Pilgrim

Finding a New Way on the Camino de Santiago

De: Carolyn Gillespie

Narrado por: Carolyn Gillespie

When faced with an empty nest, Kari decides to spread her own wings. Giving up a job she loves, she sets off to walk across a whole country. A big one.

A contemporary take on an ancient experience, Pilgrim is an entertaining and moving memoir of Kari’s 900-kilometer walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In classic pilgrim fashion, she meets and befriends an array of companions along the way, from all walks of life, united by a common sincerity of purpose. Battling through sun and snow, mud and mountains, blisters and bedbugs, her real destination turns out to be "deep peace".

Initially unsure of the difference between a long walk and a pilgrimage, Kari and her friend are not sure what to expect as they embark on the Camino de Santiago. Sleeping in hostels and carrying all their belongings on their back takes some getting used to, and they are sorely tested by the unrelenting physical challenge of the "great trudge". In the early days, they are preoccupied by the external journey.

But soon, like a modern-day Canterbury Tales, Kari and Ali find themselves swept along by a motley band of pilgrims whose stories touch the heart and awaken the soul. Pilgrim brings to life, in vivid detail, the kindness of strangers, the warmth of village hospitality, and the sisterhood of the Sturdy Girls. With San Miguel adopted as their patron saint, the Camino becomes filled with beer, laughter, and a return to the carefree joy of childhood. There is an unburdening, a sloughing off of the things that don’t matter. Only what counts is left behind.

Pilgrim celebrates communitas, friendship, and the resilience of the middle-aged women who keep going when those around them buckle, who bandage the broken, make them dinner, and get them back on their feet.

Encouraged by the ghosts of pilgrims who have walked the Way for a thousand years, and with no real choice in the matter, she finally slows down, and the pilgrimage becomes a journey to the interior. As she walks, her defenses are broken down and her heart opens.

On a transformational journey that takes her from the snowy mountains of the Pyrenees, through the dry winelands of Rioja, the mysticism of the Meseta, to the green farmland of Galicia, a spiritual reawakening occurs. She revels in the utter joy of a frosty sunrise with shadows 100 meters long, the frogs, and the cuckoo that follows them for miles. The body may be broken, but nature has the cure.

Pilgrim is a coming-of-(middle)-age tale. The story is ultimately one of transformation, of rebirth and redemption. Written with warmth and honesty, Pilgrim shows what can happen when we jump off the path we are on and step onto a new one where nothing looks the same. The question is no longer "What do I want to do with the rest of my life?" The question is: "Who do I want to be?"

©2021 Carolyn Gillespie (P)2022 Carolyn Gillespie

A lovely tale of friendship and walking

I loved this book, especially as an audiobook! I myself am hoping to also walk the Camino one day and this story was so inspiring to listen to. I loved hearing the journey that the author embarked on, and I’m even more excited to talk my own walk to experience this amazing adventure and journey of the soul.

Inspiring!

Loved every bit of this book! It was inspiring, The way with which it is written made it easy for me to envision walking the Camino. I feel this book speaks to the human spirit and is delivered in an easy flowing, engaging, and sometimes humorous, tone. Thank you so much for sharing your Camino!

The honest revelations and simple observations of the author

I liked enjoyed the British accent and unfamiliar colloquium. I liked the pacing of outward description and inward musings.

Completely Captured by this Walk

I will be doing only one stage of the Camino in Spring. I am unsure if I can do that much but this story makes me want to try more than ever and somehow makes me believe I can go back again to do more if not the whole thing. Beautifully told and did such a splendid job of creating a sense of place along the way AND I learned of some things to pack! Thank you.

Mindful preparation

Preparing for my own Camino. At 64 and newly retired I plan in my mind and now my body for a spiritual journey of my own. I don’t know that I will make it to Spain but have walked with this author and several other adventurous women in walking up to 10 miles/day. I heard every word of this author and felt myself being a companion in her walk. Thank you for helping me rediscover myself in this world

Beautiful Camino!

I stumbled upon Carolyn’s book as I’m preparing to do my own Camino with girlfriends and couldn’t have enjoyed this more. I listened every day as I trained, envisioning her journey. Her story strengthened me when I felt tired and inspired me to walk further. I really enjoyed her narration as well. Truly a lovely book and I’m grateful to have discovered it!

Stunning storytelling!

I was instantly hooked on the story, and the authors reading of it is superb! You can feel her energy, awe, pain and emotion in the journey. I chose this book because I am going on the Camino soon myself, and now having listened to this, I cannot wait to leave!

Captivating

Loved the book.
Great story teller. Felt like I was on the Camino with them!

A Great Read for Anyone Considering The Camino!

This is such an easy story to listen to and very interesting. Carolyn’s voice is beautiful as she tells the ins and outs of traveling the Camino.

It gives a realistic perspective on mindset and perseverance-truly inspiring for anyone who wonders if they have what it takes to walk The Camino.

Loved this Book

I have read many books on the Camino and this was by all my favorite. Carolyn articulated her feelings and experiences that reminded me of my Camino last year. She describes the tears, laughter, pain, spirituality, and peace that is so deep. I decided to also purchase the hardcopy book so I could read it again. I totally recommend this book whether or not you plan on doing a Camino or if you already have. It’s the best.