Sue Kenney's My Camino: A True Story About the Spiritual Journey of a Woman Confronting Her Deepest Fear

by Sue Kenney, Kathy Gower (Introduction), Bruce Pirrie (Editor)

Suddenly downsized from her corporate telecom career, Canadian Sue Kenney walked 780 kilometers on a medieval pilgrimage route in Spain known as the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. She went alone in the winter with the intention of finding her life purpose. Blended with her profound experiences as a pilgrim, her athletic discipline as a competitive world class Master's rower and her extensive background in the telecommunications industry, Sue offers a unique perspective by sharing the lessons and virtues of being a simple pilgrim on the Camino, as a metaphor for being on a life journey with purpose. Sue has written a second book called Confessions of a Pilgrim.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Spirituality

203 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2004

Reviews

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another Camino book. What was interesting to me about this one is that Kenney used her experience rowing to talk about the Camino—she could compare them both on a physical level and on an emotional level. It made for a more thoughtful read than I might have expected. Hard to do the Camino, or any kind of long walk, without so much as a blister, but much much easier if you have some athletic background and more realistic expectations.

Kenney falls more in the 'spiritual' camp than the 'religious' camp, but either way she writes more about that end of things than I've seen in many of the Camino books I've read. Sometimes it's a bit off in the clouds for my tastes (I've refrained from reading The Camino for precisely that reason), but it does make for an interesting read. I found this one secondhand—didn't go looking for it—but I'm tempted to read her follow-up, Confessions of a Pilgrim, because I have yet to read a memoir about a Camino about any route other than the French route, which seems something of a loss.

Things of note:
One of my main reasons for this journey was to spend time alone. To have a spiritual journey unencumbered by social expectations. The fact I couldn't speak Spanish was appealing since it limited my conversations and kept me free from being distracted by other people's views and fears. On the Camino, I tried to avoid any dialogue about the religious aspects of this pilgrimage, making it perfectly clear to myself and others, this was my own personal spiritual journey. (47)

On the Camino, I wanted to shed the need to plan for every possible scenario and instead be able to live in the moment. My backup plan consisted on relying on the universe and the good intentions of strangers in a time of need. (116)

[Joanne Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful journey of Sue Kenny’s Camino
Thought her writing was great, easy reading and well written. So courageous in walking on with her injuries
Bought back many memories

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

As travel literature goes - or shall I say, as travel literature specific to El Camino de Santiago goes - I quite enjoyed this one. I learn a little bit more about the walk - every book.

[Mark Gannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that it's time to admit defeat with book. After five months, I'm not even a quarter of the way through the book.

I never got into it. Sadly, it never engaged me, and I never really related to the author. Judging by other reviews I have seen, this is a shame, and I regret that I have to leave this review. But, alas, as I have said- after five months and so little progress...

[Gerry Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspirational book . I love this area of Spain and Sue’s experiences gave me more insight and understanding of the route travelled.

[Chris Waterford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly loved this book with strong reminders of my own trips. Other parts seemed other worldly and self indulgent. A good description of the joys and perils of the Camino.
7.5/10

[Courtney Herron West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am planning to walk the Camino in May and this was one of the books recommended that I read. It was easy and engaging enough that I finished reading it in a few days over the holiday break. My daughter will be walking with our Camino group so I may have her read it although I don't know that there was anything "helpful" to others walking the camino, rather just a story of the authors journey, hence the title. I may read some of the books listed at the end of the book on a reading list provided.

[Joan Riedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this whole book/journey. I almost didn't want the book to end. There are people that you meet in your life that you immediately know have something special about them. You see it, you feel it, you know it, and you are drawn in. Sue found that in herself along her journey. I am certain her light is helping other lights shine more brightly.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One woman's journey on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. You learn how difficult this 1 month hike really is.

[Daniel Baylis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Kenney's account of her journey on the Camino is brave and honest.

The perfect inspiration for folks who are seeking a bit of adventure.