The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago
Reviews (84)
Refreshing my Camino Memories
My anticipation to walk the Camino de Santiago started by looking at You Tube videos - reading books and training for this 500 mile pilgrimage in early 2017. My actual walking journey started Sept 4, 2017 at St Jean Pied de Port and 4 weeks later arrived in Santiago and then to Finisterre. Since then I have been recalling many aspects of this wonderful Camino experience as I continue to walk many wooded trails and paths in Virginia as an escape from suburbia . Training for this long trek I felt was necessary because I was 70 at the time and feared that I might not be up to such a strenuous journey - little did I know at the time that walking 25 km a day became less and less of an issue after the first week). Soon walking was less burdensome and opening up to the Camino experience grew. Today I still walk 8 to 10 km every day yet I probably will not do this Camino again - but I do enjoy looking at my Compostela that hangs proudly in my dining room reminding me that I was part of something bigger than myself. As I read this book, memories of places/sites, albergues, meals, fellow pilgrims, and reflections came rushing back. The author writing skills allowed me to feel like we had experienced many of the same things. Note: For all future pilgrims be sure to take time to write in a journal every day.
Desires of the Heart
You cannot help but be excited for the author (Russ) as he fulfills a lifelong dream, to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago. For 20 years he had dreamed of making this journey and his enthusiasm for the experience leaps out of every page. I particularly liked the quotes Russ used to introduce each new chapter, and these quotes helped to frame the author’s daily experience of walking into a spiritual and/or religious context. I was however, a bit disappointed that most of the book was yet another Camino travelogue, with the author telling us about the places he went and the people he met. Recounting the journey is certainly an important aspect of any Camino memoir, but the description of the book promised more substance, which for me did not materialize. The author has such an interesting personal background that my expectations may have been too lofty. That being said, It is hard to believe this is Russ’ first book. It is well written and it resonates with a professional polish most Camino memoirs do not possess. If you looking for an authentic Camino memoir, written by an honest to goodness pilgrim, this is your book!
Accurate portrayal of the Camino experience
This is an excellent book. I felt a real connection to the author as I read the book. Eanes accurately portrays the fullness of the Camino experience - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, and everything in between. I walked the Camino Frances in 2017, the same route as the author walked in the book but about nine months before the author did his Camino. This book is the best description of the Camino experience I have read. It captures the fear of the unknown, the feelings of accomplishment, loneliness, joy, spiritual awakening, camaraderie and exhilaration that I felt on the Way. The author's descriptions of specific places and feelings took me back to when I was on the Camino and made me feel like I was actually there again. This is not a guidebook to the Camino or a detailed instruction manual on how to prepare for the Camino (although there are some very good tips included in this narrative). However, if you are looking for a book that accurately describes what it's like to walk the Camino Frances, this is one of the best I've come across.
Inspiring!
This account of Russ's personal Camino experience is enlightening and inspirational. I knew very little about this pilgrimage, but now I am inspired to accept, not only the physical challenge but "getting lost" to find yourself. It is well written, with an easy flowing style, maintaining your interest with practical advice but also conveying the real essence of why Russ made the walk. I highly recommend this book!
Inspiring!
The author offers a readable combination of travel description and spiritual reflection.
Well worth reading
I found this book to be well written and provided a good picture of what the walk is like. I would recommend to anyone who wants an idea of what the walk is like and what to expect if deciding to do this walk.
Wonderful book and an amazing adventure.
Sometimes I felt just like I was walking along with you Your descriptions of things you saw and did made it all seems real. Thank you for your book. Christine Boule Boulechsd@embarqmail.com Punta Gorda', Fl
Walk slowly
I wish that I had read this before my six Caminos. I hurried too much, and the last Camino where I went with a guided group, would have been so much better if I had walked slowly with contemplation.
Anyone considering a pilgrimage or wanting to experience it vicariously should read this book.
There is surely no way that reading a book is anything like experiencing a Camino pilgrimage in person. Eanes makes the journey come alive, offers insight into his personal quest, and introduces us to fascinating fellow pilgrims from around the world. The book is a creative blend of spiritual reflection and practical advice for those considering a similar challenge.
A diary of a trekker
My granddaughter is walking this trail in May. It was very helpful to o be able to read about someone who had experienced it.
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