Solo

by Vicki McAuley

On January 11, 2007, Andrew McCauley set off from Tasmania in a sea kayak, aiming to be the first person to paddle the 1600 km to New Zealand. It was to be the culmination of a lifetime of expeditions that had seen him awarded the coveted Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year and establish himself as one of the world's most respected and admired adventurers. A month later, New Zealand authorities received a garbled distress call from him. His kayak was spotted drifting and waterlogged just 80 kilometres from the New Zealand coast. His body was never found. Vicki McAuley, Andrew's wife, has written this book about her husband and his final voyage. Using Andrew's journals, his video log and Vicki's personal experience, the journey is brought vividly to life.

Genres: Adventure, Nonfiction

372 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[GoloPhein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a tragedy. Not about an adventurer or even a 'hero'. A failed and reckless adrenaline junkie who destroyed his familiy by removing himself as a father for reasons beyond all rational belief.

Written by an enabler, clearly in denial, far away from all realities. All in all a bunch of self-pity, mixed with the personality of a submissive wife that desperately tries to polish up the fading reputation of her irresponsible, drowned husband.

A pathetic book.

[Kenno82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book gives an interesting insight into Andrew McAuley and his need to push the limits of what's possible, it's his wife's struggle with grief that makes this such a compelling and at times traumatic read.

Ultimately, readers will look inwardly and ask whether they support Andrew's adventure and its potential to inspire others or view it as selfish in the context of his young family.

[Sally Edgerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story told my an incredibly courageous wife and mother. I laughed and I cried throughout this book - Vicki is a women to admire and love. Highly recommend this story and understand in part the desire that Andrew McAuley had for adventure.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most wonderful, inspirational book. The most amazing human being who lived life to the fullest.. I cannot recommend it higher. Thank you for letting us know about Andrew! God bless..

[Caro Bassignana]

A page turner.
What a story!

[Bram Macgregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre and definitely a little one sided but that’s understandable cause it was her husband. I guess I can’t complain about that 😂

[Annalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping, heartbreaking story. Vicky McAuley certainly deserves the "Wife of the Year" award! It was very interesting to gain some insight into the life and thoughts of such a courageous extreme adventurer.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, haunting, tragic.