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Strangers and Pilgrims
"My heart is broken and I am dying inside."
Six unconnected strangers type these words into an internet search engine and start the journey of a lifetime. Directed to The House of the Wellspring website, each begins a conversation with the mysterious warden, to discover whether the waters of the Wellspring, a source of powerful healing, can heal their unbearable hurts.
A journey of self discovery and healing awaits them, but will the Warden grant them their wish? Invited to spend some days at the House of the Wellspring each of the strangers comes with the hope of coming away whole again.
But where is the Warden they all longed to meet and where is the Wellspring they all came to find?
(Revised and updated with a new acknowledgement page)
Six unconnected strangers type these words into an internet search engine and start the journey of a lifetime. Directed to The House of the Wellspring website, each begins a conversation with the mysterious warden, to discover whether the waters of the Wellspring, a source of powerful healing, can heal their unbearable hurts.
A journey of self discovery and healing awaits them, but will the Warden grant them their wish? Invited to spend some days at the House of the Wellspring each of the strangers comes with the hope of coming away whole again.
But where is the Warden they all longed to meet and where is the Wellspring they all came to find?
(Revised and updated with a new acknowledgement page)
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2010
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2013
Halfway through this book I couldn't wait to come onto Goodreads and give it a five star rave review but the final eighth sadly brought it toppling from its perch for me. However I loved the rest of it so much that I still have to give it four stars.
It was the abrupt ending and what I felt was also a very "corny" ending to such an imaginative story that spoiled it for me. I could forgive what I felt was unbelievably predictable as I am sure some people will like that aspect of the story but it was the "way too soon" ending to the actual story that made me feel let down.
The book could be seen in two halves, the "Strangers" who become the "Pilgrims". I loved the premise which is what drew me to the book. six people, all at the end of their endurance, utter the words "My heart is broken, I am dying inside" and then type it into a search engine. Don't be put off thinking this will be depressing reading, it carries the magic of hope through the first half of the book as we learn each of their stories. The search engine leads them all to what appears to be a retreat with healing waters. I loved the way the same sort of spiritual ritual took them all through this process and by the time the final person found the door with the little nightlight burning in a jam jar on the doorstep, I was completely hooked.
Ms Tuffnell's ability to draw out characters and to bring an environment to life is wonderful. I really felt I was with them in the little cottage by the fire, sheltered from the elements outside. I sat in the candlelight with them all and could see, smell and taste the bubbling macaroni cheese served up for their first supper together.
It was this feeling, that I was on a journey with them all, that suddenly got sidestepped when their time together came to a very unexpected and far too abrupt end. I felt really disappointed and as if I had been left at the cottage waving them all goodbye without understanding why they had gone. I think a lot more could have been drawn out about their healing processes at this point which would have opened up their characters so much more.
It just finished too soon for me and I was particularly disappointed by the last few pages...the aftermath if you like. After such a deep insight into what makes humanity tick, this was, for me, such a let down. But, as I said, this may just be me and you may find the ending just what you want it to be.
Anyway, what I do know is that I loved the story and am not going to let myself be put off by the ending. This lady is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.
It was the abrupt ending and what I felt was also a very "corny" ending to such an imaginative story that spoiled it for me. I could forgive what I felt was unbelievably predictable as I am sure some people will like that aspect of the story but it was the "way too soon" ending to the actual story that made me feel let down.
The book could be seen in two halves, the "Strangers" who become the "Pilgrims". I loved the premise which is what drew me to the book. six people, all at the end of their endurance, utter the words "My heart is broken, I am dying inside" and then type it into a search engine. Don't be put off thinking this will be depressing reading, it carries the magic of hope through the first half of the book as we learn each of their stories. The search engine leads them all to what appears to be a retreat with healing waters. I loved the way the same sort of spiritual ritual took them all through this process and by the time the final person found the door with the little nightlight burning in a jam jar on the doorstep, I was completely hooked.
Ms Tuffnell's ability to draw out characters and to bring an environment to life is wonderful. I really felt I was with them in the little cottage by the fire, sheltered from the elements outside. I sat in the candlelight with them all and could see, smell and taste the bubbling macaroni cheese served up for their first supper together.
It was this feeling, that I was on a journey with them all, that suddenly got sidestepped when their time together came to a very unexpected and far too abrupt end. I felt really disappointed and as if I had been left at the cottage waving them all goodbye without understanding why they had gone. I think a lot more could have been drawn out about their healing processes at this point which would have opened up their characters so much more.
It just finished too soon for me and I was particularly disappointed by the last few pages...the aftermath if you like. After such a deep insight into what makes humanity tick, this was, for me, such a let down. But, as I said, this may just be me and you may find the ending just what you want it to be.
Anyway, what I do know is that I loved the story and am not going to let myself be put off by the ending. This lady is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.
April 14, 2012
Strangers & Pilgrims doesn't fit easily into any ready-made categories or genres, and we shouldn't try to place it in any, either. Too many books remain unread because they've been put into little boxes which no-one ever opens.
This book is well-written and moves at its own pace. It won't be hurried. I like that about books, because it allows the reader to be enveloped in the world the writer has created, and not be dragged along, against his or her will, to the next big set piece.
S&P has a real message to convey, one which is all about the hidden strengths we as people have, if we only took the time to recognise them. It's about about hope, not about despair, even if the six characters here appear to have reached the ends of their tether. It's about allowing ourselvbes to be weak, because it's in our ultimate weakness that we recognise our ultimate strength. Whatever the outcome of the book (and I don't want to spoil it), it's one which is entirely generated from the characters' inner selves, from who they are and always have been. It's this that I found a huge inspiration, personally. We are all in charge of our own destines, and have no-one else to blame (or thank) for what we make of our lives.
There is a twist at the end, and one I didn't see coming at all, which made the book even more satisying for me.
Well worth the read.
This book is well-written and moves at its own pace. It won't be hurried. I like that about books, because it allows the reader to be enveloped in the world the writer has created, and not be dragged along, against his or her will, to the next big set piece.
S&P has a real message to convey, one which is all about the hidden strengths we as people have, if we only took the time to recognise them. It's about about hope, not about despair, even if the six characters here appear to have reached the ends of their tether. It's about allowing ourselvbes to be weak, because it's in our ultimate weakness that we recognise our ultimate strength. Whatever the outcome of the book (and I don't want to spoil it), it's one which is entirely generated from the characters' inner selves, from who they are and always have been. It's this that I found a huge inspiration, personally. We are all in charge of our own destines, and have no-one else to blame (or thank) for what we make of our lives.
There is a twist at the end, and one I didn't see coming at all, which made the book even more satisying for me.
Well worth the read.
January 3, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much. I was swept into the stories of each character, and the thing I liked most about each one was their very humanity. Flawed they may be, but the writer painted each person with such compassion that their flaws did not define them - we saw beyond their guilt, their ego, their jealousy, their loneliness and despair. Six individuals on a uniquely modern-day pilgrimage for acceptance, and isn't that what we are all searching for? Acceptance of ourselves as we really are, without the cloaks we sometimes feel pressured to wear or the unhealthy habits we may acquire to be acceptable to others.
Exquisite characterisation combined with some truly sublime descriptive prose made this as rewarding a journey for me, reading, as it was for the six pilgrims whose journey I shared. It touched me at a deep level - I even met the Warden in a dream one night - make of that what you may, but it was good.
Exquisite characterisation combined with some truly sublime descriptive prose made this as rewarding a journey for me, reading, as it was for the six pilgrims whose journey I shared. It touched me at a deep level - I even met the Warden in a dream one night - make of that what you may, but it was good.
February 18, 2021
You can't stop there, I NEED to know what happens next!! I really need to know about the chest, a book in its own right, but I also want to know how the future works out for them all.
A very well thought out & written storyline, the characters are so well written you get so involved with them, cheering them on & you feel a real need for things to work out for them. The author paints such a detailed description of their lives & emotions they seem more real than some real people! The turn at the end wasn't what or who I was expecting, I loved it, so cleverly written. Unlike many books the end was the end, it answered all your questions & more. A lot of books leave you wondering what happened or what it was all about, or they leave you with a list of questions, not this book everything was answered & explained. Having said that a sequel would add on very nicely, I would love to know how things turn out for them all......... Especially the story of the chest!
A very well thought out & written storyline, the characters are so well written you get so involved with them, cheering them on & you feel a real need for things to work out for them. The author paints such a detailed description of their lives & emotions they seem more real than some real people! The turn at the end wasn't what or who I was expecting, I loved it, so cleverly written. Unlike many books the end was the end, it answered all your questions & more. A lot of books leave you wondering what happened or what it was all about, or they leave you with a list of questions, not this book everything was answered & explained. Having said that a sequel would add on very nicely, I would love to know how things turn out for them all......... Especially the story of the chest!
January 27, 2016
This book captivated me from the very beginning. I loved the way in which the author used description, not just to set the scene but to introduce the characters as well, and to show their pain. That skilful touch was evident throughout the book, as the six main characters are drawn together by their need. There is a sense of mystery woven throughout, a feeling of something otherworldly and powerful just out of sight: but this is not a fantasy. These people feel real, their hurt is authentic, and their situations all too recognisable. It's very clear that the author understands and feels their pain. But she also brings compassion and hope to the story, and in the end that was the message I took from this - that there is healing, there is a Wellspring for all of us. One of the most encouraging and uplifting books I've read.
September 16, 2011
I really loved this book. The author has a gift for language that makes the reader feel as though she is lying in front of a warm fire with a cup of cocoa.
The story connects tortured souls in a way that is unique and refreshing, by using a simple line. "My heart is broken and I'm dying inside."
these words bring these characters together in a way that shows the breadth of the writer's love of story and speaks of a certainty of gentleness of spirit. There is a humanness in this story that I've rarely seen in other indie books. The sheer weight of the character's emotions are harnessed expertly so that the reader truly empathizes.
Stunning work and I recommend it.
The story connects tortured souls in a way that is unique and refreshing, by using a simple line. "My heart is broken and I'm dying inside."
these words bring these characters together in a way that shows the breadth of the writer's love of story and speaks of a certainty of gentleness of spirit. There is a humanness in this story that I've rarely seen in other indie books. The sheer weight of the character's emotions are harnessed expertly so that the reader truly empathizes.
Stunning work and I recommend it.
June 11, 2014
I enjoyed this book. A group of disparate people coming together at the House of the Wellspring to be cured of their ailments, discover they need to heal themselves. It's a simple premise, but the ending is very uplifting and satisfying. There's a slight twist, which - reading other reviews - some people figured out, but I tend not to read something looking for twists. And with all the best ones, it seemed perfectly obvious and fitting when I reached it.
October 5, 2012
The story was interesting from a voyeuristic perspective. Six people, three girls and three guys. Too predictable for words. What killed it for me was the very, very bad editing. Why do some publishers rely solely on spellcheck? Do they actually not read the book?
June 15, 2011
I have to give my own book five star review, really, don't I?
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews