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Salt On My Skin
In January 2019, Sarah’s world was shattered by the death of a close friend and her mother’s dementia diagnosis, both within the space of two weeks. In search of solace from her living grief, she turned to her newfound hobby of wild swimming. With a startlingly honest, authentic, and often humorous voice, Sarah takes you through a year of swimming in Orkney seas whilst adapting to a new way of life with her mother’s declining memory. Sarah’s reflective journey will make you laugh and cry, as she discovers a truth she has always that healing comes in waves.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
170 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2020
19 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 30, 2020
I loved this.
Okay, I admit that I am partially obsessed with Orkney. That I have a deep and abiding love for the landscape, the history, and the people, and thus, I may be biased.
Also, that I have been following Sarah on Instagram for probably over a year, for most of the time she wrote this, from before she started her account @seasaltandsarah back when she was just a person from Orkney. I followed her to her new account. I watch her stories almost every morning, because the time difference makes it convenient for me to catch up on her latest doings, her swims, her shots of scenery, and during lockdown, her walks through the countryside (sanctioned by national health service, of course), her occasional updates on her mother.
So. All disclaimers aside, I still loved this.
It is framed in the guise of a year - each chapter is one month. This works as her story is so tightly tied to the landscape. You find her in the water at all temperatures. Searching for paperwhites. Talking about birds and seals. Chronicling her discovery of wild swimming, and the loving and supportive community she became a part of, along with her mother's dementia journey is perfect. The ups and downs, the sheer buoyancy of how swimming helped her to deal with her mother's condition (is still helping her, no doubt), feels like the tide. It feels like the circle of life, and thus, bearable.
The story doesn't end, at least not in a neat, tidy way. Sarah is still living with her mother's dementia diagnosis, and she is still grieving her friend. I thought it very poignant that her friend's husband showed up at her birthday party with a cake emblematic of what her friend would have done, and thus, brought her friend into the room.
I think to myself how alike we are. We are almost the same age, have been through a lot of the same stuff - single parenting, abuse, a life of doubt and just getting by somehow rescued seemingly at the last minute, a love of Orkney, a will to write. The loss of a best friend triggering a prolonged period of unease (in my case, six years of severe depression, coupled with kidney disease, which defied diagnosis) and a parent (in my case, a father in-law) with dementia. But Sarah has come out okay, she has found herself, she is whole and lovely and working through things.
The book is about many things - but mostly, grief. I have been dealing with my own grief, and her wisdom here spoke to me, because I'm living it. "Grief isn't about a person dying, grief is about loss." Thus, we are dealing with grief now - I was talking to someone about this just last night. Grief for what our year might have been. Grief for lost opportunities, lost friends, lost family members. Grief for our lost year, lost time, lost life. The sooner we recognize that, the sooner we can deal with the loss.
There will be dark days. There will always be dark days. But as she says, This too shall pass. And your now is not your forever. And yes, you can do hard things. So the one thing that this book gives is hope. I love that this is the name of her dog. I love that she is unabashed, unapologetic, so herself. She shines in these pages, the same as she does in her online posts. I hope that some day I can go back to Orkney, and meet her. And I've been inspired, though I've already passed 49, to make my own little list of things to do, because we all need something to work towards.
Because we are all wounded, and because we all long for some kind of belonging, this little book will serve many. I hope that it finds a wider audience. I got my copy sent direct from Sarah, signed, along with a piece of greenish sea glass, and I would encourage you to send away for yours.
Okay, I admit that I am partially obsessed with Orkney. That I have a deep and abiding love for the landscape, the history, and the people, and thus, I may be biased.
Also, that I have been following Sarah on Instagram for probably over a year, for most of the time she wrote this, from before she started her account @seasaltandsarah back when she was just a person from Orkney. I followed her to her new account. I watch her stories almost every morning, because the time difference makes it convenient for me to catch up on her latest doings, her swims, her shots of scenery, and during lockdown, her walks through the countryside (sanctioned by national health service, of course), her occasional updates on her mother.
So. All disclaimers aside, I still loved this.
It is framed in the guise of a year - each chapter is one month. This works as her story is so tightly tied to the landscape. You find her in the water at all temperatures. Searching for paperwhites. Talking about birds and seals. Chronicling her discovery of wild swimming, and the loving and supportive community she became a part of, along with her mother's dementia journey is perfect. The ups and downs, the sheer buoyancy of how swimming helped her to deal with her mother's condition (is still helping her, no doubt), feels like the tide. It feels like the circle of life, and thus, bearable.
The story doesn't end, at least not in a neat, tidy way. Sarah is still living with her mother's dementia diagnosis, and she is still grieving her friend. I thought it very poignant that her friend's husband showed up at her birthday party with a cake emblematic of what her friend would have done, and thus, brought her friend into the room.
I think to myself how alike we are. We are almost the same age, have been through a lot of the same stuff - single parenting, abuse, a life of doubt and just getting by somehow rescued seemingly at the last minute, a love of Orkney, a will to write. The loss of a best friend triggering a prolonged period of unease (in my case, six years of severe depression, coupled with kidney disease, which defied diagnosis) and a parent (in my case, a father in-law) with dementia. But Sarah has come out okay, she has found herself, she is whole and lovely and working through things.
The book is about many things - but mostly, grief. I have been dealing with my own grief, and her wisdom here spoke to me, because I'm living it. "Grief isn't about a person dying, grief is about loss." Thus, we are dealing with grief now - I was talking to someone about this just last night. Grief for what our year might have been. Grief for lost opportunities, lost friends, lost family members. Grief for our lost year, lost time, lost life. The sooner we recognize that, the sooner we can deal with the loss.
There will be dark days. There will always be dark days. But as she says, This too shall pass. And your now is not your forever. And yes, you can do hard things. So the one thing that this book gives is hope. I love that this is the name of her dog. I love that she is unabashed, unapologetic, so herself. She shines in these pages, the same as she does in her online posts. I hope that some day I can go back to Orkney, and meet her. And I've been inspired, though I've already passed 49, to make my own little list of things to do, because we all need something to work towards.
Because we are all wounded, and because we all long for some kind of belonging, this little book will serve many. I hope that it finds a wider audience. I got my copy sent direct from Sarah, signed, along with a piece of greenish sea glass, and I would encourage you to send away for yours.
September 6, 2020
This book felt so comforting although it had me in tears at times. Such a personal account of everyday experiences mixed with the extraordinary grief brought about by dementia and the joy of wild swimming. I took my time with this book and savoured every page.
June 28, 2020
A deeply personal diary, navigating a year that started with grief and loss, Sarah takes you with her on a journey through a very sad time with humour and honesty.
Always knowing she can do hard things, she's determined to make her 50th year special, and in doing so, she succumbs to the draw of sea swimming.
I fell in love with those Orkney swim spots alongside her as each chapter unfolded. As a swimmer, I identified with the elation of being in the cold water and how the sheer joy can coincide with moments of fear and strength and calm.
If you've never felt the salt on your skin, but are curious, if you're a pro swimmer, or even if you're terrified of water, you'll love this book. It's about life. It's real, it's raw and it's hopeful.
Always knowing she can do hard things, she's determined to make her 50th year special, and in doing so, she succumbs to the draw of sea swimming.
I fell in love with those Orkney swim spots alongside her as each chapter unfolded. As a swimmer, I identified with the elation of being in the cold water and how the sheer joy can coincide with moments of fear and strength and calm.
If you've never felt the salt on your skin, but are curious, if you're a pro swimmer, or even if you're terrified of water, you'll love this book. It's about life. It's real, it's raw and it's hopeful.
December 17, 2020
A wonderful and inspirational read. I recommend it to everyone xx
January 13, 2025
Autobiographical book about a woman moving to Orkney and how wild swimming helps her get through life including her mithers dementia and the death of a close friend.
September 6, 2020
This is a wonderful book. Poignant, honest and beautiful. I read it one sitting and will reread.
August 31, 2020
A powerful and inspiring book. At times so funny, but also quite emotional. Some parts made for difficult reading (I know 'Mum and Dad') but the love that exists within the family just shines through.
March 2, 2025
Loved this honest open story of the power of wild swimming to navigate the ups and downs of life. Short but well written and inspiring.
August 30, 2020
Lovely book about his sea swimming 🏊🏻♀️ helps to cope with life.
August 6, 2020
I loved reading this book! She had me crying and laughing all the way through and i could not put it down! Sarah's blog is just as great 🥰 If Sarah ever writes another book I'm already sold.
July 28, 2020
This is a fantastic book. I laughed and cried and feel inspired. Despite dealing with the heart breaking dementia diagnosis of a parent, this book is warm & comforting. Sarah's real-ness makes it relatable & endearing. Despite living in a landlocked prairie I've been dreaming of the sea since reading this book! Thank you for sharing a year in your life.
July 21, 2020
Excellent
What a wonderful read. Full of honesty and humility, Sarah’s fun side really shines through. The difficult subject of dementia she deals with in a empathetic way. The reader follows her ups and downs and learns to laugh and cry with her.
I loved this book from start to finish.
What a wonderful read. Full of honesty and humility, Sarah’s fun side really shines through. The difficult subject of dementia she deals with in a empathetic way. The reader follows her ups and downs and learns to laugh and cry with her.
I loved this book from start to finish.
August 25, 2021
Marvellous
Just read it and enjoy. Funny, sad, poignant. So naturally written. I felt like I was sitting across from Sarah and she was just telling me her story.
I’m a summer wetsuit swimmer. I’m determined to get in the water without a suit. Sarah has made it sound like nothing else on earth.
Just read it and enjoy. Funny, sad, poignant. So naturally written. I felt like I was sitting across from Sarah and she was just telling me her story.
I’m a summer wetsuit swimmer. I’m determined to get in the water without a suit. Sarah has made it sound like nothing else on earth.
July 1, 2020
Absolutely adore this book! This book is a year reflecting difficult times and emotions. Loved every minute of it!!!
October 13, 2020
I read Sarah’s book in 2 days and loved it! It’s so honest, vulnerable and hilarious, making me laugh out loud and cry multiple times throughout. I’d recommend it to anyone.
August 25, 2021
This is an easy read. The poignant bits (of which there are more than a few) are deftly interspersed among good-humoured anecdotes of sea swimming in the cold cold waters of Orkney.
Now like the author, swimming does not come naturally to me. Swimming in the sea is something that I do once or twice a summer- though I am very partial to paddling preferably at either sunset or sunrise. Actually, I prefer sunrise because Adelaide beaches can get very congested on hot summer evenings. Sharing the author's lacklustre history with swimming, I can only admire her taking up swimming in the cold Scottish month of January. I can also recognise that splashing around in cold seawater would be an excellent way to take your mind off your mother's diagnosis of dementia. I would imagine being in water that cold would take your mind off anything but how bloody cold it is.
Reading this lovely little book is akin to reading someone's diary. Starting in January, it follows the author through a year where she simultaneously passionately embraces her newfound hobby of wild swimming but also deals with her mother's deterioration. Norquay's chatty style draws you in without overwhelming you. I could relate to how hard it is to first squeeze a recalcitrant belly into a wetsuit (pantyhose can be bad enough), but then secondly how hard it is to get the damn clingy thing off when you are standing shivering on the beach at swim's end. Still, unlike Norquay, I think I would have persisted. I can't imagine being that cold and swimming skins. Brrrr.
Norquay's skill as a writer means that I could also relate to her feelings of grief. I knew what she was talking about when she talked about her grief being a heavy stone in the pit of her stomach. But the moment for me where I lost it was when her mother turned to her and said:
"Don't upset yourself darling. I'm still the same person. I think I've just worn my brain out."
As a diary, this is a wonderful insightful read. If I had a criticism it is that the trauma with Norquay's daughter over Christmas came across as a distraction from the main story. I know that's what real life is like ... so my advice is to read this as a reflection of real-life and not a focussed plotted story.
Now like the author, swimming does not come naturally to me. Swimming in the sea is something that I do once or twice a summer- though I am very partial to paddling preferably at either sunset or sunrise. Actually, I prefer sunrise because Adelaide beaches can get very congested on hot summer evenings. Sharing the author's lacklustre history with swimming, I can only admire her taking up swimming in the cold Scottish month of January. I can also recognise that splashing around in cold seawater would be an excellent way to take your mind off your mother's diagnosis of dementia. I would imagine being in water that cold would take your mind off anything but how bloody cold it is.
Reading this lovely little book is akin to reading someone's diary. Starting in January, it follows the author through a year where she simultaneously passionately embraces her newfound hobby of wild swimming but also deals with her mother's deterioration. Norquay's chatty style draws you in without overwhelming you. I could relate to how hard it is to first squeeze a recalcitrant belly into a wetsuit (pantyhose can be bad enough), but then secondly how hard it is to get the damn clingy thing off when you are standing shivering on the beach at swim's end. Still, unlike Norquay, I think I would have persisted. I can't imagine being that cold and swimming skins. Brrrr.
Norquay's skill as a writer means that I could also relate to her feelings of grief. I knew what she was talking about when she talked about her grief being a heavy stone in the pit of her stomach. But the moment for me where I lost it was when her mother turned to her and said:
"Don't upset yourself darling. I'm still the same person. I think I've just worn my brain out."
As a diary, this is a wonderful insightful read. If I had a criticism it is that the trauma with Norquay's daughter over Christmas came across as a distraction from the main story. I know that's what real life is like ... so my advice is to read this as a reflection of real-life and not a focussed plotted story.
October 20, 2023
Memoirs of Sarah Norquay, recounting her swimming journey in Orkney seas after her world shattered upon the death of a close friend and her mam's dementia diagnosis. Searching for solace, she turned to wild swimming. The account is honest and sometimes humorous, written with a startling authenticity. The style is gentle and open. Because I am a wild swimmer too, I could relate to the "fear" before the swim, the camaraderie of a swimming tribe, the exhilaration after a challenging swim, and the comforting effect of the ocean on the soul.
However, the story is a bit of a letdown for me. I wanted more and nothing was happening. It lacked a description of the landscape (Orkney is after all so beautiful) and failed to engage with the natural setting. The connection between a swimmer and nature all around is one aspect this book should have covered. Nature elements ground you. It didn't show in the book. There was no use of metaphors or analogies in that effort, at least none worth remembering. The memoir turned into a solitary moaning or lamentation and a recording of excessive self-pity. I mean no disrespect to the author and to what she has gone through. I do empathize. Yet, the story becomes monotonous and repetitive, with scenes looking like one another. I also felt that the stories of the other characters she mentioned could have complimented her writings and added layers. Instead, the author mentions a few characters but her experience is not enriched by her encounters or by their own stories.
All in all, if you are thinking about joining a wild swimming club, the read is worth a try and it might challenge you to take the plunge. However, in terms of writing and story quality, I feel disappointed and this is why I can only give it 2 stars.
However, the story is a bit of a letdown for me. I wanted more and nothing was happening. It lacked a description of the landscape (Orkney is after all so beautiful) and failed to engage with the natural setting. The connection between a swimmer and nature all around is one aspect this book should have covered. Nature elements ground you. It didn't show in the book. There was no use of metaphors or analogies in that effort, at least none worth remembering. The memoir turned into a solitary moaning or lamentation and a recording of excessive self-pity. I mean no disrespect to the author and to what she has gone through. I do empathize. Yet, the story becomes monotonous and repetitive, with scenes looking like one another. I also felt that the stories of the other characters she mentioned could have complimented her writings and added layers. Instead, the author mentions a few characters but her experience is not enriched by her encounters or by their own stories.
All in all, if you are thinking about joining a wild swimming club, the read is worth a try and it might challenge you to take the plunge. However, in terms of writing and story quality, I feel disappointed and this is why I can only give it 2 stars.
January 10, 2021
The first time I picked up this remarkable book my head said no. I wanted to read it so badly (fuelled by a “slight” obsession with Orkney, a lifetime love of the sea/water, and a fair bit of Instagram stalking), but the first couple of pages were enough to let me know that it was not the right time for me. So I put it down and waited.
Even before my first failed attempt, I knew this book was going to be hard. And beautiful. And inspiring. And funny. And did I mention hard? It is all of those things and so much more. It is permission. Permission to be yourself, to be open, to be vulnerable, to be honest, and to be so much more than you thought you could be. I don’t know why I was “ready” to read it now but I trusted my gut, pushed past page 6 (seriously, what kind of book makes you sob on page 6!), and devoured this little gem.
This book will make you feel like the starfish who was thrown back into the sea.
Even before my first failed attempt, I knew this book was going to be hard. And beautiful. And inspiring. And funny. And did I mention hard? It is all of those things and so much more. It is permission. Permission to be yourself, to be open, to be vulnerable, to be honest, and to be so much more than you thought you could be. I don’t know why I was “ready” to read it now but I trusted my gut, pushed past page 6 (seriously, what kind of book makes you sob on page 6!), and devoured this little gem.
This book will make you feel like the starfish who was thrown back into the sea.
October 14, 2025
This book was given to me by one of the sea swimmers I know. We call our group Seasters. One of the ladies bought this book and raved about it, passing it around to other sea swimmers. They would then put their names in it. I’m the 8 person to write my name in this book and must now pass it on to another sea swimmer. The woman who raved about the book, we have read and loved similar books, so I figure I would like the book. And I absolutely loved it! About a wild swimmer in Orkney. I learned a few things about the island from spending a year in it… the time frame of this book. About a woman who turns 49 and decides to spend the year doing 49 new things. In January, she tries swimming in the fridge waters of Orkney and it takes on a life of its own! It’s fitting, since I will be turning 49 in a few months and trying to decide how I would want to live out that year. As we learned in Salt on my Skin, life gets in the way of our plans.
March 25, 2022
This is such a beautiful book. I’ve been meaning to read it since I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah on a sea swim at Skaill when I was visiting Orkney in the summer of 2020. I am glad I saved that pleasure as it was wonderful to escape to the beaches of Orkney with Sarah again this week, while I am stuck in a house with COVID positive family. Sarah writes beautifully and honestly about the pleasure of bringing your troubles to the balm of the cold sea and teaches, through those words about the sea, about humanity and life and how to survive and thrive with and through the travails of family connections and strife.
January 24, 2025
This is the book that I go back to time and time again. I love Orkney and also wild swimming in the cold North sea and occasionally in the Atlantic Ocean. Sarah has written a beautiful book about her everyday struggles with life's ups and downs. Dealing with Grief and the emotional pain of Dealing with a parent with dementia. Having gone through Grief and having a parent with dementia it has been a lifeline knowing that someone out there is feeling the same way and coping with it with resilience and determination.
October 17, 2020
Sarah’s book is such a joy to read. As a fellow outdoor (wild) swimmer there are lot of synergies for me. Although this book takes us through a year of
wild swimming and highlights the benefits of swimming in cold water, this is really a book about accepting yourself, working out how to deal with hard stuff and living with integrity and joy. Warm, humorous and sad in equal measure this book will,life your spirits, whether you venture into cold water or not.
wild swimming and highlights the benefits of swimming in cold water, this is really a book about accepting yourself, working out how to deal with hard stuff and living with integrity and joy. Warm, humorous and sad in equal measure this book will,life your spirits, whether you venture into cold water or not.
January 30, 2021
I wish the best to the author and she writes well but despite being an outdoor swimming enthusiast who cares for someone with dementia I couldn't quite click with this book. I think lockdown makes our differences more extreme sometimes. But lots of other people have loved it so I think it may have caught me at a bad time.
February 13, 2021
This is such a heart-warming tale. When I reached out to Sarah for Orkney sea swimming tips prior to our ferry over to the island, she was so excited to share all her favourites. I feel such a deep connection with her unfolding love of the sea, and thankful for joining her on her journey through this book.
July 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book, Sarah is an excellent writer. I learned some useful information about sea swimming, cried a little, laughed a little and it is inspiring me to get out there and swim!
It is not a how to guide, but thanks for the tip about the hot chocolate 🍫 I’ve been having the same problem for years- goes out to scrub the car seat hopefully for the last time 🤞🏼😂🤣😂
It is not a how to guide, but thanks for the tip about the hot chocolate 🍫 I’ve been having the same problem for years- goes out to scrub the car seat hopefully for the last time 🤞🏼😂🤣😂
February 6, 2025
very good read so down to earth &honest
Loved salt on my skin the story was so beautifully written and telling the story & struggles of her mums dementia. The struggles with life and how sea swimming can soothes your soul & helps so much with your whole well being there isn’t a better way to help yourself.
Loved salt on my skin the story was so beautifully written and telling the story & struggles of her mums dementia. The struggles with life and how sea swimming can soothes your soul & helps so much with your whole well being there isn’t a better way to help yourself.
May 27, 2025
I loved this book,I really identified with the ups and downs of life with a parent who has dementia. Also the effect swimming has, restoring our calm and providing a reset. I felt like we shared an acquaintance when she spoke of Amy liptrot as I've just read her 2 books recently.
Very enjoyable and relatable !
Very enjoyable and relatable !
June 3, 2021
Humorous and heartfelt
Loved this book. Witty, poignant and beautifully written. My dear dad came to mind so often as Sarah was accepting the decline in her mum, and I completely relate to her cold water swimming experiences. Brrrrrilliant!
Loved this book. Witty, poignant and beautifully written. My dear dad came to mind so often as Sarah was accepting the decline in her mum, and I completely relate to her cold water swimming experiences. Brrrrrilliant!
September 11, 2021
I really enjoyed Sarah's telling of her first year of open water swimming (a skins swimmer) funny and honest about the highs and lows of caring for aging parents, parenting and trying to get time to swim. Would recommend to anyone interested in open water swimming.
December 30, 2021
Delightful read
Having started sea swimming in early 2021 I completely understand Sarah’s love for the sea and to plan the week around swims ! I also resonate with caring for someone living with dementia
Having started sea swimming in early 2021 I completely understand Sarah’s love for the sea and to plan the week around swims ! I also resonate with caring for someone living with dementia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews