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The Way of the Gardener: Lost in the Weeds Along the Camino de Santiago
Reverence takes on a new meaning in this original memoir of an avid gardener walking the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago has been a journey for pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, testing—to varying degrees—their spirit, faith, and physical endurance. Lyndon Penner’s attention lies elsewhere. A renowned gardener and lover of literature, he revels in the plants, trees, and flowers that tell the history of the people and ecology of northern Spain.
Brimming with wry observations—of nature, himself, and other pilgrims on the road—The Way of the Gardener reveals the beauty and the darkness of the human condition while underscoring the deeply fascinating nature of nature itself. This textured work makes for perfect armchair—or garden—reading.
The Camino de Santiago has been a journey for pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, testing—to varying degrees—their spirit, faith, and physical endurance. Lyndon Penner’s attention lies elsewhere. A renowned gardener and lover of literature, he revels in the plants, trees, and flowers that tell the history of the people and ecology of northern Spain.
Brimming with wry observations—of nature, himself, and other pilgrims on the road—The Way of the Gardener reveals the beauty and the darkness of the human condition while underscoring the deeply fascinating nature of nature itself. This textured work makes for perfect armchair—or garden—reading.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
6 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 27, 2021
4.5 Stars
The author, Lyndon Penner, is a gardener, environmentalist, and wanderer who grew up in Saskatchewan and, like many, has loved the natural world his entire life. This is the first book of his that I’ve read, but there are several others that he’s written.
A year or two ago, I read Timothy Egan’s book where he follows the Via Francigena on foot, walking from Canterbury to Rome. For Egan this journey was more about conflicted feelings about the Catholic Church, as well as the looming death of his sister-in-law. Penner’s journey began when he visited friends for dinner, and the stereo was playing the most exquisite violin concerto he’d ever heard. Oliver Schroer’s Camino album. A conversation ensued as he had no idea who Schroer was or that the Camino was a route that many have taken. A journey that for many it is a Christian pilgrimage, but not for all. At just under 500 miles, it is not even an easy route, and even though he trained for it beforehand, he still had difficulties along the way. He suffered from shin splints, was ill, the places they stayed weren’t always the best and the same could be said about the food, at times. But the scenery, the views from all around for eight hundred kilometers, the plants, the trees, the wildlife, so much to see - this is what seemed to really feed his soul.
From the early days preparing for this trip, figuring out what ‘stuff’ to pack and how much to bring, as well as physically preparing, this shares much of Penner’s thoughts and his life before this monumental trek along with his friend, but some lovely passages on the plants and wildlife he encountered along the actual, often grueling, trek. His encounters with locals, the food, the atmosphere, good and not-as-good, along the way. The beauty outweighs the not-as-beautiful, although he has some occasionally grouchier moments when he is in pain, ill, or simply can’t sleep due to the others also along on this walk. There are moments touched with a simple reverence, and many, many more where his sense of humour shines through, and others still where he artfully shares his lovely descriptions of the plantlife, the trees, the places they travel through along with the places they stay, and always the scenery and often the culture along with the local residents.
I enjoyed being able to journey alongside Penner even if it was only virtually. This was a gift, this sharing of his journey. He made it come alive so beautifully, along with a welcome sprinkling of humour now and then.
Published: 27 Mar 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by NYU Press / University of Regina Press
The author, Lyndon Penner, is a gardener, environmentalist, and wanderer who grew up in Saskatchewan and, like many, has loved the natural world his entire life. This is the first book of his that I’ve read, but there are several others that he’s written.
A year or two ago, I read Timothy Egan’s book where he follows the Via Francigena on foot, walking from Canterbury to Rome. For Egan this journey was more about conflicted feelings about the Catholic Church, as well as the looming death of his sister-in-law. Penner’s journey began when he visited friends for dinner, and the stereo was playing the most exquisite violin concerto he’d ever heard. Oliver Schroer’s Camino album. A conversation ensued as he had no idea who Schroer was or that the Camino was a route that many have taken. A journey that for many it is a Christian pilgrimage, but not for all. At just under 500 miles, it is not even an easy route, and even though he trained for it beforehand, he still had difficulties along the way. He suffered from shin splints, was ill, the places they stayed weren’t always the best and the same could be said about the food, at times. But the scenery, the views from all around for eight hundred kilometers, the plants, the trees, the wildlife, so much to see - this is what seemed to really feed his soul.
From the early days preparing for this trip, figuring out what ‘stuff’ to pack and how much to bring, as well as physically preparing, this shares much of Penner’s thoughts and his life before this monumental trek along with his friend, but some lovely passages on the plants and wildlife he encountered along the actual, often grueling, trek. His encounters with locals, the food, the atmosphere, good and not-as-good, along the way. The beauty outweighs the not-as-beautiful, although he has some occasionally grouchier moments when he is in pain, ill, or simply can’t sleep due to the others also along on this walk. There are moments touched with a simple reverence, and many, many more where his sense of humour shines through, and others still where he artfully shares his lovely descriptions of the plantlife, the trees, the places they travel through along with the places they stay, and always the scenery and often the culture along with the local residents.
I enjoyed being able to journey alongside Penner even if it was only virtually. This was a gift, this sharing of his journey. He made it come alive so beautifully, along with a welcome sprinkling of humour now and then.
Published: 27 Mar 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by NYU Press / University of Regina Press
August 9, 2021
Lyndon Penner is well known to people who listen to CBC radio. He always provided fun and humorous information about gardening. I don't have a yard or garden, but I still enjoyed his radio segments because he was just so charming and amusing. Since he's moved back to Saskatchewan we've missed his words of wisdom.
When one of my BFFs informed me that he'd written a memoir about walking the Camino de Santiago, I went directly to our library website and placed a hold. It is a measure of his enduring popularity that I had to wait several months to get my hands on it. I was surprised by its size (quite small) but pleased by the attractive cover and illustrations.
If you are a naturalist, a gardener, or a botanist, this is the Camino memoir for you. Penner regales the reader with all kinds of fascinating botanical information (olive trees can't withstand temperatures below -10C, zinnias are named after a Mr. Zinn, figs are pollinated by tiny wasps). His genuine love of plants of all shapes and sizes is infectious. I have zero desire to hike this trail, but if I had to do it, I would want someone like him along with me. (He states flatly that once was enough for him, so that's my excuse to stay home.)
Not a book that will appeal to everyone, but certainly I can recommend it to gardeners and fans of Mr. Penner.
When one of my BFFs informed me that he'd written a memoir about walking the Camino de Santiago, I went directly to our library website and placed a hold. It is a measure of his enduring popularity that I had to wait several months to get my hands on it. I was surprised by its size (quite small) but pleased by the attractive cover and illustrations.
If you are a naturalist, a gardener, or a botanist, this is the Camino memoir for you. Penner regales the reader with all kinds of fascinating botanical information (olive trees can't withstand temperatures below -10C, zinnias are named after a Mr. Zinn, figs are pollinated by tiny wasps). His genuine love of plants of all shapes and sizes is infectious. I have zero desire to hike this trail, but if I had to do it, I would want someone like him along with me. (He states flatly that once was enough for him, so that's my excuse to stay home.)
Not a book that will appeal to everyone, but certainly I can recommend it to gardeners and fans of Mr. Penner.
May 5, 2021
Thoughts soon.
May 10, 2021
A terrific book for anyone interested in walking the Camino de Santiago. If an 800 kilometre walk is not on your bucket list, then you can sit in your armchair and let Lyndon take you on a botanical journey through Spain. A delightful adventure without the shin splints!
February 3, 2021
4.5
This is simply a beautiful little book written by a gardener from Saskatchewan. He learned about the Camino from a friend and, somewhat impulsively, agreed to accompany her on the 500-mile pilgrimage. Although he may have agreed to the trip impulsively, he carefully prepared by buying appropriate footwear, etc. for the trip. Embarking on the journey, from the start the author makes clear that there is no religious impetus for him to walk the Camino as he is quite non-religious by this point in his life (although he does acknowledge a certain spirituality). That said, he is not like so many others, non-religious themselves, who disparage and denigrate the faith of others. In fact, throughout the book, the author gives a fair shake to religious belief, often adding little details of one or another plants, etc. that have a religious significance. I must say I learned quite a lot in this regard. An example is his commentary on ivy and holly. Evidently, in earlier Christian times, the black berries of the ivy represented sin, whereas the red berries of the holly represented the blood of Christ. Examples such as these were sprinkled throughout the book.
The book is written as a diary of sorts with the daily legs of the journey documented by date and portion of the trail walked (there is also a map in the beginning of the book). Penner describes in detail the various trees, flowers, vegetables, etc. that he encounters each day and often illustrates particular plants with black-and-white drawings (at first I thought the author drew these himself, but he did not — the pix are in the public domain). I’m not particularly interested, in general, in plants, but Penner brought their stories and their histories to life and I found the book difficult to put down. Interspersed with the descriptions of what grows along the trail, are stories of fellow pilgrims he meets along the way, humorous anecdotes, historical details of the towns he passes through. It is not difficult to imagine walking the Camino alongside Penner and experiencing all the smells, sights and sounds.
What makes this book work is that it is not just another memoir of hiking the Camino, but adds another dimension with the inclusion of the author’s personal reflections — almost always beginning with thoughts about plants, but sometimes ending up with commentary about quite different subjects (history of various plants — did you know there acorns/oak trees have been around since at least 4000 B.C.? Or the story of the chickens in the cathedral in Santo Domingo?) In this sense, the reader can imagine himself in Penner’s head as he racks up the miles. Throughout, Penner is respectful of all, mindful that others have their own reasons for hiking the Camino, no less significant to them than his reasons for hiking the trail.
This is simply a beautiful little book written by a gardener from Saskatchewan. He learned about the Camino from a friend and, somewhat impulsively, agreed to accompany her on the 500-mile pilgrimage. Although he may have agreed to the trip impulsively, he carefully prepared by buying appropriate footwear, etc. for the trip. Embarking on the journey, from the start the author makes clear that there is no religious impetus for him to walk the Camino as he is quite non-religious by this point in his life (although he does acknowledge a certain spirituality). That said, he is not like so many others, non-religious themselves, who disparage and denigrate the faith of others. In fact, throughout the book, the author gives a fair shake to religious belief, often adding little details of one or another plants, etc. that have a religious significance. I must say I learned quite a lot in this regard. An example is his commentary on ivy and holly. Evidently, in earlier Christian times, the black berries of the ivy represented sin, whereas the red berries of the holly represented the blood of Christ. Examples such as these were sprinkled throughout the book.
The book is written as a diary of sorts with the daily legs of the journey documented by date and portion of the trail walked (there is also a map in the beginning of the book). Penner describes in detail the various trees, flowers, vegetables, etc. that he encounters each day and often illustrates particular plants with black-and-white drawings (at first I thought the author drew these himself, but he did not — the pix are in the public domain). I’m not particularly interested, in general, in plants, but Penner brought their stories and their histories to life and I found the book difficult to put down. Interspersed with the descriptions of what grows along the trail, are stories of fellow pilgrims he meets along the way, humorous anecdotes, historical details of the towns he passes through. It is not difficult to imagine walking the Camino alongside Penner and experiencing all the smells, sights and sounds.
What makes this book work is that it is not just another memoir of hiking the Camino, but adds another dimension with the inclusion of the author’s personal reflections — almost always beginning with thoughts about plants, but sometimes ending up with commentary about quite different subjects (history of various plants — did you know there acorns/oak trees have been around since at least 4000 B.C.? Or the story of the chickens in the cathedral in Santo Domingo?) In this sense, the reader can imagine himself in Penner’s head as he racks up the miles. Throughout, Penner is respectful of all, mindful that others have their own reasons for hiking the Camino, no less significant to them than his reasons for hiking the trail.
November 9, 2023
There is nothing glamorous about the Camino. A sacred journey is not necessarily a journey on which you look your best. p42
I've always liked plants and animals more than people. p51
Lyndon Penner has most of the signs of a dedicated curmudgeon. By his own admission, he finds socializing exhausting, exercise unappealing, and sports "almost aggressively boring." He also has a keen sense of curiosity, a love of adventure and zest for life that he is willing to share. He has friends. So, not quite there yet as a crusty old recluse.
Imagine being in a meeting somewhere, or having a fight with your sweetheart, and being able to just roll up in to a prickly ball when you didnt like how things were unfolding. You could make yourself unavailable for a while and no one could get to you. p126
It is after dinner at a friend's house that he is first transported by the music composed by Oliver Schoer as he walked the Camino de Santiago. An impulsive decision followed through yields to a uniquely wonderful journey with few complaints.
LP's love and skill are apparent in every page of this delicately illustrated record of his weeks on the trail. His delight in the natural world is infectious and will add to any reader's joy when added to any walk.
Naming is a way of making sense of the world. It is a way of organizing things so the mind can process them. It is also perhaps a means of control, a way of not being overwhelmed by the diversity and variety one sees every day. p32
This is a good definition but what endears me is his reminder that
It's okay not to know the name of everything. p31
This pilgrim is in fact exceedingly glad to finally learn the correct name for the berry that produces the fantastic drink Pacharan.
Muchos gustos
Cheers
I've always liked plants and animals more than people. p51
Lyndon Penner has most of the signs of a dedicated curmudgeon. By his own admission, he finds socializing exhausting, exercise unappealing, and sports "almost aggressively boring." He also has a keen sense of curiosity, a love of adventure and zest for life that he is willing to share. He has friends. So, not quite there yet as a crusty old recluse.
Imagine being in a meeting somewhere, or having a fight with your sweetheart, and being able to just roll up in to a prickly ball when you didnt like how things were unfolding. You could make yourself unavailable for a while and no one could get to you. p126
It is after dinner at a friend's house that he is first transported by the music composed by Oliver Schoer as he walked the Camino de Santiago. An impulsive decision followed through yields to a uniquely wonderful journey with few complaints.
LP's love and skill are apparent in every page of this delicately illustrated record of his weeks on the trail. His delight in the natural world is infectious and will add to any reader's joy when added to any walk.
Naming is a way of making sense of the world. It is a way of organizing things so the mind can process them. It is also perhaps a means of control, a way of not being overwhelmed by the diversity and variety one sees every day. p32
This is a good definition but what endears me is his reminder that
It's okay not to know the name of everything. p31
This pilgrim is in fact exceedingly glad to finally learn the correct name for the berry that produces the fantastic drink Pacharan.
Muchos gustos
Cheers
March 24, 2021
3.5 stars. This account of a Canadian gardener and environmentalist on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage was sweet and simple. Penner’s love of plants is contagious and his descriptions of the natural world were wonderfully vivid.
I oscillated regularly between wanting to give this 5 stars and 1 star; the unfortunate reality is that the only thing Penner seems to know how to write well about is plants, so anytime he tried to write about something else, I found myself losing patience and interest. However, his discussion of the flora, fauna, and landscape were truly excellent! As this book is about a gardener’s perspective on the Camino, I think it did what it set out to do and deserves a decent rating. It sparked no great revelations, but it is no small feat to keep a reader riveted by plants and landscapes she has never seen before for the length of an entire book.
The Way of the Gardener is a lovely spring read (and it has redoubled my determination to one day walk the Camino myself!).
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!
I oscillated regularly between wanting to give this 5 stars and 1 star; the unfortunate reality is that the only thing Penner seems to know how to write well about is plants, so anytime he tried to write about something else, I found myself losing patience and interest. However, his discussion of the flora, fauna, and landscape were truly excellent! As this book is about a gardener’s perspective on the Camino, I think it did what it set out to do and deserves a decent rating. It sparked no great revelations, but it is no small feat to keep a reader riveted by plants and landscapes she has never seen before for the length of an entire book.
The Way of the Gardener is a lovely spring read (and it has redoubled my determination to one day walk the Camino myself!).
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!
May 20, 2023
I've been interested in the Camino de Santiago for many, many years (I think since I read Coelho's THE ALCHEMIST close to 20 years ago?) While I've read nonfiction, fiction, and poetry about the Camino, I'd never listened to a gay Canadian gardener columnist offer his take. It was thoughtful, funny, and continually engaging...and I learned quite a bit about plants along the way too. While he wasn't necessarily religious and claims he didn't really have any epiphanies along the way, I can see how the Camino shaped his worldview and the ability to slow down and enjoy observing the world around you. There are some wickedly funny moments in the book and while I took the audiobook slowly, I enjoyed my time listening to Penner's narration.
July 28, 2021
“It started with a beautiful piece of music. I had been invited to have dinner with my friends Dan and Carol at their home in Calgary, Alberta, and the stereo was playing the most exquisite violin concerto I had ever heard. I asked Carol what on earth we were listening to. “This is Oliver Schroer,” she said. “It’s his ‘Camino’ album.” I had never heard of either Oliver Schroer or the Camino. That was how it began.”
A conversation ensued as Penner had no idea who Schroer was or that the Camino was a route that many have taken.
The Camino De Santiago (The Way of St. James) is said to be Spain’s oldest trail and it is known as one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages in the world. For over a thousand years people have travelled this majestic and historical Camino. It is said to have started when the remains of apostle St. James were discovered by a farmer in Galicia, Spain. Travelers from all over Europe came to see the remains along the same trails which are traversed today. Each year, hundreds of thousands walk this ancient path to the city called Santiago de Compstela.
The author records his backpacking odyssey in the form of a travel journal, which I found engaging and refreshing. For his delightful, descriptive writing, his knowledge and passion for all things botanical and his detailed observations and often wry sense of humour regarding the hostels he stays in and his fellow travellers, Penner’s 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 deserves no less than five stars.
Lyndon Penner grew up in Saskatchewan and comes from a long line of gardeners. He is a traveller, environmentalist, and lover of literature, and the author of several books, including 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒀𝒂𝒓𝒅.
A huge thank you to @NetGalley and #TheUniversityofReginaPress for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A conversation ensued as Penner had no idea who Schroer was or that the Camino was a route that many have taken.
The Camino De Santiago (The Way of St. James) is said to be Spain’s oldest trail and it is known as one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages in the world. For over a thousand years people have travelled this majestic and historical Camino. It is said to have started when the remains of apostle St. James were discovered by a farmer in Galicia, Spain. Travelers from all over Europe came to see the remains along the same trails which are traversed today. Each year, hundreds of thousands walk this ancient path to the city called Santiago de Compstela.
The author records his backpacking odyssey in the form of a travel journal, which I found engaging and refreshing. For his delightful, descriptive writing, his knowledge and passion for all things botanical and his detailed observations and often wry sense of humour regarding the hostels he stays in and his fellow travellers, Penner’s 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 deserves no less than five stars.
Lyndon Penner grew up in Saskatchewan and comes from a long line of gardeners. He is a traveller, environmentalist, and lover of literature, and the author of several books, including 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒀𝒂𝒓𝒅.
A huge thank you to @NetGalley and #TheUniversityofReginaPress for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2021
*This book was received as a free advanced reviewer's copy from NetGalley.
Penner and a friend decide to tackle the Camino de Santiago, a hiking trail commonly done as a religious pilgrimage. For Penner it is a chance to get away, reflect, and enjoy the flora and fauna along the trail, which, as an avid gardener is one of the main draws.
The book itself is in journal format, with Penner giving accounts of certain trail lengths and the encounters, food, and lodging along the way. Additionally, he describes a cast of fellow travelers who often are on the trail at the same time. This book is definitely not a religious journey for him, it's more a hike in the wilderness broken up by funny or meaningful anecdotes with the goal of completion of the trail instead of religious awakening.
I thought the writing style was smooth. There's a few cliche'd jokes in the beginning that made me groan a bit, but overall he has a very approachable voice. Especially when it came to plants. The short descriptions and encounters with the different plants of the trail was almost too short for me. I would have loved for him to go on and on in great depth on them (some he does), especially all the edible plants that were encountered. But that's the whole book, quick, light, and interesting.
I'm not sure I'd ever hike the Camino myself, but this was a good way to sink in to the idea of the trail, without committing too much time or seriousness to the matter.
Review by M. Reynard 2021
Penner and a friend decide to tackle the Camino de Santiago, a hiking trail commonly done as a religious pilgrimage. For Penner it is a chance to get away, reflect, and enjoy the flora and fauna along the trail, which, as an avid gardener is one of the main draws.
The book itself is in journal format, with Penner giving accounts of certain trail lengths and the encounters, food, and lodging along the way. Additionally, he describes a cast of fellow travelers who often are on the trail at the same time. This book is definitely not a religious journey for him, it's more a hike in the wilderness broken up by funny or meaningful anecdotes with the goal of completion of the trail instead of religious awakening.
I thought the writing style was smooth. There's a few cliche'd jokes in the beginning that made me groan a bit, but overall he has a very approachable voice. Especially when it came to plants. The short descriptions and encounters with the different plants of the trail was almost too short for me. I would have loved for him to go on and on in great depth on them (some he does), especially all the edible plants that were encountered. But that's the whole book, quick, light, and interesting.
I'm not sure I'd ever hike the Camino myself, but this was a good way to sink in to the idea of the trail, without committing too much time or seriousness to the matter.
Review by M. Reynard 2021
June 27, 2021
Honestly I was off put about the negativity by the author. So many things seemed to be included just for the sake of complaining and didn't add to the story. Unless you're looking for an honest and ruthless review of the trail and accommodations, I found there were too many tangents about what was wrong with the experience and not enough focus on the rest. The description of plants and trees was fantastic though and those parts of the book were well worthwhile.
January 24, 2026
Hey, I'm Canadian and I've been lost in the weeds along the Camino too! 4 times, 4 different trails. Nice to read about a fellow Canadian's observances on the trail. Interesting twist being a gardener's point of view.
June 8, 2023
Absolutely LOVED this book. The Camino de Santiago fascinates me. Walking it is on my bucket list, so I devour Camino memoirs and probably read a dozen or so in the last 18 months. In fact, earlier this week I finished listening to Walking with Sam, the one by Andrew McCarthy, which had its strengths.
This one, however, was perfect. One of the reasons I want to walk 500 km across Spain is because I LOVE nature (and I LOVE a walk). The landscape, the flora, the fauna, the wind, the sun, the stars, and all the natural elements. This is the first Camino memoir that really spoke to my sensibilities. I learned so much about native Spanish plants. I'm eager to see them myself, someday. And his trek was in September and October, which means harvest time, a bounty of so many blooms, which...I'll likely miss as my plans would be for a spring visit.
Penner's dry wit and way with words and his KEEN eye; they all combined into perfection. The hedgehog he encounters! I, too, would feel thrilled by a hedgehog sighting in the wild. I appreciated his candor and vulnerability as he described several moments on the Camino that left him shook. His approach to incorporating the local history and lore/legend of the Way within the book was well-balanced and natural (unlike in other memoirs which don't handle those transitions so seamlessly).
His book probably isn't for everyone, nor will they appreciate it as much as I do. Lovely illustrations of several of the plants he documents and compares to his Saskatchewan prairie reality. This is a gorgeous, relatable story. A delicious testimony of the Camino de Santiago.
This one, however, was perfect. One of the reasons I want to walk 500 km across Spain is because I LOVE nature (and I LOVE a walk). The landscape, the flora, the fauna, the wind, the sun, the stars, and all the natural elements. This is the first Camino memoir that really spoke to my sensibilities. I learned so much about native Spanish plants. I'm eager to see them myself, someday. And his trek was in September and October, which means harvest time, a bounty of so many blooms, which...I'll likely miss as my plans would be for a spring visit.
Penner's dry wit and way with words and his KEEN eye; they all combined into perfection. The hedgehog he encounters! I, too, would feel thrilled by a hedgehog sighting in the wild. I appreciated his candor and vulnerability as he described several moments on the Camino that left him shook. His approach to incorporating the local history and lore/legend of the Way within the book was well-balanced and natural (unlike in other memoirs which don't handle those transitions so seamlessly).
His book probably isn't for everyone, nor will they appreciate it as much as I do. Lovely illustrations of several of the plants he documents and compares to his Saskatchewan prairie reality. This is a gorgeous, relatable story. A delicious testimony of the Camino de Santiago.
March 4, 2021
The way of the Gardener By Lyndon Penner is an amazing book. It reminds us its not just about the journey its about the friends we make along the way. Going along a spiritual journey through the old trail among coming de santiago there is a lot to see and think about. Nature in a biblical sense, how it nourishes the soul and spirit. Going through each town and seeing the different things it has to offer. Thinking about the biblical stories and nature. The miracles part really touched me. How people wronged ended up getting these amazing miracles. To trek on foot and see all these site all these historic biblical places spiritually for life long nurturing. To wonder how each little thing got to each little town.
It was really touching the journey the people and the experiences. Sometimes its the little things in life, we forget.
This Arc was given to me by Netgalley and NYU Press in exchange for an honest review. Really good food for the soul. The illustrations are also gorgeous.
It was really touching the journey the people and the experiences. Sometimes its the little things in life, we forget.
This Arc was given to me by Netgalley and NYU Press in exchange for an honest review. Really good food for the soul. The illustrations are also gorgeous.
April 22, 2023
This was a random find in a new reading app that I recently discovered because of a fellow reader (this is an Educator ALC that I got for free from @LibroFm https://libro.fm/audiobooks/978088977...) I enjoyed this because it was light-hearted in many ways. First, Penner does not take himself too seriously and is aware that a lot of the pilgrims on this walk are very pious, and he's not, and so I appreciated his awareness and humor related to that. Also some of the stories are just really funny because really funny things happen in life. I very much enjoyed learning about all of the different plant life that is located alongside this trail, path, or whatever you call it. I'd like to say that I'm a person who's been inspired to now go walk the Camino, but that's not going to happen. I like to walk in a very different way than what this would require. There's a really long list of all of the plant life at the end, which is pretty cool. If you're looking for something that is entertaining but does not require a ton of focus while listening, this will probably do it for you.
March 11, 2021
The author undertook the famous pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago. This is something that I always dreamed of doing, so I was really looking forward to reading this book.
Much more than your typical travelogue, Penner concentrates the majority of the book on the plants that he observed along the walk. And he REALLY loves plants! At times I felt I was walking along with my college professor and his Plant Identification class. Like my professor, Penner finds interesting tidbits about every plant he comes across. And describes them very well, in an easy, conversational manner. You can learn a lot from this book!
I also liked the author's insights into his own personality. He enjoys his own company, feels a bit uncomfortable around others, and has some definite strong opinions (especially about smoking). Even though I got the impression that he could be a bit of a curmudgeon, I still think that I would enjoy walking with him.
A good read.
Much more than your typical travelogue, Penner concentrates the majority of the book on the plants that he observed along the walk. And he REALLY loves plants! At times I felt I was walking along with my college professor and his Plant Identification class. Like my professor, Penner finds interesting tidbits about every plant he comes across. And describes them very well, in an easy, conversational manner. You can learn a lot from this book!
I also liked the author's insights into his own personality. He enjoys his own company, feels a bit uncomfortable around others, and has some definite strong opinions (especially about smoking). Even though I got the impression that he could be a bit of a curmudgeon, I still think that I would enjoy walking with him.
A good read.
October 4, 2021
I thought this novel when I saw it. Most accounts of the Camino are classified as "spiritual" or "travel". Most of the people I know who have walked the Camino have undertaken in as a spiritual pilgrimage. It interests me, but I know that if I were to do it, I would be enthralled by the plants. As a botanist and gardener Lyndon Penner uses his knowledge to tell a botanical history of the Camino and I found it both interesting and refreshing.
Initially, I found the writing a little humdrum. But it seemed to improve. There were a handful of genuinely funny parts where I did laugh out loud, which I always appreciate in a book, especially a memoir.
One of the other lovely things about this book is the length. It isn't overly long or verbose.
This isn't the first memoir I've read from the University of Regina Press's Memoir collection and it likely won't be the last. Thank goodness for these publishing programs selecting a wide range of perspectives on the world.
Initially, I found the writing a little humdrum. But it seemed to improve. There were a handful of genuinely funny parts where I did laugh out loud, which I always appreciate in a book, especially a memoir.
One of the other lovely things about this book is the length. It isn't overly long or verbose.
This isn't the first memoir I've read from the University of Regina Press's Memoir collection and it likely won't be the last. Thank goodness for these publishing programs selecting a wide range of perspectives on the world.
March 22, 2022
What a surprising read - I am always delighted by travel and botanical lore, and to have both realms interspersed in a light and engaging (often funny and dry) read was so good for my heart at a time when I am (1) aching to travel; (2) waiting for spring planting to begin in my cool zone 5. I absolutely adored it. Spain and its curious array of natural and imported landscapes and gardens held my attention, which is usually difficult given that I have no interest in travelling to Spain nor what its plant audience has to offer. I was surprised by how many herbal allies my part of the world shares with the Camino (and a bit embarrassed - it's not like he went to the moon ...), and this familiarity lent itself to my delight by Penner's travels. It helps we're both Canadian and that I could easily identify and nod my head in silent agreement about what grows in abundance here and what struggles.
And I think Spain just entered my bucket list. Nice!
And I think Spain just entered my bucket list. Nice!
February 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book, accurately described as focused on nature, very much. It is a quick read, generally fun and light-hearted with a couple darker moments. If any sternly religious people (like a few he met on the walk) read it, they’re likely to be offended.
For others, it provides a great introduction to the experience of the walk which took him about six weeks to complete. There are descriptions of meals and hostels along the way (and the chicken church), but the deep emphasis is on the plant life he encounters—fig, almond, olive, oak, chestnut, grape, and many more.
The advance e-copy I read did not include all of the book’s illustrations, but the ones which were included were lovely. I look forward to seeing the actual book when published.
Thanks to NYU Press and NetGalley for an early review copy.
For others, it provides a great introduction to the experience of the walk which took him about six weeks to complete. There are descriptions of meals and hostels along the way (and the chicken church), but the deep emphasis is on the plant life he encounters—fig, almond, olive, oak, chestnut, grape, and many more.
The advance e-copy I read did not include all of the book’s illustrations, but the ones which were included were lovely. I look forward to seeing the actual book when published.
Thanks to NYU Press and NetGalley for an early review copy.
February 17, 2021
I would so like to walk this trail! How exciting to see this book by someone who did- and is a gardener to boot! This book such a pleasure to read. Written in journal form, it is so detailed with places the author, what was seen, experienced... It was sheer joy to read and imagine walking the path myself! There are various trails and I think this one started in France. I loved the descriptions of the plants and wild life they encountered on the trail. I am so sorry I didn't think to keep such a detailed journal of my trip to Europe yeas ago. I think this is how a journal should be written. Lots of details! liked the drawings in the book, but wish it could have included some photos, as well. But over all, a lovely book! Anyone wanting to walk the trail should read this book. Make a fine gift, or keepsake, too!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
March 15, 2023
Overall I enjoyed this book, especially when the author focussed on plants and giving brief histories and anecdotes about them. I was a little put off though when it came to his experiences with other people and their beliefs, Spanish smokers, and his visits to cathedrals because it came out as a bit negative. Having lived in Spain for a number of years I could identify with his descriptions of the small Spanish towns with their enumerable windows/balconies covered in all sorts of flowers, but I cringed while listening to the audiobook every time the author tried to pronounce a Spanish name or phrase. His experiences with the flora and fauna along the Camino though make this book still a worthy read.
October 24, 2025
DNF @ 34%
Could have been good - but it wasn't.
Aside from the author sounding extremely obnoxious and rather pretentious, the book was actually irritating.
I thought that this would be about a gardener who was pulled out of his comfort zone and hiked the Camino de Santiago but honestly, the trail, the experience, and the other visitors to the trail held no interest to him. He only proceeded to speak about the plants. Really he uprooted (pun intended) himself physically, but not emotionally or intellectually.
This book is about a gardener, nothing more, nothing less.
P.S - that chapter about olives containing secrets and shining a light from within.....what drugs was he on while walking the Camino de Santiago?!
Could have been good - but it wasn't.
Aside from the author sounding extremely obnoxious and rather pretentious, the book was actually irritating.
I thought that this would be about a gardener who was pulled out of his comfort zone and hiked the Camino de Santiago but honestly, the trail, the experience, and the other visitors to the trail held no interest to him. He only proceeded to speak about the plants. Really he uprooted (pun intended) himself physically, but not emotionally or intellectually.
This book is about a gardener, nothing more, nothing less.
P.S - that chapter about olives containing secrets and shining a light from within.....what drugs was he on while walking the Camino de Santiago?!
April 16, 2021
This was such a cute, uplifting story! The author, Lyndon Penner, talks about his time walking the Camino de Santiago -- a famous, 800km pilgrimage through France and Spain. Through the story, he talks about his experiences, and most notably of all, he shares his enormous wealth of knowledge on the plants, trees, and flowers that he sees. Reading this makes me feel inspired to learn more about gardening, as I have no knowledge of this. Penner's writing style gives nature an almost magical personality, and kept me captivated and wanting to learn more!
March 28, 2021
What a lovely book! As a thru-hiker and a gardener I could relate to this book in many ways! I appreciated how the author weaved in the plants he saw along the way and some of the historical and botanical context to them as well. This view is not one most folks who read long distance journey books will normally see and it is a nice diversion from the typical thru-hiker fare.
*I received and ARC Via NetGalley in exchange for my review*.
*I received and ARC Via NetGalley in exchange for my review*.
June 30, 2021
Prior to reading this book I had not heard of the Camino de Santiago. I enjoyed learning about this pilgrimage and it was interesting discovering it from the POV of someone who was excited to note the plants along the way.
I think this book has a little something for everyone; at the very least, it’s something different to read. If you have the least interest in the Camino de Santiago or botany then this could be a hidden gem for you.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book has a little something for everyone; at the very least, it’s something different to read. If you have the least interest in the Camino de Santiago or botany then this could be a hidden gem for you.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2021
What an exquisite little book! I could hardly put it down. It is a record of Lyndon Penner's pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. He shares his knowledge of the Spanish flora and fauna along his travels. He has a lovely sense of humour that enlivens the story. I particularly enjoyed his encounter with a hedgehog. If you love plants and trees and animals you will be delighted with this book. I would love it if he could do a documentary.
January 6, 2022
If you are a serious gardener or horticulturalist you will find the descriptions of the plants and trees along the Camino very interesting; if you are looking for information about other details of the trail or about walking the trail you may be disappointed. Although Latin names were given as well as common names for the plants the book was easy to read. Some humorous stories included in the narrative and encounters with other walkers.
March 24, 2023
As a gardener, I couldn't give it just 3 stars so I stand by my rating of 4. The author ran screaming anytime religious sites were approached but waxed poetic on chestnuts and I'm not sure he could ever see the irony in that. I'm glad I read it and took the trip and I think I would do it again, but it didn't leave me with any greater understanding of the Camino. I still love the cover. 🐚
Completed as 'a book about a place you'd like to visit' for the 2023 TPL Reading Challenge.
Completed as 'a book about a place you'd like to visit' for the 2023 TPL Reading Challenge.
November 8, 2023
Not only is Lyndon a local author, he is also a local horticulturist and kind of a well-regarded celebrity in the field. All of his garden help books are concise and easy to read. The Way of the Gardener is no different. I had no previous interest in the Camino de Santiago but this one changed that. I loved the descriptions and honesty. I learned so much. Additionally, UofR Press creates some really beautiful books and this one is no exception.
April 24, 2022
I was really wanting something to teach me about the plants along the Camino. Instead, I got a memoir of a person walking the Camino that revolved around different plants he saw. For what it is, it is ok, but just not what I was hoping for…I wanted mostly plants and a little Camino. I got mostly Camino and a little plants.
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