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Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago
Soon after starting his walk on the Camino in Spain, Jake gets lost in the Pyrenees mountains. At the point of giving-up, he meets fellow pilgrim Chuck who becomes his guide and mentor. They grapple with topical issues such as relationships, the spiritual, inner growth and soul purpose. Like the ancient masters who sent their students on a journey to uncharted places, Jake discovers that it is within the unknown and the walk starting from within that there comes true self-recognition and compassion.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
8 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Reino Gevers
7 books31 followersReino Gevers is a seasoned writer, consultant, and inspirational speaker who has led a life shaped by diverse experiences across continents. Born and raised in the vibrant landscapes of South Africa's Kwa-Zulu-Natal province, he developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the human spirit.
In 1981, Gevers ventured to Germany, where he embarked on a successful career as a journalist for an international news agency. Throughout his tenure, he covered major global events, including the historic fall of the Iron Curtain and South Africa's remarkable transition to democracy from 1990 to 1994. His in-depth reporting captured the essence of these pivotal moments in history, offering a unique perspective on the world's transformation.
After three decades in the media industry, Gevers decided to channel his expertise and passion into a new endeavor. In 2010, he established PowerBodyMind, a consultancy business based in Germany and the captivating island of Majorca, Spain. Through his consultancy, Gevers empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential, guiding them towards a harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit.
Gevers's personal journey on the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route has left an indelible mark on his life and work. Having walked the path more than a dozen times, he draws inspiration from this transformative experience. This deep connection led him to pen the thought-provoking novel, "Walking on Edge: A pilgrimage to Santiago," and the enlightening non-fiction book, "Deep Walking for Body Mind and Soul." These works encapsulate the profound lessons and spiritual insights garnered from his pilgrimages, resonating with readers seeking personal growth and self-discovery.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Gevers shares his wisdom and inspiration through his regular weekly Podcast and Blog, "Living to Be." Dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their true purpose and live authentically, his engaging content offers practical guidance, mindful practices, and uplifting insights.
Gevers's literary contributions extend beyond the personal realm. His first book, "Wende am Kap" (German), is a compelling collection of reportages shedding light on apartheid South Africa during the pivotal period leading up to the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Through vivid storytelling and journalistic integrity, he brings to life the challenges and triumphs experienced by a nation in transition.
With his unique blend of storytelling, consultancy expertise, and a passionate commitment to personal growth, Reino Gevers continues to inspire individuals around the world, encouraging them to embark on their own transformative journeys towards purpose and authenticity.
In 1981, Gevers ventured to Germany, where he embarked on a successful career as a journalist for an international news agency. Throughout his tenure, he covered major global events, including the historic fall of the Iron Curtain and South Africa's remarkable transition to democracy from 1990 to 1994. His in-depth reporting captured the essence of these pivotal moments in history, offering a unique perspective on the world's transformation.
After three decades in the media industry, Gevers decided to channel his expertise and passion into a new endeavor. In 2010, he established PowerBodyMind, a consultancy business based in Germany and the captivating island of Majorca, Spain. Through his consultancy, Gevers empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential, guiding them towards a harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit.
Gevers's personal journey on the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route has left an indelible mark on his life and work. Having walked the path more than a dozen times, he draws inspiration from this transformative experience. This deep connection led him to pen the thought-provoking novel, "Walking on Edge: A pilgrimage to Santiago," and the enlightening non-fiction book, "Deep Walking for Body Mind and Soul." These works encapsulate the profound lessons and spiritual insights garnered from his pilgrimages, resonating with readers seeking personal growth and self-discovery.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Gevers shares his wisdom and inspiration through his regular weekly Podcast and Blog, "Living to Be." Dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their true purpose and live authentically, his engaging content offers practical guidance, mindful practices, and uplifting insights.
Gevers's literary contributions extend beyond the personal realm. His first book, "Wende am Kap" (German), is a compelling collection of reportages shedding light on apartheid South Africa during the pivotal period leading up to the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Through vivid storytelling and journalistic integrity, he brings to life the challenges and triumphs experienced by a nation in transition.
