It’s been 7 years since I read The Outrun but I know in my bones that this doesn’t compare. Is it me? More mature and my life more put together now where’s The Outrun was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time? Perhaps. 

Following from the Outrun, Amy moves to Berlin to find herself again without the pitfalls of London and the loneliness of the Islands. 

And I still enjoyed being carried along in Amy’s adventures in Berlin and in Love. But the stakes were less. It felt less important. A memoir is someone’s life though so perhaps it’s a good thing that her life was gentler (heartbreak is horrible, but alcoholism I recon is worse). 

I question the books inclusion on the Wainwright prize long list. The outrun, while a memoir, had amazing descriptions of the islands and the bird life Amy encounters as she works for the RSPB. The Instant is city based. Sure she goes birding. But it isn’t the same. Am I being picky. Maybe. Nature isn’t always out there in the wilds, but there was such few mentions of birds or nature that it feels misplaced.  

Would I recommend the book? Absolutely. Just go in with tempered expectations, especially if you loved the Outrun.