The Camel Knows the Way: A Journey by Lorna Kelly

by Lorna Kelly

The Camel Knows the Way is a candid account of an extraordinary journey that pulls the reader into an irresistible, sometimes agonizing and ultimately thrilling quest for God. Lorna Kelly's odyssey from middle class British school girl to glamorous, New York Sotheby's auctioneer to volunteer in the slums of Calcutta is a trek that is sobering, inspiring and breathtakingly compelling. En route Kelly confronts alcoholism, divorce, a growing sense of spiritual disquiet and her own "dark night." What emerges from that spiritual thirst is a buoyant and compelling affirmation of our common humanity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Book Club

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Lorna Kelly, born and raised in England, moved to America and became the First Female Fine Art Auctioneer in America at Sotheby's.

At a turning point in her life, Ms. Kelly was inspired to travel to India to meet Mother Teresa and to work with her Missionaries of Charity tending the poorest of the poor in Calcutta.

This remarkable journey is chronicled in Lorna's first book "The Camel Knows the Way".

Over the years, Lorna's charity work has taken her from the Far East to the Middle East to the South Bronx.

She is a recent breast cancer survivor.

She continues to auction for charity events, gives talks on her spiritual journey and has recently released a follow-up book entitled "In the Footsteps of the Camel". Lorna can be seen in the feature film Sex in the City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall, from New Line Cinema.

Reviews

[Tami Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book ten stars. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me reconsider some of the choices I had made in my life, and it touched me absolutely soul deep.

[Donna Doneff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really got a lot out of this autobiography, Lorna tells her story in a real way you want to get more of.
Mother Theresa has a very big part in this story and what a giant she was to humanity.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty incredible autobiography of the first female art auctioneer in America, who worked for Sotheby's and partied with the Rolling Stones, but who finds after her divorce from an unhappy and disappointing marriage that she is in the midst of a spiritual crisis, ultimately perpetually unsatisfied. She is forced to confront the fact that she is an alcoholic, thus beginning a richer and deeper phase of her life and eventually leading to her traveling to Calcutta as just another volunteer but there becoming good friends with Mother Teresa. She was even called on to witness at her beatification. All the while she keeps her very modern, very American persona, and it's amusing to read about her teasing when Mother Teresa is fascinated by the fact she doesn't drink anymore ("How beautiful," she says): "Are you sure *you* don't have a drinking problem, Mother Teresa?" Anyway, good so far. Easy read, too.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very motivating and inspiring. Very rarely do you find a book these days that describes a true spiritual journey and appropriately glorifies a devout life. Lorna Kelly is refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of choosing to follow the spirit. Her intimate glimpse into the life of Mother Theresa and the joy of a relationship motivated solely by sisterly love is what gives the book its true weight.

While reading this book I thought about what it means to be magnified as we do things in a moment that may seem beyond our own capability. That is what true service is. Being in the right place, willing to do the hard things and trusting that our efforts will be sufficient because we truly see the godly in another person and love them.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I can only give this book five stars. If I could, I would give it ten! This is one of the most powerful memoirs I have ever read! A brilliant writer, Lorna Kelly describes in vivid detail her experience in living in India and serving beside Mother Teresa in the slums, ministering to those who are desperately ill and dying. Her odyssey from a middle class school girl to working at the first female auctioneer in Southeby's and then going to India several times to work with Mother Teresa is mesmerizing, unforgettable, and life-changing. Reading this book will change your life for the better. I highly recommend it.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book on several levels. The story is incredible, the writing very good and the spirituality is inspiring. Although there is a lot of Catholicism in it ( much of it takes place at Mother Theresa's House in Calcutta) I don't think one needs to be catholic to appreciate the full scope of this incredible book. I had previously tried to read "beyond the Beautiful Forevers", about the poverty in India. I couldn't finish it because there was no hope. The camel knows the way relates much of the same story of poverty, but with the hope and spirituality that makes it inspiring.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love this book, but it made me think. For that reason, I gave it 4 stars. I wish Ms. Kelly had used a publisher instead of self publishing this book. She has a beautiful story to tell, but she needs a really good editor to bring out the story. She did a great job at describing her physical journey. I didn't feel the feel the same emotion when she related her spiritual journey. In comparison to Eat, Pray, Love, this book left me wanting for more.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend gave me this audiobook to borrow. I found Ms. Kelly's memoir to be somewhat compelling, but there were parts where I found the writing to be cumbersome, and I think the narration by the author actually detracted from the impact of the story. Ms. Kelly has a very cultured voice, but it was difficult to understand her sometimes and she did not have the skill of an experienced narrator. Here is an instance where I think reading the print version would have been much better.

[Atlantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great story about a woman who decides to go to India and volunteer with Mother Theresa. It is a very personal and honestly written journey about her faith discovery. I suggested this book to my Dad only to find out that there are limited copies available so I hope new demand for this book will at least make it available as an e-book. One of my "top ten" reads!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book - amazing woman. I've had the honor of meeting and corresponding with her in the past. She is stunning, smart, funny and actually quite humble. A rare combination. I re-read it once a year. A must-read for anyone interested in: memoirs, alcoholism, Catholicism, Mother Theresa, India, or Service work.

[Grace Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorna Kelly has experienced and endured so much hardship, but in the process found herself and a strong spiritual faith! Her rigorously honest writing can be painful to read at times, but it just make one realize how strong she was when she needed to be. Her spiritual journey has inspired me to continue to seek and connect with God.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the author is quite religious and the majority of the book touches on catholicism, the book itself is more accurately a journey about a woman's search for spirituality. While the book isn't necessarily amazing in any way, I found myself engrossed and intrigued by this woman's tale.

[Cheryl Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. The writing was clever and kept me intrigued. Her stories were oh, so interesting. My - to be Mother Theresa's BFF! I have stickies all over for words of wisdom. Will read it again.

[Christine Mckaskle]

Still reading - enjoying it immensely!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It brought back a lot of memories of being on the streets of Tegucigalpa in Honduras, all the poverty and sickness. Definitely a "passer-onner".

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book represents the wandering spirit in all of us that leads to the touching of the soul by others and our God.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe what this woman actually did! Can't wait to read her follow-up - In the Footsteps of the Camel.

[Janell P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Had a difficult time putting it down once I started reading. Now I'm reading the sequel.