Suzanne Heywood, a consultant based in London, has recently published a novel titled “Wavewalker,” which is inspired by her childhood sailing adventures. The book, now an international bestseller and being considered for a TV adaptation, tells the story of her experiences on the schooner Wavewalker. Heywood sailed around the world with her family in 1976, aiming to recreate Captain James Cook’s historic voyages. However, what was anticipated to be a three-year journey turned into over a decade of challenges and unexpected hardships.
Reflecting on her sailing life, Heywood realized that the romanticized vision of adventure and freedom was often overshadowed by the realities of life at sea. She had to take on various roles, including deckhand and caregiver, which required her to put her education aside. Eventually, she felt the need to return home, leaving her family on the Wavewalker, who stayed in Fiji. This poignant decision was marked by significant emotional pain but later inspired her to capture those memories in her writing.
The backdrop of her story, Fiji, holds a deep significance for Heywood. She recalls her childhood fondly, from snorkelling in coral reefs to interactions with local villagers. However, her return to Fiji was also bittersweet, as she sought closure about the fate of her beloved Wavewalker, which had suffered damage from Cyclone Sina in 1990. Although she found out that the boat had ultimately sunk, she expressed gratefulness for reconnecting with pieces of its story, including recovering the vessel’s compass.
Throughout her writing journey, she confronted childhood traumas, particularly concerning her parents’ neglect and abandonment. Despite these struggles, Heywood has emerged with clarity and a commitment to break the cycle of her upbringing in her own parenting. Her narrative transcends mere sailing experiences, showcasing resilience, introspection, and growth.
Heywood’s hope is that her story will encourage others to share their own journeys as well, contributing to a larger dialogue about family dynamics and personal challenges. Additionally, she is already working on a new book that will feature stories shared with her from those inspired by “Wavewalker,” reinforcing the value of personal storytelling.
Her adventure highlights the power of resilience and healing, and the fascinating link to Fiji serves as a reminder of the strength found in one’s roots and the stories that shape us.
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