic lifestyle doesn’t seem so alien to me after reading this book, but I would suggest buying nice underwear for the journey. After reading this book, you will know what I mean.
February 10, 2022
Skinful is a gripping read from the word go. Written in a clean and spare but vivid style, this memoir drew me in with the force of its author’s confidence, ambition and openheartedness to friendship and adventure. She is always on the move, beginning with her first assignment as a publishing nomad leaving her native Australia for Hong Kong. She enters road races all over the world, pulls up stakes at a moment’s notice, and appears fearless in her ability to move as a solo female anywhere she lands. But she is also shadowed by a growing dependence on alcohol. That dependency is described honestly and viscerally; at one point in the first third, I found myself putting the book down and bracing myself for her struggle to come. But this is not a grim book. There are many humorous vignettes, and I found myself cheering when she abandoned a camping weekend with Mr. Wrong. As an older women in recovery, I urge readers not to skip the excellent Afterward, which surveys the various types of treatment and the difference between full-blown alcoholism and gray-area drinking. This is a compassionate book. I believe it will save lives.
January 24, 2022
“Skinful” is a memoir where the author, Robyn Flemming, takes us with her on her journey to deal with her addiction to alcohol and forge a new path to a different future. This beautifully written memoir is heartbreakingly honest and there is much to be learnt by anyone who questions whether their drinking has crossed a line and is no longer manageable.
Robyn writes with humour and candour about her life as a global nomad, with all the highs and lows that entails from packing up houses on multiple occasions, living out of suitcases and making new friends and connections. She sets herself some incredible physical challenges in the course of combatting her alcohol addiction. And, of course, there are relationships that cause her heartache and joy as she looks for the love and acceptance she found missing in her childhood.
I really enjoyed this book, in fact I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Robyn writes with humour and candour about her life as a global nomad, with all the highs and lows that entails from packing up houses on multiple occasions, living out of suitcases and making new friends and connections. She sets herself some incredible physical challenges in the course of combatting her alcohol addiction. And, of course, there are relationships that cause her heartache and joy as she looks for the love and acceptance she found missing in her childhood.
I really enjoyed this book, in fact I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2022
Skinful is a book about running, addiction and the people we meet along the way. Robyn Flemming is a talented author who manages to make you experience her journeys over the course of the book as if you were actually there. You share the highs, the lows and the desire to whack Tom over the head with an empty bottle of wine right along side her.
Robyn writes,”But every drink came at a cost. It eroded my dignity and self-respect. It caused me to lie; to feel shame and guilt, anxiety and fear; to withhold my real self from people I love and wanted to be loved by.” I feel this is at the core of the memoir and something that resonates with every reader. No matter who we are or what we have done Robyn inspires us to be a better person, that goals are achievable no matter how daunting and that it is never too late to embrace life and seize the world. If you have ever thought it was too hard to make a major change in your life this is the book you need to read.
Robyn writes,”But every drink came at a cost. It eroded my dignity and self-respect. It caused me to lie; to feel shame and guilt, anxiety and fear; to withhold my real self from people I love and wanted to be loved by.” I feel this is at the core of the memoir and something that resonates with every reader. No matter who we are or what we have done Robyn inspires us to be a better person, that goals are achievable no matter how daunting and that it is never too late to embrace life and seize the world. If you have ever thought it was too hard to make a major change in your life this is the book you need to read.
February 1, 2022
I raced through this excellent book in 3 sittings, and didn't even need a bookmark. It's a great story, finely written and it has a seductive way of dealing with pretty serious issues, with a narrative that is engaging, self deprecating in a very Australian way, and sometimes downright funny. That is a writerly feat in itself. She writes very fine, butterfly-light descriptions throughout; of everything she encounters. Did Proust take a few tips from this author? The book is pretty much an actual Odyssey...( travel places; meet monsters, slay them, move on). A lighter touch than Homer though. A good and optimistic message runs through this book. Sadly many folks are beaten down by the booze, and are crushed. Not this fighter!
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I don't really know how to describe it. For me it was a series of vignettes of major events, the event leading up to and maybe the event after (if significant), surrounding that Major Event. There is no deep detail of anything - just the relevant highlights. There is enough description to let you imagine and visualize and fill the blanks in yourself. This made me more curious about the environs being described and I could personalize the descriptions by filling in details from my personal experience or things I have read or seen in pictures.
I can see this being made in a television series with years of "Seasons" and filling in all the areas that the author left blank so that we can let our imaginations soar!
I can see this being made in a television series with years of "Seasons" and filling in all the areas that the author left blank so that we can let our imaginations soar!
April 13, 2022
In this exquisitely-written memoir, nomad, editor, marathoner, and wine-lover Robyn Flemming lays out the story of a woman doing her best to avoid admitting she might have a drinking problem. As she travels from exotic location to exotic location across the globe, Flemming takes readers along on her interior journey, examining the deep fear that she might be more than a problem drinker. She paints a vivid portrait of a skilled professional doing her best to juggle work and drinking, relationships and drinking, fitness and drinking, health and drinking, and finally, her sanity and drinking, all the while shattering myths around alcoholism. A must read for anyone interested in an honest story of what it takes to get honest with yourself. Brava!
April 18, 2022
Robyn isn't afraid to change her environment and she is constantly moving around the globe. She is outgoing and friendly, so the reader gets to meet some interesting characters. However, Robyn is also prone to addiction, including: tobacco, alcohol and love. She tackles her tobacco addiction, hides her addiction to alcohol (while trying throughout to beat it) but doesn't seem to recognize her love addiction. Somewhat like alcohol, she tries again and again to maintain an unhealthy relationship, thinking each time that this time it will be different. Robyn is a character the reader will like. She is better than anyone I've known to change her environment and she takes you with her on her adventures. However, you will wonder if she is willing and able to change herself.
February 2, 2022
I so enjoyed this wonderful book about Robyn's adventures that took me around the globe, in and out of places, meeting interesting people, all the while that she is discovering her best self. Robyn's indomitable spirit shines through and allows one foot in front of the next to tackle every turn. I did not want to put the book down. I so enjoyed joining in the journey and finding the gorgeous flower that was always there finally basking in the light.
February 7, 2022
This is a raw and authentic memoir about a talented professional woman who is emotionally worn down by her addiction to alcohol. It’s an insidious addiction where she is a functioning alcoholic so is able to keep her secret. Gradually, through her successful nomadic career, marathon running and perpetual travel, she is able to love herself and make sense of her world. It’s a journey in many senses of the word. A great read.
February 28, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Robyn Flemming memoir takes us on a adventours journey as she emarks as a solo traveller to various part of the world. She is an acomplished journalist and competes in multiple running competitions .In her honest account of her experiences she shares her addictive and dependent relationship with alcohol. We learn how she battles with this addiction and how she tries to combat and control her life without it. I marveled at her constant ability to pick herself up time and time again and seek solace in making new friends and experience new cultures and friendships. I admired her honesty and her quirky sense of humour throughout.
Robyn Flemming memoir takes us on a adventours journey as she emarks as a solo traveller to various part of the world. She is an acomplished journalist and competes in multiple running competitions .In her honest account of her experiences she shares her addictive and dependent relationship with alcohol. We learn how she battles with this addiction and how she tries to combat and control her life without it. I marveled at her constant ability to pick herself up time and time again and seek solace in making new friends and experience new cultures and friendships. I admired her honesty and her quirky sense of humour throughout.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews