Drystone: A Life Rebuilt

by Kristie De Garis

Kristie De Garis spent years running – from places, people and parts of herself. But chaos always followed.

When she moved to rural Scotland, she hoped to find peace. Instead, in the space and silence, she was forced to confront everything she had tried to racism, trauma, undiagnosed ADHD, addiction and the stark realities of motherhood.

Then, in the land around her – and in the slow, stubborn craft of drystone walling – she began to see a different life. One that was quiet, deliberate, and her own.

A Life Rebuilt is unflinchingly honest and unexpectedly funny. A story about the weight of the past, resilience and the hard work of living on your own terms.

Some things may never change. What matters is the life you build anyway.

Genres: Nonfiction

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2025

About the author

Kristie De Garis is a Scottish writer, photographer, and drystone waller. Her debut memoir, Drystone – A Life Rebuilt, weaves together stories of landscape, labour, motherhood, identity, and recovery. She’s one of very few women working in the traditional craft of drystone walling, and brings that same grounded, deliberate energy to her writing. In rural Scotland, with her two daughters and her two-ex husbands, Kristie lives a quiet and carefully curated life.

Reviews

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, who stepped out of the proverbial fire, could have been resigned to live as a ghost of herself, but instead she worked to reclaim her life. By repairing the integrity of crumbling drystone walls, she found the strength that comes through achieving balance, the kind that shores up the foundation of the self. By learning to be intentional, she found harmony with the people in her life.

Those who have been broken have a talent for shoring up whatever has fallen apart, because instinctively, they can pinpoint weaknesses. The author shows us that rather than sublimating our emotions and experiences, we can acknowledge their existence, and strengthen everything around them until all pressures are balanced, and they ultimately become what holds us together.

[Svea Vikander · Rating 5 out of 5]

De Garis tells a story of coming to peace. The journey is tough: through violence, addiction, shame, racism, and online dating. But the reward is magnificent.

Also: some of the best nature writing I have ever read.

[Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was visually and beautifully written. Kristie's honesty has a way of encouraging that within the reader. This book had me questioning things about myself that I had taken for granted. She has a way of connecting dots without drawing hard lines. It's one you won't put down - her words take you on a journey, into the story of her life that echoes pieces you will certainly find mirrored in your own. Kristie's voice and story are important pieces of the story that we're hoping to tell of the future - and it starts by looking into the past with enough bravery that lets you see something for what it is, so that it might start to become something different. Go get yourself a copy.

[Bianka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deeply moving, insightful, witty, and above all, honest. Kristie establishes a wonderful connection with the reader on every page of the book. You will find yourself drawing parallels between all points in your life and hers. The book quickly took hold of me, and I found it hard to put down. No matter who you are, I think you will gain something in reading this, whether it be strength, a new understanding on some harrowing topics and experiences, or just entertainment. I couldn't recommend it enough.

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I didn’t want to put down. A compelling read that is beautifully written. From the descriptions of the Scottish nature and landscapes that made me believe I was stood amongst it, to the honest, raw, heart wrenching (but also at times humorously written) story of how Kristie navigated an oftentimes traumatic childhood and early adulthood to find her place in life. She writes in a way that is relatable and made me question things in life that I’d never previously considered. A must read!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an incredible read—a refreshingly honest and beautifully written memoir. Kristie's words will have you fully immersed for the entire experience. It's a story of hardship, resilience, rebuilding and hope. It will bring tears, resonance, reflection and presence. A must read for all.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mustread!