In Ascent of a Woman, Mhairi Blyth presents an unfiltered, candid account of her life. Spanning over thirty years, her memoir shows a life littered...

Mhairi Blyth
Mhairi Blyth

Mhairi started writing as a child as a form of escapism and carried on into her adult life. She writes poetry, short stories and fiction. Her writing reflects her experiences in life such as living abroad, fertility and infertility, menopause, relationship issues and family drama. She often mixes her love of living abroad in her writing and takes inspiration from her time in Saudi Arabia, Crete and Turkey. She has always had a passion for books of all kinds and has an extensive collection at home.

Mhairi is currently studying Classics at The Open University and hopes to integrate her learning and interest for ancient history with her writing in the future.

When Mhairi isn't writing you will find her with her 3 dogs at home, indulging in a spot of gardening or cross-stitch. Her busy family life sees her looking after her parents, who live with her and her husband, alongside her daughter and grandson. If she can steal a half hour nap on a weekend it's a bonus! 

Ascent of a Woman

In Ascent of a Woman, Mhairi Blyth presents an unfiltered, candid account of her life. Spanning over thirty years, her memoir shows a life littered with trauma, trials, and tragedy, starting with her dad leaving to work over 3,000 miles away, in the middle of a war, when she was just six.

With every chapter of her life, a new and seemingly...

Praise

The author manages to write about the tragedy and trauma of her life in such a way that you can’t put the book down. You feel like you are right there with her at each point where her life moves from event to event.
Most powerful is the resilience she shows and the hope the book provides that even through the trauma and the heartbreaks she suffers there is a life to keep fighting for.
Brilliant.

– GeeBee

Some books entertain, some educate, and then there are those that leave an indelible mark on your soul. Ascent of a Woman by Mhairi Blyth is one such book. It is a raw, deeply emotional memoir that captures the essence of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Mhairi’s life has been shaped by events beyond her control—starting with her father’s departure when she was just a child. But rather than letting these challenges defeat her, she finds a way to survive, to push through, and ultimately, to rise. She battles not only external hardships but also internal struggles, questioning her worth and place in the world. Yet, through pain and loss, she forges an identity of strength and perseverance.

The writing is deeply personal, almost as if Mhairi is sitting across from you, recounting her life’s journey with an unflinching honesty. She does not seek pity; rather, she shares her story to inspire. This book is not just about survival—it’s about reclaiming power, about finding purpose despite the pain.

Ascent of a Woman is a book that will stay with you long after the final page. It is a tribute to human endurance, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, we have the strength to rise.

– Harry Thomas

Mhairi Blyth delivers an unforgettable memoir in Ascent of a Woman, a book that delves into the depths of trauma and emerges with a message of hope. From the innocence of childhood to the stark realities of adulthood, Mhairi’s journey is one of survival, strength, and self-discovery.

The book opens with a defining moment—her father leaving when she was just six years old, setting the tone for a life riddled with hardships. As the story unfolds, readers witness her resilience in the face of relentless challenges. Every page brings a new struggle, making it hard to imagine how one person could endure so much. But rather than being a tale of victimhood, this memoir is a powerful declaration of survival.

What sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Mhairi writes with a raw, unfiltered honesty that makes her experiences feel personal, as if she’s speaking directly to the reader. She doesn’t just recount the events of her life—she allows us to feel them, to walk alongside her through moments of despair and triumph.

Ultimately, Ascent of a Woman is about rising above circumstances, no matter how devastating. It’s a book that will break your heart and then mend it with its message of hope. A must-read for those who believe in the power of human resilience.

– Victor

Events

Join me at Howe of Fife Rugby Club in Duffus Park, Cupar for drinks and nibbles where I'll be discussing my book, answering your questions and signing copies for you. Books available to purchase on the day!

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