With his unique blend of storytelling, consultancy expertise, and a passionate commitment to personal growth, Reino Gevers continues to inspire individuals around the world, encouraging them to embark on their own transformative journeys towards purpose and authenticity.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 6, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A man walks along the Pyrenees, a very dangerous Spanish Mountain Range to get to the city of Santiago. Written in what might be verse.
Interesting.
A man walks along the Pyrenees, a very dangerous Spanish Mountain Range to get to the city of Santiago. Written in what might be verse.
Interesting.
March 2, 2018
The author made a pilgrimage along Spain's well-known Camino. He tells about his guide and travel companions, other pilgrims they encountered, and experiences in towns along the way. While the author includes some religious reflection which is the pilgrimage's purpose, he doesn't really share enough about this aspect. Perhaps he considered it too private, but in a book devoted to religious pilgrimage, it seems he needed to share in enough detail what the experience did for him that others would want to follow his steps. The book needed editing. An overabundance of "be" verbs and passive constructions made readability suffer. I received the book through a GoodReads giveaway with the hope of a review.
November 12, 2017
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads.
The Camino, an ancient path starts in the Pyrenees Mountains near France and extents into Spain.
The road is a challenge. It takes strength and courage to walk it.
A pilgrimage, a time for soul searching.
Old and abandoned cathedrals dot the Camino.
Travelers are searching for the meaning of life and finding answers.
Travelers need comfort and encouragement.
The last Cathedral was Santiago on the Camino, a beautiful place of worship and history.
The Camino, an ancient path starts in the Pyrenees Mountains near France and extents into Spain.
The road is a challenge. It takes strength and courage to walk it.
A pilgrimage, a time for soul searching.
Old and abandoned cathedrals dot the Camino.
Travelers are searching for the meaning of life and finding answers.
Travelers need comfort and encouragement.
The last Cathedral was Santiago on the Camino, a beautiful place of worship and history.
February 28, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in Kindle format through Goodreads Giveaways.
Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago is a novel about an Irish man who walks the Camino de Santiago on a whim. Along the way he meets a variety of people who have various effects on his walk and his life as a whole, adopts a stray dog who teaches him about love, and experiences several mysterious events loosely tied to religion and spirituality. He is particularly affected by the "Mother Goddess" aspect of Mary and the deity that was worshipped before her in pagan times.
Overall, this book was a fun read. The descriptions of places and characters were such that one felt they had actually been to France and Spain while reading this. I usually love travel stories where the author/main character has a personal revelation, having experienced something of that myself, I can relate.
However, I had a few problems with this book that kept me from rating it higher. If I had a half star option I would have given this book a 3.5.
The editing was poorly done. There were sentences with missing words and a couple of times where a word was used twice ("You are taking me with me" for instance.) These are typical mistakes when writing a first draft, but should have been caught in editing. Additionally, I found the writing style to be a bit too conversational for my taste. I also wasn't fond of the way single sentences were separated as if paragraphs. It made the book feel choppy.
Speaking to content, I appreciated the spiritual aspects of the book, but in the last chapter it felt a bit too preachy to me. Instead of feeling as though I was reading Jake's personal revelations, I felt as though I was being sold a bill of goods.
Finally, and this is just a pet peeve of mine, I can't stand it when people go unprepared into something as intense as the Camino de Santiago. As an avid hiker, I appreciate it when my fellow hikers go into a hike knowing what they are getting themselves into. An inexperienced hiker who undertakes more than they should, or comes unprepared, can be a danger to others around them and force rescue workers into dangerous situations. I understand that being humbled by the Camino de Santiago was part of the process, but it made me not like the main character. He was selfish and didn't consider how his actions would affect those around him. Ok, climbing down off my soapbox now.
Overall Walking on Edge was an enjoyable read for those who like travelogue style novels.
Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago is a novel about an Irish man who walks the Camino de Santiago on a whim. Along the way he meets a variety of people who have various effects on his walk and his life as a whole, adopts a stray dog who teaches him about love, and experiences several mysterious events loosely tied to religion and spirituality. He is particularly affected by the "Mother Goddess" aspect of Mary and the deity that was worshipped before her in pagan times.
Overall, this book was a fun read. The descriptions of places and characters were such that one felt they had actually been to France and Spain while reading this. I usually love travel stories where the author/main character has a personal revelation, having experienced something of that myself, I can relate.
However, I had a few problems with this book that kept me from rating it higher. If I had a half star option I would have given this book a 3.5.
The editing was poorly done. There were sentences with missing words and a couple of times where a word was used twice ("You are taking me with me" for instance.) These are typical mistakes when writing a first draft, but should have been caught in editing. Additionally, I found the writing style to be a bit too conversational for my taste. I also wasn't fond of the way single sentences were separated as if paragraphs. It made the book feel choppy.
Speaking to content, I appreciated the spiritual aspects of the book, but in the last chapter it felt a bit too preachy to me. Instead of feeling as though I was reading Jake's personal revelations, I felt as though I was being sold a bill of goods.
Finally, and this is just a pet peeve of mine, I can't stand it when people go unprepared into something as intense as the Camino de Santiago. As an avid hiker, I appreciate it when my fellow hikers go into a hike knowing what they are getting themselves into. An inexperienced hiker who undertakes more than they should, or comes unprepared, can be a danger to others around them and force rescue workers into dangerous situations. I understand that being humbled by the Camino de Santiago was part of the process, but it made me not like the main character. He was selfish and didn't consider how his actions would affect those around him. Ok, climbing down off my soapbox now.
Overall Walking on Edge was an enjoyable read for those who like travelogue style novels.
December 12, 2017
As anyone knows who has walked the Camino, it's not just a long walk. It can become an important voyage of introspection. For many, it becomes the inspiration to write a book. As a Camino aficionado, I am always interested to know how the walking of this ancient pilgrimage route has impacted someone's life. Gevers has walked routes of the Camino several times. He is a journalist originally from South Africa, worked in Germany and, on completion of the writing of this book, is now resident in Ireland. With a background in journalism, I was expecting to read a somewhat polished manuscript and was disappointed to to find it peppered with typos. It goes to show the importance of even an established writer availing themselves of the services of a good copy editor. If it were not for these errors, I would have given the book a four star rating.
Still, I read on because I want to know the essence of the man, want to know his life story, the places of pain and confusion. At times I am irritated by his story, but that says more about me than it does about him. I would have wanted more of the increased self awareness to have come from within rather than from the possibly dubious teaching of Chuck, someone whom he meets and travels with for much of his Camino. Personally I would have slugged someone who continuously calls me "Dude." Still, Chuck is an interesting person, like many of the people one meets on the Camino, obviously mysteriously come into one's life for a purpose. There are other important "teachers" who come into his life and that is part of the intrigue of walking the Camino. Not all are human. For example, he becomes befriended by a dog who follows him on his journey and I am interested to know where this will take him and any complications that that will add.
There are parts in the author's story where I am wondering whether the wisdom he has drawn from an experience are more theoretically based rather than a truly visceral understanding. Again, in my own case, there have been lessons that I thought I had learnt that turned out to be still in need of a little tweaking. We all delude ourselves at times and that is part of the exciting journey of life - all part of our Camino.
Still, I read on because I want to know the essence of the man, want to know his life story, the places of pain and confusion. At times I am irritated by his story, but that says more about me than it does about him. I would have wanted more of the increased self awareness to have come from within rather than from the possibly dubious teaching of Chuck, someone whom he meets and travels with for much of his Camino. Personally I would have slugged someone who continuously calls me "Dude." Still, Chuck is an interesting person, like many of the people one meets on the Camino, obviously mysteriously come into one's life for a purpose. There are other important "teachers" who come into his life and that is part of the intrigue of walking the Camino. Not all are human. For example, he becomes befriended by a dog who follows him on his journey and I am interested to know where this will take him and any complications that that will add.
There are parts in the author's story where I am wondering whether the wisdom he has drawn from an experience are more theoretically based rather than a truly visceral understanding. Again, in my own case, there have been lessons that I thought I had learnt that turned out to be still in need of a little tweaking. We all delude ourselves at times and that is part of the exciting journey of life - all part of our Camino.
June 10, 2020
It is apparent this author is neither a professional writer nor a daily speaker of American English. However, that did not stand in the way (at first) of this book touching me spiritually in the beginning. I find myself at peace with certain ideas I had previously been uncomfortable with. As the story continued, it became less coherent and the English sentence structuring appeared to deteriorate. Maybe it just contains a message I'm not ready to hear. That would certainly be in keeping with the spirit of Camino. You can't rush it.
October 8, 2017
At a dead end after the once adventurous job of 20 years as a journalist had become disappointingly desk-bound and his marriage of seven years had turned sour, Jake decided to obey his urge to walk the Camino del Santiago. He started out from Lourdes with a far too heavy backpack and soon fell behind his own schedule, hurting physically and emotionally. After a brush with disaster in the Pyrenean mountains, he encountered Chuck, an experienced pilgrim and wise man with shaman-like qualities, who would repeatedly save Jake from the latter's own ignorance and impetuousness. On the long journey, Jake met many people - some only fleetingly, but with others, such as Greta, he struck a chord that would resound. He even took on a dog as companion (or rather, it adopted Jake!) despite the difficulties it would create. Would Greta, who had cancer, complete the journey? And would he solve the mystery of Chuck's disappearance?
The more I read, the harder it became to put the book down! Author Reino Gevers has numerous Caminos to his credit. I have yet to fulfil this dream. This book was rewarding on so many different levels: a good and gripping story, well written, with enlightening information on the pitfalls and rewards of walking the Camino, knowledgeable about aspects of history and architecture in an off-the-cuff manner, integrating facts with the story.
The underlying spiritual (not religious!) dimension should not have come as a surprise, having read some of the author's earlier books and knowing that he is a life coach. I would almost categorise this book as 'wisdom literature' in the very positive sense of the word. As a friend who had walked part of the route said, 'It is not a hike, it is a pilgrimage!' This (and his warning that one's mindset has to be right) echoes exactly the sentiments in the book.
In our day and age, there seems to be a universal need for reflection, for simplification, for slowing down ... for opening up one's mind and exploring who you really are, where life had taken you, and where you would still like to go. I sincerely recommend 'Walking on Edge' as a gripping and thought-provoking novel.
The more I read, the harder it became to put the book down! Author Reino Gevers has numerous Caminos to his credit. I have yet to fulfil this dream. This book was rewarding on so many different levels: a good and gripping story, well written, with enlightening information on the pitfalls and rewards of walking the Camino, knowledgeable about aspects of history and architecture in an off-the-cuff manner, integrating facts with the story.
The underlying spiritual (not religious!) dimension should not have come as a surprise, having read some of the author's earlier books and knowing that he is a life coach. I would almost categorise this book as 'wisdom literature' in the very positive sense of the word. As a friend who had walked part of the route said, 'It is not a hike, it is a pilgrimage!' This (and his warning that one's mindset has to be right) echoes exactly the sentiments in the book.
In our day and age, there seems to be a universal need for reflection, for simplification, for slowing down ... for opening up one's mind and exploring who you really are, where life had taken you, and where you would still like to go. I sincerely recommend 'Walking on Edge' as a gripping and thought-provoking novel.
June 13, 2018
I had high hopes for this book. I'm interested in the Camino as a form of both physical and spiritual change, a way for people to grow in profound ways. While I felt like Jake, the protagonist, maybe gained more stamina as a hiker despite going into it with almost no hiking preparation, I thought that he didn't grow as much personally as he thought he did. Granted, people grow and change in different ways, and it's essentially a very personal journey, the author spent much time in the book discussing how the Camino changes people very deeply and how he came out of it a changed man. I had found Jake to be mildly insufferable at the beginning, and I still found him mildly insufferable at the end of it, albeit it a bit less so - I'll acknowledge that he learned valuable lessons about how to interact with people. I also found Chuck to be a bit of a nuisance - he went around spouting paragraphs of wisdom to all and sundry, whether or not they asked for it. He was set up to be this wise, Gandalf-like character who mysteriously disappears at the end of the novel, even though the book is supposed to be about personal growth - not wisdom that someone else imposes on you. I also thought that the book was poorly edited and could have used several more rounds in editing before being published.
I'm giving the book three stars instead of one or two because ultimately, I saw that the protagonist did make genuine efforts to grow and saw the Camino for what it was - a journey, a process. I saw him try his best and pick himself back up after each fall, despite the challenges and the temptation to just give up and go home.
I'm giving the book three stars instead of one or two because ultimately, I saw that the protagonist did make genuine efforts to grow and saw the Camino for what it was - a journey, a process. I saw him try his best and pick himself back up after each fall, despite the challenges and the temptation to just give up and go home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2017
Reaching a point in his life where he feels lost, Jake makes the decision to walk the Camino del Santiago. He takes us along with him, through his self-doubt, his aggravation and frustration, and also on to his triumphs. The people he meets along the way, and the path itself, provide Jake with numerous opportunities for self-discovery and deep inner-reflection and, finally, a way to reset his life and move forward.
One of the highlights of this novel is the skill of its author, Gevers, to interweave adventure, history and spiritual principles in just the right mix – not too much and not too little. A book highly recommended on all levels.
One of the highlights of this novel is the skill of its author, Gevers, to interweave adventure, history and spiritual principles in just the right mix – not too much and not too little. A book highly recommended on all levels.
December 20, 2020
A Spiritually Focused Camino!
After walking many Caminos and reading many Camino books, perhaps too many, I hesitated to open ‘Walking On Edge’ but I did fortunately. The author clearly gets that the Camino is not just a walk with enjoyable experiences and beautiful scenery but a journey within to find your soul. By writing it as a fiction and weaving many characters into a few he made it more intimate and easier to follow than other books I have read. He also showed an excellent awareness in the retelling of interesting Camino and Church history. But above all if you are seeking a Spiritual Camino, this book provides true Guidance!
After walking many Caminos and reading many Camino books, perhaps too many, I hesitated to open ‘Walking On Edge’ but I did fortunately. The author clearly gets that the Camino is not just a walk with enjoyable experiences and beautiful scenery but a journey within to find your soul. By writing it as a fiction and weaving many characters into a few he made it more intimate and easier to follow than other books I have read. He also showed an excellent awareness in the retelling of interesting Camino and Church history. But above all if you are seeking a Spiritual Camino, this book provides true Guidance!
September 24, 2022
"The Camino is not a Crucifixion. It's about learning to look after yourself, to be compassionate to yourself. . . . then you will be mindful of your surroundings and others."
The inner path is what really counts, it is "to strengthen your character with positive habits such as gratefulness, love, compassion and generosity . . . "
"The challenge is how fast you can get out of those l o w m o m e n t s, to realign and to always possess "an awakened state of consciousness" . . . "
"The real Camino starts at the end."
"Just keep on walking, dude."
The inner path is what really counts, it is "to strengthen your character with positive habits such as gratefulness, love, compassion and generosity . . . "
"The challenge is how fast you can get out of those l o w m o m e n t s, to realign and to always possess "an awakened state of consciousness" . . . "
"The real Camino starts at the end."
"Just keep on walking, dude."
February 2, 2018
DNF. I've read a couple of books about the Santiago pilgrimage that were more like travelogues. This one is too spiritual for my taste.
I won the Kindle version from Goodreads Giveaways and I'm always grateful for the chance to review a new book. I'm sorry I didn't care for this one.
I won the Kindle version from Goodreads Giveaways and I'm always grateful for the chance to review a new book. I'm sorry I didn't care for this one.
June 2, 2018
I found it was to preachy.
June 19, 2018
Very inspiring novel about a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed the little spiritual insights and experiences of the author’s journey.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
May 29, 2019
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
A good addition to books about walking the El Camino. This one focuses more on the spiritual than the physical journey. if you enjoy that aspect then I think you will enjoy this book.
A good addition to books about walking the El Camino. This one focuses more on the spiritual than the physical journey. if you enjoy that aspect then I think you will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews