What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pilgrim
Driven by ambition and family expectation, young Henry de Brampton is determined to make his mark. Destined for a prestigious career in the Church, he readily embraces the chance to experience the world before taking his vows. But fuelled by selfish desire, he recklessly betrays those he loves, with devastating consequences.
Overwhelmed with guilt, he seeks redemption among the Cistercians of Abbey Cwmhir and finds a new identity as Brother Hywel. Yet a further thoughtless betrayal will prove he cannot escape himself, and he is forced on pilgrimage to save his vocation.
A reluctant pilgrim, can the unlikely company help him discover what it truly means to be great in God’s eyes, and will Hywel ever be willing not just to receive forgiveness but also to forgive himself?
Overwhelmed with guilt, he seeks redemption among the Cistercians of Abbey Cwmhir and finds a new identity as Brother Hywel. Yet a further thoughtless betrayal will prove he cannot escape himself, and he is forced on pilgrimage to save his vocation.
A reluctant pilgrim, can the unlikely company help him discover what it truly means to be great in God’s eyes, and will Hywel ever be willing not just to receive forgiveness but also to forgive himself?
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2022
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Joy Margetts
11 books71 followersI am a fifty something mother of two grown children, and a grandparent. I have always loved writing but never believed I would have a book published. The Healing is my first novel. I have always loved history and the inspiration for the book came whilst visiting local abbey ruins.
I live with my husband and feisty Jack Russell, on the wild and beautiful North Wales coast, surrounded by history and stunning landscapes. I love the Word of God and teaching it. The Healing is full of both truth and beauty.
I have experienced the redemptive healing power of God in my own life, and hope that my writing gives hope to those who need it.
I live with my husband and feisty Jack Russell, on the wild and beautiful North Wales coast, surrounded by history and stunning landscapes. I love the Word of God and teaching it. The Healing is full of both truth and beauty.
I have experienced the redemptive healing power of God in my own life, and hope that my writing gives hope to those who need it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 21, 2022
Having read The Healing a few months ago, to which this book is the prequel, the Pilgrim offers an opportunity to learn the full back story of Brother Hywel. Prequels are great, in that we may know the final destination of a story already, but we have the opportunity to hear about the journey – very appropriate for a book about a pilgrimage! It highlights the fact that everyone has a backstory, a series of events and circumstances that has made them to be the person they are today. And these stories make for great reading.
Joy takes us back to the medieval era with ease, offering descriptions and details that frame the story. It is clearly well researched, and I am fairly sure that Joy will have visited the route of the pilgrimage to be able to describe the locations so vividly. Time progresses by the changing of the seasons, beautifully described. Journeys are undertaken by passing through the varied Welsh landscapes.
It starts as a story about falling into temptation, dealing with tragic the consequences and guilt. But through the experience, Hywel learns life lessons and matures, to a point of finding redemption through a pilgrimage. This is how, as we know from The Healing, he is able to serve others from a place of learned wisdom and compassion.
Joy adds a verse or two of a Psalm at the end of each chapter, hinting to me that brother Hywel’s early story bears some similarities and connection to the Bible story of King David, author of the Psalms. It certainly allows him an outlet to express the emotions experienced through his own story.
As he undertakes his personal pilgrimage, he learns why he is there, how he needs to grow and change his character to truly meet his calling. To become a servant, and it is through that servant attitude he can come to a position of leadership and respect...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-pilgr...
Joy takes us back to the medieval era with ease, offering descriptions and details that frame the story. It is clearly well researched, and I am fairly sure that Joy will have visited the route of the pilgrimage to be able to describe the locations so vividly. Time progresses by the changing of the seasons, beautifully described. Journeys are undertaken by passing through the varied Welsh landscapes.
It starts as a story about falling into temptation, dealing with tragic the consequences and guilt. But through the experience, Hywel learns life lessons and matures, to a point of finding redemption through a pilgrimage. This is how, as we know from The Healing, he is able to serve others from a place of learned wisdom and compassion.
Joy adds a verse or two of a Psalm at the end of each chapter, hinting to me that brother Hywel’s early story bears some similarities and connection to the Bible story of King David, author of the Psalms. It certainly allows him an outlet to express the emotions experienced through his own story.
As he undertakes his personal pilgrimage, he learns why he is there, how he needs to grow and change his character to truly meet his calling. To become a servant, and it is through that servant attitude he can come to a position of leadership and respect...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-pilgr...
July 13, 2022
Truly a book which I didn't want to end.
Back in 1202, Henry (Hal) de Brampton knows that he will spend his life in the service of the church while his older brother takes on the lands and responsibilities of their father. However, acting on compulsion, he betrays a dear friend and his family for his own selfish gratification. The consequences leave him staggering under a crushing burden of guilt.
Before he takes his vows, the Cistercian abbot under whom he may yet serve, wisely sends him on pilgrimage with an intriguing band of characters: an old lady crippled by arthritis, devoted brothers who carry their own secret, a staunchly religious individual who sneers at Hal's lack of devotion, and a leader who has little time for arrogant, entitled young men of any class.
Joy Margetts weaves her tale around the abbeys and churches of long ago, some of which are only recognisable today by their ruins. Her characters are well formed and the reader readily goes on the journey with Hal, or Hywel as he truly becomes, engaging with the hospitality along the route and glimpsing the reality of authentic spirituality.
Hywel learns that grace and mercy are not just the names of pigs, but core truths which underpin real faith: mercy - not receiving what he deserves in consequence of his wrong doing; grace - receiving full and free forgiveness from God because of the sacrifice of Jesus' death. While he has been trying to earn his salvation and claw back spirituality by his own efforts, he hears the voice of God in his head: 'Why should I require of you what already cost me everything?' For me, it's the most powerful and profound line in the book.
A great read; especially so for lovers of historical fiction.
Back in 1202, Henry (Hal) de Brampton knows that he will spend his life in the service of the church while his older brother takes on the lands and responsibilities of their father. However, acting on compulsion, he betrays a dear friend and his family for his own selfish gratification. The consequences leave him staggering under a crushing burden of guilt.
Before he takes his vows, the Cistercian abbot under whom he may yet serve, wisely sends him on pilgrimage with an intriguing band of characters: an old lady crippled by arthritis, devoted brothers who carry their own secret, a staunchly religious individual who sneers at Hal's lack of devotion, and a leader who has little time for arrogant, entitled young men of any class.
Joy Margetts weaves her tale around the abbeys and churches of long ago, some of which are only recognisable today by their ruins. Her characters are well formed and the reader readily goes on the journey with Hal, or Hywel as he truly becomes, engaging with the hospitality along the route and glimpsing the reality of authentic spirituality.
Hywel learns that grace and mercy are not just the names of pigs, but core truths which underpin real faith: mercy - not receiving what he deserves in consequence of his wrong doing; grace - receiving full and free forgiveness from God because of the sacrifice of Jesus' death. While he has been trying to earn his salvation and claw back spirituality by his own efforts, he hears the voice of God in his head: 'Why should I require of you what already cost me everything?' For me, it's the most powerful and profound line in the book.
A great read; especially so for lovers of historical fiction.
September 5, 2022
The Pilgrim is a gripping book – which seems rather ironic, given that the central plot revolves around a slow and steady pilgrimage. There is no fast-paced action here, as you would expect. However, whilst the plot beautifully and gently meanders over the North Wales countryside, it is the characters that keep you turning the pages.
I soon discovered that Joy has that rare skill of creating utterly convincing characters that are lightly sketched but impress themselves heavily on the reader’s imagination. Take the main character, Hal. His journey begins when he is led astray by his loveable but slightly roguish older brother, Robert. Having been introduced to the delights of worldly pleasures, Hal then falls head over heels in love with a forbidden woman. I immediately felt compassion for Hal, seeing in him the reckless abandon of every impassioned young person who is incapable of reason as hormones and passions rage within their soul. Unfortunately for Hal, the encounter has devastating consequences.
The author does something exquisite at this point. She describes the single defining moment in this young man’s existence with one simple sentence. The power of that sentence is in its subtlety; we do not immediately grasp the consequences for Hal’s life until we see his complete breakdown in the following pages.
Hal is destined for a life in the church, one of few vocations available to a younger son of a respectable landowner. And in the middle ages, this meant a monastery. Immediately the reader knows the unsuitability of this vocation for the young man, yet, what choice is there? Faith played little part in entering this vocation, and the variety of characters that Joy describes within the church aptly display the inconsistencies of pre-Reformation Christianity. Of course, there were many true believers doing their best with limited scriptural availability and often poor leadership. It warmed my heart to encounter the various positive mentors that Hal, or Brother Hywel, met along his pilgrimage (the pilgrimage itself being a ‘compulsory suggestion’ by one of these mentors when Hywel puts his foot in it at the monastery.)
The character of Madoc was particularly interesting. Despite his gruffness, I immediately liked him, sensing a sincerity beneath the old soldier. The other members of the pilgrim party all have their part to play in shaping the man that Hywel is to become.
I shan't give away any more of the plot because I don't want to spoil your enjoyment of this wonderful book. Suffice to say, it is well worth a read. Indeed, I would venture to say it is the only book I’ve read recently that I will definitely read again. There is certainly more to explore in this novel – you will get your money’s worth.
I soon discovered that Joy has that rare skill of creating utterly convincing characters that are lightly sketched but impress themselves heavily on the reader’s imagination. Take the main character, Hal. His journey begins when he is led astray by his loveable but slightly roguish older brother, Robert. Having been introduced to the delights of worldly pleasures, Hal then falls head over heels in love with a forbidden woman. I immediately felt compassion for Hal, seeing in him the reckless abandon of every impassioned young person who is incapable of reason as hormones and passions rage within their soul. Unfortunately for Hal, the encounter has devastating consequences.
The author does something exquisite at this point. She describes the single defining moment in this young man’s existence with one simple sentence. The power of that sentence is in its subtlety; we do not immediately grasp the consequences for Hal’s life until we see his complete breakdown in the following pages.
Hal is destined for a life in the church, one of few vocations available to a younger son of a respectable landowner. And in the middle ages, this meant a monastery. Immediately the reader knows the unsuitability of this vocation for the young man, yet, what choice is there? Faith played little part in entering this vocation, and the variety of characters that Joy describes within the church aptly display the inconsistencies of pre-Reformation Christianity. Of course, there were many true believers doing their best with limited scriptural availability and often poor leadership. It warmed my heart to encounter the various positive mentors that Hal, or Brother Hywel, met along his pilgrimage (the pilgrimage itself being a ‘compulsory suggestion’ by one of these mentors when Hywel puts his foot in it at the monastery.)
The character of Madoc was particularly interesting. Despite his gruffness, I immediately liked him, sensing a sincerity beneath the old soldier. The other members of the pilgrim party all have their part to play in shaping the man that Hywel is to become.
I shan't give away any more of the plot because I don't want to spoil your enjoyment of this wonderful book. Suffice to say, it is well worth a read. Indeed, I would venture to say it is the only book I’ve read recently that I will definitely read again. There is certainly more to explore in this novel – you will get your money’s worth.
November 11, 2023
This book, as well as the first in the series, moved me. A beautifully written fictional story which holds many deep truths. A story I will no doubt read again in the future.
August 27, 2022
Wounds of the soul
Before Hal joins the Cistercian Abbey in the heart of medieval Wales and adopts the new name of Hywel, his selfish lust has already done immeasurable harm to those closest to him. When a careless slip of the tongue deeply hurts his fellow novices, he expects to be banished. Much to his amazement, his mentor instead suggests he accompany a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints.
He soon discovers the other members of the group each have their own hangups and aspirations.
Margetts has cleverly constructed the pilgrims’ journey from one way station to the next. Each stopover reveals a prevailing feature – sometimes positive, sometimes negative – of community life. And at each stage, one of the group’s members faces the primal affliction weighing on their soul and seeks healing from God.
The pilgrims
In Myfanwy’s case, this involves a two-step process: her emotional burden has to be lifted before her body reflects her release. Tomos’ epilepsy, resulting from a childhood injury, is cured, but before long he is called to meet his Maker, much to the chagrin of his devoted brother Rhys. Only Matthew, summoned home by his father, abandons the party without resolving his identity crisis.
Both Hywel and Madoc, whose past misdeeds weigh heavy on their hearts, require a deeper touch from God, before they experience the joy and freedom of forgiveness.
Conclusion
This book – a prequel to The Healing – is very well written. The characters truly come to life, and the progressive restoration of each soul’s wellbeing is carefully developed. We find ourselves identifying with one or other and are led to examine our own relationship with God.
Before Hal joins the Cistercian Abbey in the heart of medieval Wales and adopts the new name of Hywel, his selfish lust has already done immeasurable harm to those closest to him. When a careless slip of the tongue deeply hurts his fellow novices, he expects to be banished. Much to his amazement, his mentor instead suggests he accompany a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints.
He soon discovers the other members of the group each have their own hangups and aspirations.
Margetts has cleverly constructed the pilgrims’ journey from one way station to the next. Each stopover reveals a prevailing feature – sometimes positive, sometimes negative – of community life. And at each stage, one of the group’s members faces the primal affliction weighing on their soul and seeks healing from God.
The pilgrims
In Myfanwy’s case, this involves a two-step process: her emotional burden has to be lifted before her body reflects her release. Tomos’ epilepsy, resulting from a childhood injury, is cured, but before long he is called to meet his Maker, much to the chagrin of his devoted brother Rhys. Only Matthew, summoned home by his father, abandons the party without resolving his identity crisis.
Both Hywel and Madoc, whose past misdeeds weigh heavy on their hearts, require a deeper touch from God, before they experience the joy and freedom of forgiveness.
Conclusion
This book – a prequel to The Healing – is very well written. The characters truly come to life, and the progressive restoration of each soul’s wellbeing is carefully developed. We find ourselves identifying with one or other and are led to examine our own relationship with God.
July 27, 2022
I read The Pilgrim from cover to cover the day I received it. It was light reading with a hopeful message. I was keen to find out what was going to happen in the book. There is rather a lot! It could be a book to return to.
The Pilgrim Will a pilgrim’s path be his saving grace? is the prequel to The Healing. Readers of The Healing enjoyed the wisdom of one of the supporting characters. In The Pilgrim we have a chance to find out more about how his character was formed. As he makes his pilgrimage from Abbey Cwmhir to the Island of the Saints, he learns about his fellow pilgrims and begins to understand himself and his faith better. Each pilgrim has his/her own story with its hopes and fears. The loose ends are tied up nicely as we are led towards the beginning of The Healing.
Although I read these books in the order they were written, it wouldn’t matter which order they were read in. Each stands alone.
Read more here
The Pilgrim Will a pilgrim’s path be his saving grace? is the prequel to The Healing. Readers of The Healing enjoyed the wisdom of one of the supporting characters. In The Pilgrim we have a chance to find out more about how his character was formed. As he makes his pilgrimage from Abbey Cwmhir to the Island of the Saints, he learns about his fellow pilgrims and begins to understand himself and his faith better. Each pilgrim has his/her own story with its hopes and fears. The loose ends are tied up nicely as we are led towards the beginning of The Healing.
Although I read these books in the order they were written, it wouldn’t matter which order they were read in. Each stands alone.
Read more here
October 28, 2022
I loved The Pilgrim, and was thrilled to see it was about Brother Hywell's journey. The Pilgrim starts off far away from monastic life and is written well, drawing you in. Once he sets off on his pilgrimage, it made me want to travel those paths as well. I could feel the dampness, sense the same awe and it felt like my soul was on a pilgrimage too. The Pilgrim is another work of beauty and art, drawing you closer to God and helping you to search your heart. Highly recommended!
July 18, 2022
I had never read any novels by this author previously, but always look forward to the discovering writers new to me, so was pleased to receive an advance copy of The Pilgrim with compliments from the author and the publishers, Instant Apostle, in exchange for an honest review.
The Pilgrim is a prequel to another book by Joy Margetts, The Healing, in which the main character of this novel originally appeared, but as I hadn't read that novel, I was meeting him for the first time.
Hal is the second son of a noble house of Brampton Barre in 13th century England. His older brother, Robert, is betrothed to another nobleman's daughter and will take over their father's estate in the fullness of time, however, Hal's future lies within the cloisters of a Cistercian Abbey in Wales. Both brothers sow their wild oats before their futures are set. Hal's indicretions include an affair with his friend Cenred's wife, Hird.
Cenred is a close friend of Hal and his father and has taught Hal how to handle and tend horses. Hal has become an gifted horseman and stableman and is desperately disappointed in himself for his betrayal of his friend. He feels even worse when he discovers Hird is pregant with his child. She and her child die in childbirth. Hal admits his actions to Robert and must discover whether his family or his friend can forgive him and also whether he can forgive himself.
When he moves to holy orders at the Abbey, Hal takes a Welsh name, Hywel, in respect to his new adopted home. The Prior is responsible for the welfare of the novices and Hywel quickly makes friends with the other two novices. However, his outlook on life is still blighted by his shame about his actions and the Prior insists that Hywel take a pilgrimage, to Ynus Y Saint.
The group of five pilgrims that Hywel will travel with consists of an unsettled young man, two brothers who carry their own secret, a widow whose body is deformed by arthritis and led by a former soldier, Madoc. Over the period of the pilgrimage, Hywel struggles to come to terms with his past and the guilt he carries.
Each chapter of The Pilgrim commences with an aposite quote from Psalms and through the novel Hywel learns the secrets of other members of the group and he shares his pain with Madoc while using his skill with horses throughout the journey for the benefit of the group.
The Pilgrim is a delightful piece of work. I had not known what to expect when I received my copy of the novel. Indeed, to my shame, I thought I might skim the book and put together a review that way. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. The author drew me into Hal/Hywel's world from the very beginning. I was thoroughly engrossed by the story and this only increased the further into the book. By the end, I could not put the book down, I so much wanted to know what happened that I read long into the night with tears streaming down my cheeks.
Joy Margetts is a gifted author. I thoroughly enjoyed The Pilgrim and highly recommend it. Now, I am plannig to read the sequel, The Healing.
The Pilgrim is a prequel to another book by Joy Margetts, The Healing, in which the main character of this novel originally appeared, but as I hadn't read that novel, I was meeting him for the first time.
Hal is the second son of a noble house of Brampton Barre in 13th century England. His older brother, Robert, is betrothed to another nobleman's daughter and will take over their father's estate in the fullness of time, however, Hal's future lies within the cloisters of a Cistercian Abbey in Wales. Both brothers sow their wild oats before their futures are set. Hal's indicretions include an affair with his friend Cenred's wife, Hird.
Cenred is a close friend of Hal and his father and has taught Hal how to handle and tend horses. Hal has become an gifted horseman and stableman and is desperately disappointed in himself for his betrayal of his friend. He feels even worse when he discovers Hird is pregant with his child. She and her child die in childbirth. Hal admits his actions to Robert and must discover whether his family or his friend can forgive him and also whether he can forgive himself.
When he moves to holy orders at the Abbey, Hal takes a Welsh name, Hywel, in respect to his new adopted home. The Prior is responsible for the welfare of the novices and Hywel quickly makes friends with the other two novices. However, his outlook on life is still blighted by his shame about his actions and the Prior insists that Hywel take a pilgrimage, to Ynus Y Saint.
The group of five pilgrims that Hywel will travel with consists of an unsettled young man, two brothers who carry their own secret, a widow whose body is deformed by arthritis and led by a former soldier, Madoc. Over the period of the pilgrimage, Hywel struggles to come to terms with his past and the guilt he carries.
Each chapter of The Pilgrim commences with an aposite quote from Psalms and through the novel Hywel learns the secrets of other members of the group and he shares his pain with Madoc while using his skill with horses throughout the journey for the benefit of the group.
The Pilgrim is a delightful piece of work. I had not known what to expect when I received my copy of the novel. Indeed, to my shame, I thought I might skim the book and put together a review that way. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. The author drew me into Hal/Hywel's world from the very beginning. I was thoroughly engrossed by the story and this only increased the further into the book. By the end, I could not put the book down, I so much wanted to know what happened that I read long into the night with tears streaming down my cheeks.
Joy Margetts is a gifted author. I thoroughly enjoyed The Pilgrim and highly recommend it. Now, I am plannig to read the sequel, The Healing.
July 26, 2022
What a beautiful book this is. From the very beginning, right through to the end, Joy Margetts’ story held me captivated. I felt I was in medieval Wales, and tried to delay reaching the end, as it became almost like a retreat-in-daily-life, just reading this book! As it relates the story of Hal, a nobleman, later to become the monk Hywel, it becomes almost meditative for the reader.
Unable to shake off overwhelming guilt for his lustful behaviour, his responsibility for more than one death, including that of the beautiful girl he loves, and his betrayal of a good friend, Hal is first despatched by his father to a monastery; but then he again transgresses, through his relationship with two fellow monks in the community. Finally, he is sent off on a journey by horseback, which is not only physical and geographical, but also an inner journey moving him towards God’s heart and towards self-knowledge: a pilgrimage to Bardsey Island.
I fell into the rhythm of their pilgrimage alongside the members of the group: Madoc, the seemingly gruff leader; the two brothers Tomas and Rhys; the crippled widow Myfanwy; the arrogant nobleman Matthew, who tries to prove himself more spiritual than the rest; and of course Hywel himself. All seek healing of body and spirit as they head towards the Island of the Saints.
Along the way we experience the wide spectrum that is human nature, in the varying reactions of those whom the pilgrims meet at the abbeys where they might find food and rest. As this is the 12th century, we see some of the abbeys in the process of being built; and we feel, with the pilgrims, the disappointment of being treated unkindly and callously by those who should be full of the love of God. Then, our hearts are warmed by those who give hospitality and are overflowing with kindness, like Gracia.
We learn Madoc’s heart-breaking story, and along with Hywel, we come to realise that this story is for us, in our own flawed lives, with our own wrong choices and bad decisions, our regrets and failings: we too must make this inner pilgrimage if we are to find true forgiveness and peace.
A highly recommended book, as is its prequel, The Healing, which I have also read and loved.
Unable to shake off overwhelming guilt for his lustful behaviour, his responsibility for more than one death, including that of the beautiful girl he loves, and his betrayal of a good friend, Hal is first despatched by his father to a monastery; but then he again transgresses, through his relationship with two fellow monks in the community. Finally, he is sent off on a journey by horseback, which is not only physical and geographical, but also an inner journey moving him towards God’s heart and towards self-knowledge: a pilgrimage to Bardsey Island.
I fell into the rhythm of their pilgrimage alongside the members of the group: Madoc, the seemingly gruff leader; the two brothers Tomas and Rhys; the crippled widow Myfanwy; the arrogant nobleman Matthew, who tries to prove himself more spiritual than the rest; and of course Hywel himself. All seek healing of body and spirit as they head towards the Island of the Saints.
Along the way we experience the wide spectrum that is human nature, in the varying reactions of those whom the pilgrims meet at the abbeys where they might find food and rest. As this is the 12th century, we see some of the abbeys in the process of being built; and we feel, with the pilgrims, the disappointment of being treated unkindly and callously by those who should be full of the love of God. Then, our hearts are warmed by those who give hospitality and are overflowing with kindness, like Gracia.
We learn Madoc’s heart-breaking story, and along with Hywel, we come to realise that this story is for us, in our own flawed lives, with our own wrong choices and bad decisions, our regrets and failings: we too must make this inner pilgrimage if we are to find true forgiveness and peace.
A highly recommended book, as is its prequel, The Healing, which I have also read and loved.
July 19, 2023
Brother Hywel, who we first meet in “The Healing”, is a very different man in Joy Margett’s prequel, “The Pilgrim”. I don’t want to give away anything here, but his actions lead to him struggling to believe that God can forgive him and he also has difficulty forgiving himself. He is weighed down with guilt.
Hal (Brother Hywel) becomes a monk at the wishes of his parents who had desired this of him from a young age. He is ambitious and his goal is to rise to a high position in the church and make his family proud of him.
Whilst at the monastery, the Prior makes the decision that Hywel should accompany a small group of pilgrims on a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints, Ynys y Saint, which he does reluctantly at first.
There are five others on the pilgrimage and each have their own reasons for taking it. Along the journey, Hywel learns much about God and himself from his fellow pilgrims and from the people they meet on the way. Each of them imparting some of God’s wisdom to Hywel.
As he travels, he realises he doesn’t really know who he is or what his life’s purpose is.
However, towards the end of his journey Hywel has a personal encounter with God. This changes him. He receives grace and mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the burden of guilt and shame he carried, and a new found purpose for his life.
This is a book of hope, redemption and change. It’s a reminder that God can be found by those who seek him. That who we are and what our purpose is, can be found in him.
Having read “The Healing” I was keen to read “The Pilgrim” and learn more about Brother Hywel. This book did not disappoint and I recommend it to you. I enjoyed reading about both the physical pilgrimage, learning about what a pilgrimage in the thirteenth century, and also following Hywel on his spiritual journey.
Hal (Brother Hywel) becomes a monk at the wishes of his parents who had desired this of him from a young age. He is ambitious and his goal is to rise to a high position in the church and make his family proud of him.
Whilst at the monastery, the Prior makes the decision that Hywel should accompany a small group of pilgrims on a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints, Ynys y Saint, which he does reluctantly at first.
There are five others on the pilgrimage and each have their own reasons for taking it. Along the journey, Hywel learns much about God and himself from his fellow pilgrims and from the people they meet on the way. Each of them imparting some of God’s wisdom to Hywel.
As he travels, he realises he doesn’t really know who he is or what his life’s purpose is.
However, towards the end of his journey Hywel has a personal encounter with God. This changes him. He receives grace and mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the burden of guilt and shame he carried, and a new found purpose for his life.
This is a book of hope, redemption and change. It’s a reminder that God can be found by those who seek him. That who we are and what our purpose is, can be found in him.
Having read “The Healing” I was keen to read “The Pilgrim” and learn more about Brother Hywel. This book did not disappoint and I recommend it to you. I enjoyed reading about both the physical pilgrimage, learning about what a pilgrimage in the thirteenth century, and also following Hywel on his spiritual journey.
July 27, 2022
Having very much enjoyed reading Joy’s debut novel, the Healing, I really wanted to find out more about brother Hywel. The Pilgrim is Hywel’s story and it’s a real page turner! It is the story of an ambitious young man who betrays those he loves, for the sake of his own selfish desires and the consequences are dreadful for everyone! Can he learn to accept the forgiveness of his loving heavenly Father and can he learn to forgive himself? The story is beautifully written, insightful and compassionate. We also meet some other interesting characters along the way, with stories of their own. A very good read!
August 25, 2023
I very much enjoyed Joy Margetts' first novel 'The Healing', but found 'The Pilgrim' even better. Once again I was captivated by Cistercian medieval life, portrayed so evocatively, and I loved the descriptions of the pilgrims' journey through North Wales. But it was the inward, spiritual journey of the main character from headstrong, ambitious Henry to grace-filled servant Brother Hywel which most impressed me as I read. It was totally convincing spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. His deepening relationships with other characters sharing the pilgrimage reflected how he earned trust with his new humility and empathy. A wonderful gentle and thought-provoking read.
January 9, 2023
As with 'The Healing', I loved it.
Joy Margetts has such a gift for combining beautiful narrative with vibrant characters whose flaws help you identify with and root for them. The medieval setting is portrayed with a light touch that is interesting and adds to the richness of the story, but doesn't smother the reader with unnecessary detail.
'The Pilgrim' is the prequel to 'The Healing', which was published first. If you haven't read either, I would recommend starting with the Pilgrim... but even having read them the other way round, my enjoyment was in no way dimmed. Just read them ;)
Joy Margetts has such a gift for combining beautiful narrative with vibrant characters whose flaws help you identify with and root for them. The medieval setting is portrayed with a light touch that is interesting and adds to the richness of the story, but doesn't smother the reader with unnecessary detail.
'The Pilgrim' is the prequel to 'The Healing', which was published first. If you haven't read either, I would recommend starting with the Pilgrim... but even having read them the other way round, my enjoyment was in no way dimmed. Just read them ;)
August 30, 2023
Another fabulous read from Joy Margetts. Set in Medieval Wales, The Pilgrim is the prequel to The Healing, and tells the story of Henry de Brampton/Brother Hywel. Henry is driven to make an illustrious career in the church, but his reckless and selfish actions lead to deep hurts in those he loves, ultimately resulting in him being sent on a pilgrim with an unlikely group of people. As Hywel journeys with his fellow pilgrims, he learns about forgiveness and love; truths that reach out to us as we read this beautiful story.
July 25, 2022
This gently drawn portrait of Medieval life is a joy to read. Margetts puts me right there in her story world. Her characters are sympathetic and well-drawn and the chemistry between them, though they are from very opposite backgrounds, makes The Pilgrim the sort of book you can delight in losing yourself in. I am looking forward to reading more in her next book in the series.
June 21, 2025
Joy Margetts masterfully guides readers on a transformative pilgrimage in The Pilgrim. Her exquisite writing is a true gift, offering a deeply enriching experience that will inspire and bless you, as it did me.
September 27, 2022
The Pi!grim
I have so enjoyed this author s book of the 12 th century and reading about Howells journey to find forgiveness and learning to forgive himself
I have so enjoyed this author s book of the 12 th century and reading about Howells journey to find forgiveness and learning to forgive himself
December 28, 2025
That was very good. Any book that helps you talk to God is worth reading. I will read 'The Healing' too.
August 21, 2025
Although this is a prequel to The Healing, it was written afterwards. I already knew something of the character Hywel was to become, having read The Healing. Equally I was curious about this mysterious man's journey prior to becoming Brother Hywel.
I loved the characters on the pilgrimage and loved checking back at the map to see the progress. Wonderful story of acceptance, forgiveness and receiving the love of God for each one of us.
I loved the characters on the pilgrimage and loved checking back at the map to see the progress. Wonderful story of acceptance, forgiveness and receiving the love of God for each one of us.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews