Row for Freedom
Crossing an Ocean in Search of Hope
- History & Biography
- Publisher: W Publishing Group (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
“When you’re in the middle of the adventure, you just have to live it. When you’re on an expedition, you put your head down and battle through. Storytelling happens after the finish line.... now that time has come [and] Julia can tell her story. The full story.” —from the foreword by Bear Grylls *** An incredible account of one woman’s record-breaking row across the Atlantic Thirty-two-year-old Julia Immonen and four other women take on a challenge completed by fewer people than have climbed Mount Everest or gone into space: row three thousand miles, unaided, from the Canary Islands to Barbados. Row for Freedom chronicles that dramatic journey, detailing the grueling, peril-filled crossing, which broke two world records, as it weaves together Julia’s search for hope and purpose against a background of relationships scarred by violence. As Julia’s physical and emotional treks unfold, you also learn about the plight of the thirty million victims of the modern-day slave trade that serves as the motivation for her row. Be inspired by Julia’s self-discovery and her team’s triumph in one of the most formidable physical quests ever undertaken.
Endorsements (12)
“Row for Freedom is an inspiring story of resolute determination and courage, born out of one woman’s conviction to tackle the great injustice of human slavery. This story shows us that with perseverance and commitment we each can make a difference to the condition of humanity.”
“Great story—brilliantly told. Inspirational in the best way.”
“I supported Julia and her crew throughout their rowing campaign, which raised much needed awareness of the scale and effects of human trafficking in the UK and globally. Row for Freedom is an inspiring example of bravery and determination. I wish Julia all the continued success.”
“The impact of Row for Freedom ripples far and wide, inspiring us all that we can play our parts to see the eradication of modern slavery. You cannot be anything but inspired and moved to action after reading Julia’s book.”
“Some stories are the stuff of legend-making and must be told. They are tales of heroism and duty and relentless determined passion. Julia’s story is all of that—it is also the potent pursuit of purpose. This journey in words gives us just an inkling of both the horrors of human trafficking and the grit one woman has to stand up and state her anger at the peddlers of injustice, with a cry for freedom and a row that stretches even the most insistent to adoration and respect. The fact that nations now are alert to this ugly money-grabbing system of trading human lives, and governments are acting to reverse the tide again, is in some major part a tribute to this woman and to her agony for freedom—for her and for the captives, it is just beautiful.”
“The physical achievement in crossing the Atlantic, breaking records along the way, is more than matched by their achievement in raising awareness of an issue that is closest to my heart.”
“Julia Immonen is an inspiration to anyone who wants to make a difference in this world. She is visionary, brave—and huge fun as well. She is spurred on to achieve her extraordinary feats on sea and land by a single-minded determination to play her part in ending the evil of human trafficking. We admire her more than we can say and commend her book to you.”
“I spoke to Julia when she was buried deep in the waves of the mid Atlantic. I heard the pain and the struggle in her voice but also her tenacious, relentless determination for freedom. She is an example of what can happen when you say yes to step out beyond the ordinary.”
“If you’re gonna risk it all, you might as well make it count. Julia Immonen’s Row for Freedom is a gritty and gutsy adventure, one filled with terrifying challenges and surreal rewards, like the reward of knowing that each relentless pull of the oars as they crossed perilous waters was breaking chains that held others captive. They rowed so others could live free. “Julia radiates stunning hope and beautiful compassion, both of which drench these pages with a sense that you, too, have an adventure to live and a story to tell. You don’t have to cross an ocean, but you do have to face your fears and realize that you can do more than you have ever imagined.”
“Passion is often defined as ‘the degree of difficulty we’re willing to endure to achieve our goal.’ That being the case, the story of Julia’s Atlantic row is a most remarkable display of passion. With her goal in mind of helping those chained by the shackles of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, she never gives up on hope and never gives in to her fears. The perseverance shown on these pages will inspire you to face oceans of adventure or adversity in your own life.”
“Julia Immonen is a hero! This brave and stunning woman has shown us that every ordinary life can bring about remarkable change. Row for Freedom will encourage you to believe that every day of your life is pregnant with hope, strength, and the ability to impact our world.”
“A gripping account of how an ordinary woman went on an extraordinary venture to highlight an appalling evil. Honest, authentic and utterly challenging.”
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