What do you think?
Rate this book
Relish In the Tread
Beyond a mere travelogue , Steve Hunter’s debut novel unfolds along two very different, arduous, and ancient pilgrimage trails. Packed with warmth and humour, we follow Freddi’s 3,000-kilometer walk across Europe. This journey bursts with bare-bones honesty and heartache. Hunter tells it the Way that only a hardened traveler who sacrificed it all could.
Freddi’s life lacked any sign of commitment. Until those first steps, he had nothing to show for himself. He had abandoned his career, lost the love of his life, and then wandered exploited tourist trails to satisfy his ego. Relish In the Tread captures the horrors and the highs of a modern day pilgrim. Through madness and perseverance, he vows to walk and keep walking until he reaches the eighth wonder of the world, Hagia Sophia, where Europe and Asia collide.
Relish is the compelling, forthright, and personal story of one man’s odyssey toward discovery and transformation.
***
“Some people slammed their doors, others didn't,” he told me in his acquired, patient tone. “I had to deal with a lot of rejection in a way I never had before. Some days, I ate very little and walked slowly. It was a discipline I needed away from a world where I could have everything.”
Freddi’s life lacked any sign of commitment. Until those first steps, he had nothing to show for himself. He had abandoned his career, lost the love of his life, and then wandered exploited tourist trails to satisfy his ego. Relish In the Tread captures the horrors and the highs of a modern day pilgrim. Through madness and perseverance, he vows to walk and keep walking until he reaches the eighth wonder of the world, Hagia Sophia, where Europe and Asia collide.
Relish is the compelling, forthright, and personal story of one man’s odyssey toward discovery and transformation.
***
“Some people slammed their doors, others didn't,” he told me in his acquired, patient tone. “I had to deal with a lot of rejection in a way I never had before. Some days, I ate very little and walked slowly. It was a discipline I needed away from a world where I could have everything.”
292 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
21 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Steven Hunter
9 books4 followersRelish In the Tread is Steve Hunter’s first publication. He studied at college to become a Chef, then apprenticed around Canada before flying over to Australia, and working as a Chef De Parti. One day, his grandma passed away and his girlfriend dumped him shortly after. From there, he committed himself to the road. With no background from university or classical writer’s training, he spent 20 years training himself, honing his craft. Out on the road, living in a tent and working many random jobs, he found lots of time to read many of the great classics. Stacks of journals sit in his basement today. Collections of diaries first and then more like short stories from 88 countries and over 120,000 kilometres of hitchhiking.
While he loved hiking mountain trails, in 2013, on the advice of a friend he decided to walk across Spain on the famous – and flat – Camino de Santiago. In 2014, inspired by that overly commercialized trail, he forged his own path attempting to follow ancient routes from Rome to Istanbul. The year after that, he walked across half of Portugal. And later on, across the east coast of Taiwan. And later still, the Lykia Way in the south of Turkey. The road could teach us everything we needed to know. And then, through our own practice we could hone a craft worth sharing. If it was honest, pure, and from the core of our soul, the pages would have merit. If the work was for anything except sharing truths, if it was to monetize ourselves, then that craft had no purpose. Hunter’s words came from years of living hand to mouth, from a 12-kilogram backpack with little desire for more than to learn about the diverse cultures of our planet, the people movement that has shaped us, the colonial impressions that have been left on us and the wholehearted belief that our future lay in minimalism.
Growing up in the lower, middle class of a lunchbox town in the western world, it was easy to be engulfed by a bubble. Relish has been written for all those people who remained in their bubble. It’s for all those people who want to know what it is like to live on our planet, at the cliff edge, walking, slowly taking everything in. It is for all those too afraid to leave their comfort zone. And those who despite their best efforts live from an entitled perspective. Relish in the Tread is also for all Hunter’s long-termers out there that have been living the same kind of life for years and years, grabbing life by the nut-sack, never giving up, thirsty for knowledge and willing to sacrifice it all for the road. He’s met very few along the Way after 15 years. But when he did, he felt their souls connect. And he hopes that this book here does the same thing. It takes the soul of a road warrior and brings it into each reader. Especially, the lonely ones out there walking the planet that know the hardships, but recognize the value far more than any external, fictitious comfort that society either tells us to have or suggests we invest in. Relish in the Tread is an attempt to keep those people company who are in their tent right now, reading with a headlamp on, ignoring the howling cries of coyotes.
While he loved hiking mountain trails, in 2013, on the advice of a friend he decided to walk across Spain on the famous – and flat – Camino de Santiago. In 2014, inspired by that overly commercialized trail, he forged his own path attempting to follow ancient routes from Rome to Istanbul. The year after that, he walked across half of Portugal. And later on, across the east coast of Taiwan. And later still, the Lykia Way in the south of Turkey. The road could teach us everything we needed to know. And then, through our own practice we could hone a craft worth sharing. If it was honest, pure, and from the core of our soul, the pages would have merit. If the work was for anything except sharing truths, if it was to monetize ourselves, then that craft had no purpose. Hunter’s words came from years of living hand to mouth, from a 12-kilogram backpack with little desire for more than to learn about the diverse cultures of our planet, the people movement that has shaped us, the colonial impressions that have been left on us and the wholehearted belief that our future lay in minimalism.
Growing up in the lower, middle class of a lunchbox town in the western world, it was easy to be engulfed by a bubble. Relish has been written for all those people who remained in their bubble. It’s for all those people who want to know what it is like to live on our planet, at the cliff edge, walking, slowly taking everything in. It is for all those too afraid to leave their comfort zone. And those who despite their best efforts live from an entitled perspective. Relish in the Tread is also for all Hunter’s long-termers out there that have been living the same kind of life for years and years, grabbing life by the nut-sack, never giving up, thirsty for knowledge and willing to sacrifice it all for the road. He’s met very few along the Way after 15 years. But when he did, he felt their souls connect. And he hopes that this book here does the same thing. It takes the soul of a road warrior and brings it into each reader. Especially, the lonely ones out there walking the planet that know the hardships, but recognize the value far more than any external, fictitious comfort that society either tells us to have or suggests we invest in. Relish in the Tread is an attempt to keep those people company who are in their tent right now, reading with a headlamp on, ignoring the howling cries of coyotes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 28, 2023
Thank you Freddie for sharing part of your Way with us. My heart hurt for Freddie and my heart hurt for me. It is as though we both have something the other didn't. He had a kind of freedom, adventure, and present moment living in the beauty of nature where he could wrestle with, learn about and grow in his deeper understandings of Self and his Way in the world. And I have community, consistent connection, and the relied upon tangible love from my family. I have somewhat a secure and safe routine where I can indulge in consumerism and more physical luxuries, where I too work out and grow deeper in the understanding of Self and my Way in THIS world I live in.
Freddie reminded me that it is in those small acts of kindness and generosity that really make the difference in showing and being love to those around us. It is that small gesture that sinks us deeper into our interconnected web we all have. Even when it is in our own backyards. I also loved learning of the history that I am very much ignorant to. How fascinating that even across the world we can all recognized each other, our wounds, our joys, our traditions in the eyes of everyone along the Way. The sameness we share even in the different flavours of our humanity.
Thank you for the adventure, the vulnerability and sharing the wisdom of your Way Freddie. You had me stopping to think a lot throughout this read. I consciously told myself only a few chapters at a time because I wanted to savour the journey and not rush it like we so often do in the Western World. I wanted to be present and take in as much as I could.
Beautiful, heart breaking, messy, thoughtful, raw and inspiring.
Cheers!
Freddie reminded me that it is in those small acts of kindness and generosity that really make the difference in showing and being love to those around us. It is that small gesture that sinks us deeper into our interconnected web we all have. Even when it is in our own backyards. I also loved learning of the history that I am very much ignorant to. How fascinating that even across the world we can all recognized each other, our wounds, our joys, our traditions in the eyes of everyone along the Way. The sameness we share even in the different flavours of our humanity.
Thank you for the adventure, the vulnerability and sharing the wisdom of your Way Freddie. You had me stopping to think a lot throughout this read. I consciously told myself only a few chapters at a time because I wanted to savour the journey and not rush it like we so often do in the Western World. I wanted to be present and take in as much as I could.
Beautiful, heart breaking, messy, thoughtful, raw and inspiring.
Cheers!
September 1, 2023
To walk from Rome to Instanbul (having already trekked the Camino de Santiago) is a pretty impressive achievement given the pitfalls of health, culture, border controls and such. Steve Hunter cleverly conveys both of these journeys by leapfrogging one upon the other. Some might find that irritating but once I'd recognised the pattern I enjoyed keeping track of the both as they interlocked.
Steve's narrative holds the attention and a few North Americanisms aside I found the book wholly readable and engaging. Perhaps having undertaken similar (though shorter) adventures myself on foot, by bike and canoe I was able to relate to the physical experiences.
I found the insight into those cultures I've not yet encountered to be of particular interest - Montenegro, Albania and Turkey especially. My own experiences are quite similar in that often those least able to give are the very people that share their homes and welcome you at their table.
My wandering days aren't over quite yet and Steve's account inspires me to get out there to encounter more challenges before I hang up my boots and cycling shoes. I'm sure many others would agree.
Tez Watson
Steve's narrative holds the attention and a few North Americanisms aside I found the book wholly readable and engaging. Perhaps having undertaken similar (though shorter) adventures myself on foot, by bike and canoe I was able to relate to the physical experiences.
I found the insight into those cultures I've not yet encountered to be of particular interest - Montenegro, Albania and Turkey especially. My own experiences are quite similar in that often those least able to give are the very people that share their homes and welcome you at their table.
My wandering days aren't over quite yet and Steve's account inspires me to get out there to encounter more challenges before I hang up my boots and cycling shoes. I'm sure many others would agree.
Tez Watson
Currently reading
August 10, 2023Impeccably crafted, utterly engaging, and understandably sympathetic to his main character's plight, Steve reflects back on a life well-lived on the road despite the cold nights and enveloping loneliness that became his constant companion. For weeks and months. Through the eyes of his plucky protagonist Freddi, the author relives the travails of an epic journey of self-doubt and self-discovery that takes us across Spain, along dusty Italian lanes, and finally through the Balkans to the greatest city in the world. Freddi leaves it all on the table: love, loss, longing, and the kind of introspection and sharp focus that only comes from lived experience. Much like the Way itself, this worthy debut novel is not for the faint of heart. But it is worth coming back to, again and again. More please!
August 3, 2023
Relish in the tread is an essential read for the seasoned traveller, the new-to-the-road planner and the armchair dreamer or nostalgic. The author evokes the gritty, joyous, dirty, dangerous, beautiful sensation of treading, one step after the other, through changing landscapes. All of humanity is here and any one who’s spent time on the road will recognise equivalent characters.
The writing is richly descriptive and the pace steady and enticing as the narrator makes his way along his epic route.
A marvellous debut novel, combining humour , poignancy & self reflection whilst managing to effortlessly paint a historical and geographic backdrop to the stories journey. Looking forward to the authors next book already!
The writing is richly descriptive and the pace steady and enticing as the narrator makes his way along his epic route.
A marvellous debut novel, combining humour , poignancy & self reflection whilst managing to effortlessly paint a historical and geographic backdrop to the stories journey. Looking forward to the authors next book already!
November 20, 2023
Its taken me far to long to write this review! There are parts of "Relish" that I read half a dozen times, its not a book that you cant put down, but its certainly a book that your innerself pushes you to finish.
Whilst "Relish" follows Freddi's journey as a trek across Europe, this is far more than a diary or travelogue. Freddi's journey essentially finished in my city and I had followed him on his facebook updates as he completed his journey. The book provides honest, somewhat brutal, insight behind the scenes of Freddi's pilgrimage.
I loved seeing many cities I had visited with my family, through Freddi's eyes. Far from wanting to walk in his footsteps, I could easily view the landscape through his lens and imagine our contrasting experience.
I will read this again for sure (unless Steve releases something new)
Whilst "Relish" follows Freddi's journey as a trek across Europe, this is far more than a diary or travelogue. Freddi's journey essentially finished in my city and I had followed him on his facebook updates as he completed his journey. The book provides honest, somewhat brutal, insight behind the scenes of Freddi's pilgrimage.
I loved seeing many cities I had visited with my family, through Freddi's eyes. Far from wanting to walk in his footsteps, I could easily view the landscape through his lens and imagine our contrasting experience.
I will read this again for sure (unless Steve releases something new)
December 26, 2025
I finished Relish in the Thread with urgency, not because of time, but because of presence. The author was a guest in my home, and I wanted the book to be finished before he left. Not as a courtesy, but as a completion. Some books ask to be read. This one asked to be met.
Reading this book at this moment of my life was not a coincidence. It felt more like a call. I am a traveler too. Not always in geography, but always in direction. I have struggled with accepting the fact that I am already on the Way. I try not to be. I try to blend in. Maybe I try to blend out. I am no longer sure.
Yet this book holds a quiet, uncomfortable truth.
The truth of being.
The truth of the Way.
We lose ourselves in moments, in places, in people… until we don’t. And perhaps the scariest thing is not being lost, but being found. Found by someone else, or worse, by ourselves. Because once you truly find it, the search loses its meaning.
And I am in love with the searching.
I think we all are. Whether we confess it or not. That is what makes us human. Traveling, then, becomes an excuse to get lost again. To ensure there is still something left to find at the end.
Lately, I have been asking myself a dangerous question:
What if I solved everything?
Then what?
Would I forget, just to search again?
This book does not offer answers. It does something far more honest. It reminds you why you walk, why you hesitate, and why you keep going anyway.
Reasoning is the only way.
Time is the only measure.
The Way is the only truth.
And this book knows it.
Reading this book at this moment of my life was not a coincidence. It felt more like a call. I am a traveler too. Not always in geography, but always in direction. I have struggled with accepting the fact that I am already on the Way. I try not to be. I try to blend in. Maybe I try to blend out. I am no longer sure.
Yet this book holds a quiet, uncomfortable truth.
The truth of being.
The truth of the Way.
We lose ourselves in moments, in places, in people… until we don’t. And perhaps the scariest thing is not being lost, but being found. Found by someone else, or worse, by ourselves. Because once you truly find it, the search loses its meaning.
And I am in love with the searching.
I think we all are. Whether we confess it or not. That is what makes us human. Traveling, then, becomes an excuse to get lost again. To ensure there is still something left to find at the end.
Lately, I have been asking myself a dangerous question:
What if I solved everything?
Then what?
Would I forget, just to search again?
This book does not offer answers. It does something far more honest. It reminds you why you walk, why you hesitate, and why you keep going anyway.
Reasoning is the only way.
Time is the only measure.
The Way is the only truth.
And this book knows it.
August 31, 2023
One of the most disappointing books I’ve read in quite a while. First, I thought it was a travelogue, and it seemed to read like one most of the time, but the beginning of the book has this disclaimer:
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.”
Maybe just one of those cut and paste mistakes, but who knows.
Second, the language was unnecessarily crude and the repeated sexual content (hooking up for a one night stand, description on guys and girls on the beach, etc.) was also unnecessary. I know people do “pilgrimages” for a variety of reasons, but his description of the events on his walk made it seem like anything but a pilgrimage to me.
Definitely not a book I would recommend.
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.”
Maybe just one of those cut and paste mistakes, but who knows.
Second, the language was unnecessarily crude and the repeated sexual content (hooking up for a one night stand, description on guys and girls on the beach, etc.) was also unnecessary. I know people do “pilgrimages” for a variety of reasons, but his description of the events on his walk made it seem like anything but a pilgrimage to me.
Definitely not a book I would recommend.
April 12, 2023
The author's character development is in a way that I get to be right there following him along his Way. This isn't just another travel story. It's not just a pilgrimage story. It's an homage to the Road. We can see that the author, through his main character is absolutely without a doubt dedicated to the road. One cannot deny that passion. The rest of it is a series of wonderful additions to that. Full of humor and surprising turns. I was into it til the last page.
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed reading about Freddi's journey. Steve is very passionate about his writing and this shows through in the book, where he puts his wide vocabulary to good use in the descriptive passages. He also ensures he includes enough background information about the places he visits, so we can better understand his experiences in context. It's also refreshing to read such an honest account of the difficulties involved in (an albeit pretty extreme kind of) travel.
August 3, 2023
Only a true pilgrim can write something like this. The feeling of not being worthy of anything, the harsh lessons that 'The Way ' gives to anyone who dares tread it and the beautiful gifts that it provides to those who learned how to humble themselves and allow the way to lead them to where they were meant to be... This book spoke volume to me as a pilgrim myself and it will also help those who seek their purpose.
November 4, 2023
This epic wielding of multiple walking trails, traveled in an exploration of experiential time and space, and the definitive relationships acquired throughout the road less traveled by is a masterpiece of traveling observations, historical references, and the cruel beauty of a traveling soul that gathers no moss.
Relish the journey of reading Relish in the Tread, 3,000 km by foot crossing Europe to Istanbul by Steven Hunter. It’s an epic read!
Relish the journey of reading Relish in the Tread, 3,000 km by foot crossing Europe to Istanbul by Steven Hunter. It’s an epic read!
August 3, 2023
Relish in the tread is an essential read for the seasoned traveller, the new-to-the-road planner and the armchair dreamer or nostalgic. The author evokes the gritty, joyous, dirty, dangerous, beautiful sensation of treading, one step after the other, through changing landscapes. All of humanity is here and any one who’s spent time on the road will recognise equivalent characters.
The writing is richly descriptive and the pace steady and enticing as the narrator makes his way along his epic route.
A marvellous debut novel, combining humour , poignancy & self reflection whilst managing to effortlessly paint a historical and geographic backdrop to the stories journey. Looking forward to the authors next book already!
The writing is richly descriptive and the pace steady and enticing as the narrator makes his way along his epic route.
A marvellous debut novel, combining humour , poignancy & self reflection whilst managing to effortlessly paint a historical and geographic backdrop to the stories journey. Looking forward to the authors next book already!
April 11, 2023
I have know Steve for over 20 yrs. He has a creative wandering soul and a curiosity about life and people. You can see and feel thst in his writing and his sense of humouris top shelf so buy andxread his book. You will be a better perdon because of it! Great work Steve! When the 2nd ?
April 17, 2023
Enjoy reading very much, the book is full of honesty and sensitivity, there are parts of the book where it makes you appreciate the things that are really worthwhile in life, and at the same time you would like to be a pilgrim from time to time.
August 4, 2023
Thank-you for "Relish in the Tread" ... an absorbing read! Initially jarred jumping between The Camino and Rome to Istanbul until I got into the flow / non-flow / otherness of your internal journey; of it. In awe of your 'vasbyt' resilience during Rome to Istanbul rendering The Camino relatively tame by comparison! (vasbyt is South African Afrikaans word = 'bite hard' tenacity) 🙂
January 2, 2024
I'm part way through and can't put it down. I feel like I'm right there in the thick of it with Freddi; I can see it, hear it, smell it and taste it. But mostly I can feel it, I'm right there all the way on the ups and downs of Freddi's journey. Raw, easy reading and enjoyable. An inspiring read for those that want to get (back!) on the road!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews