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PILGRIM: FINDING A NEW WAY ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
When faced with an empty nest, Kari decides to spread her own wings. Giving up a job she loves, she sets off to walk across a whole country. A big one.
A contemporary take on an ancient experience, Pilgrim is an entertaining and moving memoir of Kari’s 900km walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In classic pilgrim fashion, she meets and befriends an array of companions along the way, from all walks of life, united by a common sincerity of purpose. Battling through sun and snow, mud and mountains, blisters and bedbugs, her real destination turns out to be "deep peace".
Initially unsure of the difference between a long walk and a pilgrimage, Kari and her friend, are not sure what to expect as they embark on the Camino de Santiago. Sleeping in hostels and carrying all their belongings on their back takes some getting used to and they are sorely tested by the unrelenting physical challenge of the ‘great trudge’. In the early days they are preoccupied by the external journey.
But soon, like a modern-day Canterbury Tales, Kari and Ali find themselves swept along by a motley band of pilgrims whose stories touch the heart and awaken the soul. Pilgrim brings to life, in vivid detail, the kindness of strangers, the warmth of village hospitality and the sisterhood of the Sturdy Girls. With San Miguel adopted as their patron saint, the Camino becomes filled with beer, laughter and a return to the carefree joy of childhood. There is an unburdening, a sloughing off of the things that don’t matter. Only what counts is left behind.
Pilgrim celebrates communitas, friendship and the resilience of the middle-aged women who keep going when those around them buckle, who bandage the broken, make them dinner and get them back on their feet.
Encouraged by the ghosts of pilgrims who have walked the Way for a thousand years, and with no real choice in the matter, she finally slows down, and the pilgrimage becomes a journey to the interior. As she walks her defences are broken down and her heart opens.
On a transformational journey that takes her from the snowy mountains of the Pyrenees, through the dry winelands of Rioja, the mysticism of the Meseta, to the Green farmland of Galicia, a spiritual reawakening occurs. She revels in the utter joy of a frosty sunrise with shadows a hundred meters long, the frogs, and the cuckoo that follows them for miles. The body may be broken but nature has the cure.
Pilgrim is a coming-of-(middle)-age tale. The story is ultimately one of transformation, of rebirth and redemption. Written with warmth and honesty, Pilgrim shows what can happen when we jump off the path we are on and step onto a new one, where nothing looks the same. The question is no longer what do I want to do with the rest of my life? The question is who do I want to be?
A contemporary take on an ancient experience, Pilgrim is an entertaining and moving memoir of Kari’s 900km walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In classic pilgrim fashion, she meets and befriends an array of companions along the way, from all walks of life, united by a common sincerity of purpose. Battling through sun and snow, mud and mountains, blisters and bedbugs, her real destination turns out to be "deep peace".
Initially unsure of the difference between a long walk and a pilgrimage, Kari and her friend, are not sure what to expect as they embark on the Camino de Santiago. Sleeping in hostels and carrying all their belongings on their back takes some getting used to and they are sorely tested by the unrelenting physical challenge of the ‘great trudge’. In the early days they are preoccupied by the external journey.
But soon, like a modern-day Canterbury Tales, Kari and Ali find themselves swept along by a motley band of pilgrims whose stories touch the heart and awaken the soul. Pilgrim brings to life, in vivid detail, the kindness of strangers, the warmth of village hospitality and the sisterhood of the Sturdy Girls. With San Miguel adopted as their patron saint, the Camino becomes filled with beer, laughter and a return to the carefree joy of childhood. There is an unburdening, a sloughing off of the things that don’t matter. Only what counts is left behind.
Pilgrim celebrates communitas, friendship and the resilience of the middle-aged women who keep going when those around them buckle, who bandage the broken, make them dinner and get them back on their feet.
Encouraged by the ghosts of pilgrims who have walked the Way for a thousand years, and with no real choice in the matter, she finally slows down, and the pilgrimage becomes a journey to the interior. As she walks her defences are broken down and her heart opens.
On a transformational journey that takes her from the snowy mountains of the Pyrenees, through the dry winelands of Rioja, the mysticism of the Meseta, to the Green farmland of Galicia, a spiritual reawakening occurs. She revels in the utter joy of a frosty sunrise with shadows a hundred meters long, the frogs, and the cuckoo that follows them for miles. The body may be broken but nature has the cure.
Pilgrim is a coming-of-(middle)-age tale. The story is ultimately one of transformation, of rebirth and redemption. Written with warmth and honesty, Pilgrim shows what can happen when we jump off the path we are on and step onto a new one, where nothing looks the same. The question is no longer what do I want to do with the rest of my life? The question is who do I want to be?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2021
259 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 11, 2022
I loved this book. Gillespie writes so beautifully. This is a tale of a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, which for Gillespie, started as time away after a job had depleted her emotionally. But it turned out to be so much more as Gillespie learns from everyone she encounters on the trail, including the people she's traveling with. I found her understatement on everything so appealing and refreshing. She suffered tremendous physical pain but never tries to snag your sympathy. She finds friendship, healing from emotional pain, and community. There's laughter at herself and her circumstances. She writes honestly and directly. What a wonderful read.
June 5, 2023
My favorite Camino/pilgrimage memoir so far, but "A Furnace Full of God" by Rebekah Scott is a close second.
April 16, 2022
The best book on walking the Camino
I’ve been reading books about the Camino for nearly 40 years. This is definitely the best book I’ve read from someone who walked The Way.
I’ve been reading books about the Camino for nearly 40 years. This is definitely the best book I’ve read from someone who walked The Way.
October 25, 2022
Too twee and too much God. Having said that, I enjoyed parts of this very much. I don't mind a bit of god, it's God I find difficult. The whole point of the Camino, as I understand it (because I haven't bloody walked it so don't really have any credibility at all) is the spiritual aspect of the experience. And many of the people within this pilgrimage exude spirituality in spades (hate clichés). There is a nod to other faiths and even people of no faith but there is just a bit too much of 'he died for our sins' in this. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Don't get me wrong, I love a sit in a church and worked for fifteen years in a catholic school and enjoyed the general ethos of being good to each other. I just think that this would be much stronger if it lost its concentration on the catholic faith. I know Gillespie is a catholic but she hadn't been to confession for twenty five years so not that devout.
Also, there are maybe five or six moments where she indulges in a bit of swearing. It's done convincingly and in context but still feels somehow out of place. Maybe there should be more or none. Bit like when a bloke meets a builder or tradesman: he feels the need to eff and jeff a bit for credibility. It doesn't give you any.
Despite my criticism, I enjoyed reading this, especially up to the half way mark, and felt inspired by the whole experience. I would love to do this and, having spent many years in and around Spain, I know how catholic the country is. I just wish it had spent more time on inner spiritualism and less on organised religion.
Also, there are maybe five or six moments where she indulges in a bit of swearing. It's done convincingly and in context but still feels somehow out of place. Maybe there should be more or none. Bit like when a bloke meets a builder or tradesman: he feels the need to eff and jeff a bit for credibility. It doesn't give you any.
Despite my criticism, I enjoyed reading this, especially up to the half way mark, and felt inspired by the whole experience. I would love to do this and, having spent many years in and around Spain, I know how catholic the country is. I just wish it had spent more time on inner spiritualism and less on organised religion.
December 3, 2023
Left me with a book hangover and craving my next adventure!
June 15, 2023
I loved Carolyn’s book about her experience of walking the Camino Frances in Spain back in 2016.
She writes so beautifully, all the time making the reader feel that they are sharing in her experience. Her honesty about her feelings, be they joy, elation, fatigue or whatever, was quite compelling. Reading about some of the people she met during the journey and some of her reflections on those meetings were beautiful to read. I would heartily recommend this book to those who maybe have done this Camino, or who are preparing for it, which is myself. Such a beautiful book to read.
She writes so beautifully, all the time making the reader feel that they are sharing in her experience. Her honesty about her feelings, be they joy, elation, fatigue or whatever, was quite compelling. Reading about some of the people she met during the journey and some of her reflections on those meetings were beautiful to read. I would heartily recommend this book to those who maybe have done this Camino, or who are preparing for it, which is myself. Such a beautiful book to read.
March 1, 2023
Touching and Beautifully Written
Kari’s writing of her journey on the Camino was so eloquently written- I loved every minute of it! She shared the joys and the pain, her feelings and insights with such true emotion. She warmed my heart and made me cry. My husband and I (Nancy) are walking the Camino in May , and she has given me more confidence that I can do it! A great read for anyone who is walking or just has a curiosity about The Camino de Santiago.
Kari’s writing of her journey on the Camino was so eloquently written- I loved every minute of it! She shared the joys and the pain, her feelings and insights with such true emotion. She warmed my heart and made me cry. My husband and I (Nancy) are walking the Camino in May , and she has given me more confidence that I can do it! A great read for anyone who is walking or just has a curiosity about The Camino de Santiago.
April 12, 2022
A wonderful, uplifting and honest book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and felt as if I were walking along with the author whose observations and descriptions were beautiful. An inspiration - maybe there is a pilgrim in me too….!
March 3, 2025
this kinda felt like how a book I would write would be like… a description of what has happened interspersed with my feelings and things I’ve learned (just without the god parts). happy she went on her Camino and hopeful my own (in 3 months!!!!!!) fills me with as much peace as it brought her
July 21, 2022
Very enjoyable. Brought back lots of great memories.
January 15, 2023
Wish I was younger because this book wanted me to walk my own pilgrimage and stay where she stayed
August 26, 2024
Well written
Having walked the Camino I found the story poignant and reminiscent of my own feelings and emotions. The quotes were well placed and I thoroughly enjoyed
Having walked the Camino I found the story poignant and reminiscent of my own feelings and emotions. The quotes were well placed and I thoroughly enjoyed
July 17, 2025
Excellent
I have read many books about El Camino. For me, this was by far the best. The author captured and expressed beautifully the feelings of walking the Way.
I have read many books about El Camino. For me, this was by far the best. The author captured and expressed beautifully the feelings of walking the Way.
July 28, 2023
Who’s coming with me!?
December 6, 2021
Wow-what can I say. I got an advanced view of Pilgrim by Carolyn Gillespie, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED it! It was moving and spiritual and funny. Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I read it over five days and each night I couldn’t wait to go to bed and read more. It’s well written and the journey is so beautifully detailed that it left me feeling uplifted. Also, despite the fact I’m a dyed-in-the-wool agnostic, I started to look at my trainers and wonder…could I? It just sounded like such an amazing experience! I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about going on a pilgrimage, anyone who has already done one, or just anyone who has come to a stage in their lives and just wondered – what next?
The relationships in the story - both the writer’s relationship with her co-pilgrims and her past relationships with her close family - are so well described and relatable that I found myself invested in every page. Many of the stories both broke my heart and had me laughing out loud almost at the same time. Bravo!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while, so much so that I’ve bought a copy for my mum and my sister for Christmas.
The relationships in the story - both the writer’s relationship with her co-pilgrims and her past relationships with her close family - are so well described and relatable that I found myself invested in every page. Many of the stories both broke my heart and had me laughing out loud almost at the same time. Bravo!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while, so much so that I’ve bought a copy for my mum and my sister for Christmas.
April 12, 2022
Pilgrim
I loved this book. It is beautifully written. The author, Kari, walked for 40 days and each day is covered by a chapter.
This book is about the physical challenge of walking 900 kilometres through northern Spain.
It is about stoic resilience in pushing through the pain to reach your goal. The author has terrible tendinitis in her leg that challenges her every day. Fortunately she is walking with a friend who is a physio and she straps her leg to ease the pain.
In addition she reflects on her life and relationship with her parents and her family. She is at a cross roads as her children are leaving home. The love shown to her by her husband and her children is inspiring. Friends old and new form a part of the support group along the Camino.
Kari’s faith is an important part of the story as is a morning cup off coffee and food in general.
There are lighter moments particularly in the pilgrim hostels.
I hope there is a sequel!
I loved this book. It is beautifully written. The author, Kari, walked for 40 days and each day is covered by a chapter.
This book is about the physical challenge of walking 900 kilometres through northern Spain.
It is about stoic resilience in pushing through the pain to reach your goal. The author has terrible tendinitis in her leg that challenges her every day. Fortunately she is walking with a friend who is a physio and she straps her leg to ease the pain.
In addition she reflects on her life and relationship with her parents and her family. She is at a cross roads as her children are leaving home. The love shown to her by her husband and her children is inspiring. Friends old and new form a part of the support group along the Camino.
Kari’s faith is an important part of the story as is a morning cup off coffee and food in general.
There are lighter moments particularly in the pilgrim hostels.
I hope there is a sequel!
February 27, 2022
If you’ve ever considered walking the Camino to Santiago you must read this! Beautifully written, you get to enjoy the whole package. I felt that I walked every step (without the aches and pains) as well as enjoying the countryside as it changed from mountains to vineyards and everything in between. I got to know all the pilgrims Kari and her friends met on the way, the good and the not so good. And I felt all the emotions they encountered as they made their way on their 900km journey, not just the physical journey but the personal one too. Thank you Kari for sharing the journey, although I’m not sure I could have done it myself, maybe one day I’ll walk part of the Camino and think of you on the way.
March 23, 2023
I listened to Kari's audio version of this book and it was a delight to hear her voice. As I listened, my own Camino experience flooded back. As I kept listening, I felt like CAMINO WANDERING (my fictional novel) had come to life, with Kari's Study Girls replacing my own Lovelies. The idea of that delighted me and then it made me laugh.
As an empty nester myself, I felt Kari's longings for her children, and was disappointed when the book ended. I wanted to know if she'd discovered what was next, but given there will be more books to come, I guess that's the answer. But that's like the Camino when you reach Santiago. You want to keep going and so I look forward to whatever else STURDY GIRL BOOKS delivers.
Well done Kari!
As an empty nester myself, I felt Kari's longings for her children, and was disappointed when the book ended. I wanted to know if she'd discovered what was next, but given there will be more books to come, I guess that's the answer. But that's like the Camino when you reach Santiago. You want to keep going and so I look forward to whatever else STURDY GIRL BOOKS delivers.
Well done Kari!
August 2, 2023
This is one of the best pilgrim narratives I’ve read. Gillespie captivates her readers with an enjoyable account of her experiences along the Camino Francés — the physical demands of such a long walk, the emotional toll at times (why am I doing this?), and the spiritual awakenings that happen along the Way. The personal discoveries she discloses with real honesty are touching. I found her descriptions of the friendship created and the spirit of camaraderie very authentic. But for me her struggle with a tendinitis in her shin for many weeks touched me as I suffered with the same condition from Logroño to Santiago and came close to give up as well. Those who seek to know what the Camino is really like will discover it in this book.
October 21, 2023
A wonderful read
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. It is the I have read and I picked it because since my husband died earlier this year I have become infatuated with doing a walk. It wasn’t until I stumbled across the “the way” with Micheal Sheen that I was introduced to the Camino de Santiago. Since then I have watched several movies about it but wanted a more detailed and honest view of the pilgrimage. This book has made me want to do it myself even more and I liked the good as well as the bad the author gave us. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of doing the walk.
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. It is the I have read and I picked it because since my husband died earlier this year I have become infatuated with doing a walk. It wasn’t until I stumbled across the “the way” with Micheal Sheen that I was introduced to the Camino de Santiago. Since then I have watched several movies about it but wanted a more detailed and honest view of the pilgrimage. This book has made me want to do it myself even more and I liked the good as well as the bad the author gave us. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of doing the walk.
July 15, 2022
Third pays for all
This is the third book about the Camino that I have read. The first was about a man who was inserted himself and I’m not sure he had by the end managed to fulfill his class. The second one is a person who kept going back-and-forth between their own worldview and faith. The third was a middle-aged woman carrying the burden of the years, a Catholic who hadn’t really been practicing her faith. She made it all the way both spiritually and physically. This is a book infinitely worth reading if you want to know. (Although I wonder if her leg ever recovered.)
This is the third book about the Camino that I have read. The first was about a man who was inserted himself and I’m not sure he had by the end managed to fulfill his class. The second one is a person who kept going back-and-forth between their own worldview and faith. The third was a middle-aged woman carrying the burden of the years, a Catholic who hadn’t really been practicing her faith. She made it all the way both spiritually and physically. This is a book infinitely worth reading if you want to know. (Although I wonder if her leg ever recovered.)
March 21, 2023
I’ve read several memoirs of pilgrimages, this route, the Appalachian and Pacific Northwest Trails. Gillespie’s was particularly detailed via daily entries, making it particularly unique from others, and inspiring. Her details place you along the Way, and do not detract with faith rumination. Her descriptions of many fellow travelers exhibit a variety of characters, including her immediate companions that add much to the journey. Loved it! (Keep in mind that I am deeply inspired by people who place themselves along these paths to completion.)
July 30, 2023
I chose this book as I am interested in walking the Camino and wanted to learn more about it and I was not disappointed. I loved the knowledge and factual information Carolyn imparted alongside her own personal spiritual journey. Hearing about all the interesting people she met along the way filled me with such an urge to do the walk at some point myself. I didn’t intend to but I ended up annotating this book as I went along with different facts and quotes I found interesting and note worthy. Super good read, very profound.
January 6, 2022
Inspiring story about a trip of discovery
This is a great read: a story about two journeys - physical and spiritual that take Kari and her friend Ali 900km on the Camino. They make many friends along the way but primarily it is about Kari and her search to find out who she really is. Whether you have a faith or no faith you will feel her pain and joy as she struggles both physically and mentally to achieve her goal.
This is a great read: a story about two journeys - physical and spiritual that take Kari and her friend Ali 900km on the Camino. They make many friends along the way but primarily it is about Kari and her search to find out who she really is. Whether you have a faith or no faith you will feel her pain and joy as she struggles both physically and mentally to achieve her goal.
May 28, 2022
I have read a few books about the pilgrim walk book hoping one day the dream will become a reality, turning 56 this year is worrying me that I might not make it.
How ever this book reassured me that age will not be a problem, you just need the will power and the want to complete it.
I'm also not a religious man but the way this story was told i felt I connected with the way she expressed her feelings.
Highly recommend this book, up their with the best on this subject.
How ever this book reassured me that age will not be a problem, you just need the will power and the want to complete it.
I'm also not a religious man but the way this story was told i felt I connected with the way she expressed her feelings.
Highly recommend this book, up their with the best on this subject.
January 6, 2022
This is as much memoir as it is travelogue, and I think it's better for that. It gives a real sense of the personal and spiritual experience of doing the Camino, not just the physical side of walking it, how much distance they travelled and what they saw. Written in a really engaging and friendly tone which draws you in to the telling.
June 10, 2022
Excellent Camino memoir
I walked the Camino Frances in 2017 and the Camino Portugués in 2019. I’ve read a number of Camino memoirs, and this is among the best. Carolyn Gillespie has achieved the right blend of personal reflection with descriptions of the path and of daily life. Especially if you are a mature woman considering doing a Camino, read this book.
I walked the Camino Frances in 2017 and the Camino Portugués in 2019. I’ve read a number of Camino memoirs, and this is among the best. Carolyn Gillespie has achieved the right blend of personal reflection with descriptions of the path and of daily life. Especially if you are a mature woman considering doing a Camino, read this book.
January 4, 2023
Kari’s openness and story telling skill make this a delightful read for all Camino enthusiasts. She doesn’t shirk the challenges faced in walking 900 kms but her obvious joy in sharing the experience with family and friends (old and new) draws the reader in.
Walking the Camino is simple yet complex and Kari has represented this duality in an enjoyable read. Loved it.
Walking the Camino is simple yet complex and Kari has represented this duality in an enjoyable read. Loved it.
December 19, 2021
This book was beautiful from beginning to end. As we readers we were given the privilege of a look into life on the Camino. All of the characters, sights and reflections were fantastic, and the book as a whole was really touching. Would recommend to anyone!
May 15, 2022
fantastic writing about a fantastic walk
This book made me feel I was on the journey also. The writer spoke so much about her friends, her own thoughts and feeling but also the colors of the environment. I enjoyed meeting all the people along the Way.
This book made me feel I was on the journey also. The writer spoke so much about her friends, her own thoughts and feeling but also the colors of the environment. I enjoyed meeting all the people along the Way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews