The Barefoot Indian

by Julia Heywood

Bridget Jones meets Illusions and The Alchemist. Fresh and gripping, accessible and entertaining, it describes situations that any modern woman would recognise, with spiritual wisdom woven in.

An ordinary woman is intrigued when she sees an extraordinary job advertised. It is for the position of Messiah/Messiahress which she suspects might be a recruitment campaign for a reality TV show. However, she feels compelled to apply for the job and goes for an interview at the Head Office where she soon realises that it isn’t a spoof when she comes face to face with all the great prophets and philosophers who have made an impact on the world. She embarks upon a journey of self discovery which at every step is rewarding beyond her wildest dreams.

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2007

About the author

Julia Heywood pens playful tales for little ones and witty, thought-provoking musings for the 'slightly' grown-up. Her whimsical writing style inspires laughter, curiosity and wonder in children and inspires insightful, reassuring reflection in adults. Her previous works: The Barefoot Indian and Miracles Are Made Of This, received international acclaim.

Beyond writing, Julia has a deep love for animals, the tranquillity of the sea, and the beauty of rural landscapes. She finds inspiration in nature and all creatures great and small.

Reviews

[Vibhooti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read something as beautiful, refreshing and fulfilling as this, in a while. This one is parable with much lighter treatment and delivers its message effectively. A simple story of a woman on a rewarding journey of self-discovery. My key takeaway - You can find all the answers,
all that is needed is a change in your perspective!

[Ananya Sanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful,refreshing and fulfilling.

[Diana Willemsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ster. Lief spiritueel samenvattingsboekje. Geen hoogvlieger, al zal de auteur vast beweren dat ook dat een illusie is.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve lost count of the number of copies of this book I’ve bought, it’s one of those books that I always seem to be recommending and lending out!

This is a short book which centres around a female character who has clearly emerged from the same mould as Bridget Jones. With her life going nowhere she responds to a job advertisement for a Messiah/Messiahress.

Our heroine is selected for the Messiahress training programme and is assigned the barefoot Indian as her training coach. During the training that follows, she develops a new perspective on her life and the world around her, her old beliefs are challenged and she learns to see the beauty in all that surrounds her.

The book is a parable not unlike Jonathan Livingstone Seagull or The Alchemist but given a much lighter, more humourous treatment.

Definitely for you if you want to read an uplifting story in one sitting!

[Maria Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Barefoot Indian, introduces an ordinary women to a new job as Messiahress. She has to train, of course, and the Barefoot Indian is her tutor. She then embarks on a journey of spiritual knowledge in many forms. It echoes the likes of Paulo Coelho, James Redfield and Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingstons Seagull. Gentle and simple in delivering it's message. There is a sequel too, which I shall review separately.

[Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent spiritual book, although hard to implement the concepts and ideas given in the book.