Wanderland

More about the book

Propelled by memory and years of dreaming, Jini Reddy embarks on a journey through Britain's 'wanderlands' in search of the magical within its landscapes. As a London journalist with multicultural roots and a sense of being a perennial outsider, she follows an unorthodox path guided by serendipity and her inner compass. This quest leads her to explore the Other and connect with Britain's enchanting natural world. Along her travels, she contemplates the meaning of being Othered and the potential influence of the land's spirit. From following a 'cult' map to a hidden well to attempting to coax secrets from a labyrinth, she undertakes a coast-to-coast pilgrimage and searches for a mystical land temple. Jini captures a whimsical, natural Britain while tracking ephemeral wild art, meeting women who worship The Goddess, and deepening her love for her homeland, despite struggling with its lore. Throughout her journey, she celebrates the unseen wildness and the visible beauty of nature, interweaving memories of her Canadian childhood and her Indian parents' experiences in apartheid-era South Africa. This narrative is a heartfelt exploration of roaming, both literally and imaginatively, and a celebration of finding one's place in the world.