A compelling memoir about opting for adventure instead of motherhood and the lifelong outcomes of that choice. Instead captures Maria Coffeys adventurous life through her biggest decisions along the way including the decision not to have children. Its a vivid travelogue a love story and a personal commentary on the risks and rewards of choosing unconventional paths. After two traumatic experiences during her twenties a neardrowning in Morocco and her boyfriends death on Mount Everest Maria determines to seize every day and explore the world. Mixed with her desire for freedom is a new fear of loss which convinces her against parenthood. She falls in love with Dag who shares her dreams and they begin creating a life of adventure. There is one snag he wants children and thinks they could include them in their wild exploits. Instead follows Marias trajectory as she shares her guiltridden relationship with her Irish Catholic mother her baby debates with Dag in unlikely situations like kayaking through a storm the doubts that rear up in remote cultures where her childfree choice is unfathomable and how children eventually and surprisingly come into her life. An adventure story with a unique twist Instead tackles the universal themes of choice and consequence agency versus fate. It is a must read for anyone curious about stepping off the beaten track and a testament to the power of being open to the unexpected.