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Toward Beauty: Reigniting a Creative Life on the Camino de Santiago
At the Grand Theatre in London, Canada, artistic director Dennis Garnhum is getting ready to debut a hotly anticipated production. But the morning of opening night, the world suddenly shuts down. COVID -19 has arrived, the play is lost in limbo, and the theatre’s doors close indefinitely.
Facing a crisis of confidence and a deep despair over the loss of his creative expression, Garnhum travels to northern Spain to hike the rugged Camino de Santiago del Norte, a winding path of 830 kilometres that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. As he hikes from town to town alone, Garnhum tries to reconcile his life’s contradictions—his identity as a public figure and independent artist; his simultaneous need for conversation and solitude; his Catholic upbringing alongside his life as a gay man. With each step, Garnhum realizes that the way forward is to trust in the power of the ancient path.
Part poignant memoir, part irresistibly charming travelogue, Toward Beauty follows Garnhum through the colourful moments of the trail and the unique camaraderie he finds among fellow pilgrims from around the world. Throughout, Garnhum’s story shines a light on the power of the human spirit to overcome heartbreak and fear and move toward beauty, one small step at a time.
Facing a crisis of confidence and a deep despair over the loss of his creative expression, Garnhum travels to northern Spain to hike the rugged Camino de Santiago del Norte, a winding path of 830 kilometres that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. As he hikes from town to town alone, Garnhum tries to reconcile his life’s contradictions—his identity as a public figure and independent artist; his simultaneous need for conversation and solitude; his Catholic upbringing alongside his life as a gay man. With each step, Garnhum realizes that the way forward is to trust in the power of the ancient path.
Part poignant memoir, part irresistibly charming travelogue, Toward Beauty follows Garnhum through the colourful moments of the trail and the unique camaraderie he finds among fellow pilgrims from around the world. Throughout, Garnhum’s story shines a light on the power of the human spirit to overcome heartbreak and fear and move toward beauty, one small step at a time.
- GenresNonfictionCanadaTravel
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
9 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Garnhum
3 books8 followersDennis Garnhum is a writer, a theatre director, and the artistic director of the Grand Theatre in London, Canada. Before that, he was the artistic director of Theatre Calgary between 2005 and 2016. In addition to directing at those theatres, he has been a guest director of productions for Bangkok University in Thailand and for companies which include the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage, American Conservatory Theater, Vancouver Opera, National Arts Centre, Tarragon Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Florida Grand Opera, Bard on the Beach, and Citadel Theatre. Garnhum is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He has written and cowritten several award-winning plays and adaptations, including Lost: A Memoir, Timothy Findley's The Wars, and A Christmas Carol. Toward Beauty is his first book. He lives in Ontario with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 5, 2022
I should start this review by saying that I am typically more of a thriller or romance reader. I am also definitely not a hiker (count me out for cardio). So, when approaching Garnhum’s book, I wondered if I would enjoy the experience, or if it would be a laborious read. As I began reading chapter 1, I could tell quite quickly that this was, in fact, not just a book for hikers, or the travel inclined. But, for the dreamers. For the artists. For the hopeful. And for those who felt lost – particularly through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was deeply relatable on so many levels. I became rapt and devoured the book in three sittings.
I have many pros for this book, too many to write, but here are a few that stood out most:
-Garnhum writes in a way that makes you feel like you are hearing from a good friend, who is ready to pour their soul out to you (over a great glass of wine). His comedic timing and sincerity are both refreshing and engaging.
-As someone who is not a hiker, I loved feeling like I joined Garnhum on his journey – enjoying the scenery, meeting new people, feeling the weight of Gregory, and wondering HOW he was going to get all his Camino stamps (read the book to get that reference 😊). Bonus! I did all this without having to pack or jump on a long plane ride (Sorry – corny line. But I couldn’t help myself.)!
-I too was raised as a Catholic and wondered how Garnhum would discuss his feelings as a Gay individual in relation to the church. I thought that this was treated with a lot of tact. But still with honesty and reflection. I won’t give too much away but appreciate Garnhum’s ability to narrow in on the positive.
-The arts were hit hard over the pandemic, and it was fascinating (and difficult) to hear Garnhum’s first-hand reflection as an Artistic Director. The Grand Theatre is an established regional theatre in London, Ontario. Garnhum does not soften how hard the pandemic blow was for the Theatre. As readers, it felt like we got to sit in on private leadership meetings at the Theatre as they felt with the worst fate a theatre could face: no audiences. I felt this could have been sugar coated but was refreshingly honest.
-Finally, as I mentioned earlier, this book is made for those who feel/have felt lost. The pandemic was hard on many of us, me included. It also made so many feel lonely – without a soul to connect. Hearing Garnhum’s reflections and, quite frankly, his deep misery through the pandemic made me feel a little less alone. Knowing that I wasn’t the only one crumbling on to the kitchen floor connected me to the author and gave a wider perspective on our shared humanity.
If you are debating giving Garnhum’s NEW book a read, I would absolutely recommend it. It’s personal, poignant, and beautiful.
I have many pros for this book, too many to write, but here are a few that stood out most:
-Garnhum writes in a way that makes you feel like you are hearing from a good friend, who is ready to pour their soul out to you (over a great glass of wine). His comedic timing and sincerity are both refreshing and engaging.
-As someone who is not a hiker, I loved feeling like I joined Garnhum on his journey – enjoying the scenery, meeting new people, feeling the weight of Gregory, and wondering HOW he was going to get all his Camino stamps (read the book to get that reference 😊). Bonus! I did all this without having to pack or jump on a long plane ride (Sorry – corny line. But I couldn’t help myself.)!
-I too was raised as a Catholic and wondered how Garnhum would discuss his feelings as a Gay individual in relation to the church. I thought that this was treated with a lot of tact. But still with honesty and reflection. I won’t give too much away but appreciate Garnhum’s ability to narrow in on the positive.
-The arts were hit hard over the pandemic, and it was fascinating (and difficult) to hear Garnhum’s first-hand reflection as an Artistic Director. The Grand Theatre is an established regional theatre in London, Ontario. Garnhum does not soften how hard the pandemic blow was for the Theatre. As readers, it felt like we got to sit in on private leadership meetings at the Theatre as they felt with the worst fate a theatre could face: no audiences. I felt this could have been sugar coated but was refreshingly honest.
-Finally, as I mentioned earlier, this book is made for those who feel/have felt lost. The pandemic was hard on many of us, me included. It also made so many feel lonely – without a soul to connect. Hearing Garnhum’s reflections and, quite frankly, his deep misery through the pandemic made me feel a little less alone. Knowing that I wasn’t the only one crumbling on to the kitchen floor connected me to the author and gave a wider perspective on our shared humanity.
If you are debating giving Garnhum’s NEW book a read, I would absolutely recommend it. It’s personal, poignant, and beautiful.
September 10, 2022
I thought this book was beautiful and delightfully funny and I really enjoyed the flow of the story. While Dennis tells his amazing stories hiking the epic Camino, he also weaves in various personal stories and events that have occurred over the trajectory of his artistic life. I would not consider myself as skilled or seasoned a hiker as Dennis, but I have hiked Machu Picchu and various trials in New Zealand, British Colombia and Alberta. What struck me in this story was how life along the Camino stands out as such a challenging yet spiritual experience--almost magical. In many ways it reminded me of my time on the Inca Trail. The Camino seems like the perfect place to reflect or confront fear, trauma, or any lingering questions and doubt. I too can think of some items I'd carry with me in Gregory (Dennis's backpack) to grapple with, process, and hopefully, let go at the appropriate time along the trail. Many of the stories had me giggling out loud and I so very appreciated Dennis's honesty and vulnerability telling his story. I believe many of us will be able to relate to his words, perhaps most of all how important it is to recognize when one's pilot light goes out, and to give yourself the time and space to discover what your body needs to ignite it back to life.
September 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. After the Pandemic reduces him to tears, a theatre director in Canada decides to hike the Camino del Norte in Spain. After just a few pages, you feel like you know Dennis, the author, well. He has a wonderful, friendly, and warm tone to his writing and does a terrific job of taking you on this pilgrimage with him. He struggles and resolves several old sources of hurt and meets kind and interesting people along the way.
This book is quite accessible to those interested in pilgrimages but who do not necessarily go to church or do not go on pilgrimage for spiritual reasons. The author is a lapsed Catholic, and he discusses what brought him to that point. I liked that he stayed in some nice places along his journey and didn't try to cross all the T's on the "rules" of this kind of pilgrimage. His journey was marvelously transformational, but not necessarily spiritual. It worked.
Highly recommended for thoughtful, insightful and interesting reading.
This book is quite accessible to those interested in pilgrimages but who do not necessarily go to church or do not go on pilgrimage for spiritual reasons. The author is a lapsed Catholic, and he discusses what brought him to that point. I liked that he stayed in some nice places along his journey and didn't try to cross all the T's on the "rules" of this kind of pilgrimage. His journey was marvelously transformational, but not necessarily spiritual. It worked.
Highly recommended for thoughtful, insightful and interesting reading.
September 6, 2022
I literally could not put this book down! Filled with humor and brutally honest revelations of walking the famed Camino. A book about feeling at home with yourself but also about the power of community and a life in search of beauty. I loved it!
January 3, 2024
After listening to author Dennis Garnhum at the local library and purchasing a copy of his book, it sat on my shelf for over two months, waiting for me to choose it. Having walked 600km of the Camino Frances solo in 2018, I was happy to hear his experiences in person (he's a fantastic storyteller), but then wanted to read the full book when I could read it in 1-2 sittings. I'm glad I waited. This was a beautiful book to start the year off with. I will try to "walk softly" and "toward beauty."
September 2, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange of a honest review.
This is probably one of the toughest review I made so far. I think if I were to give a title to the book myself, I'd go for "Pilgrimage to Santiago — rich wimp edition" or perhaps "Psychological inside of a person that tries hard to fit in instead of finding his own voice".
Now, it is hard to write a very objective review when you disliked much of what you read (and, believe me, I am pretty amazed by the fact I pushed myself to the end) but I'll try and be as impartial as I can possibly be.
The book is presented like an autobiography, Dennis', starting with a moment of crisis in his life which brings him to wear the shoes of a pilgrim and walk the path to Santiago de Compostela, during which journey he goes through some of the events that inevitably signed his life to these days.
So far so good.
The first paragraphs of the book are very fluid and enjoyable and get the reader to know Dennis just enough to "start walking" with him on the story. We understand he's a gay person, married to an awesome guy named Bruce and with whom he has a 12 years old child named Ashley.
Dennis talks about his life before Bruce — basically a drama queen (by his own words, mind you) who could never imagine himself for a whole day in a forest hut for a romantic escape. Bruce somewhat manages to turn him into a hiking freak and together they go up and about various trips that Dennis boasts about the entire first part of the book. Here I was already fearing of being in sight of a poser's journal. Not too far off into the book this fear becomes a huge wall I slammed my face against. You can tell this person puts into hiking and travelling some sort of desperation to make something of his life. I think that, pretty much like in the case of "Eat, Pray, Love" author, Dennis is so focused on his career and the idea of being productive and acknowledged as something that he constantly wears a mask. Sometimes this gets him out of his insecurities closet, sometimes he gets him to appear as some sort of a superhero in front of his audience. But this is okay —the world has this kind of people, too, and I'm as entitled to avoid them as they are to exist. Peace and love. What I didn't like at all is that Dennis transformed a sacred journey for self-discovery into some cheap mottos and much-bragged-about fake awakening. For him the most important thing was receiving a sign, a guidance from some divine entity, to basically ensure he was the best theatre director and needed to keep on his beloved artist (?) life. Well, first of art isn't acknowledgment. Second, you just don't take on a spiritual journey for something as flimsy as career uncertainty. But never mind that, the most hilarious bit of the entire diary is that I saw signals everywhere and he couldn't grasp them because he was so focused on seeing only what he wanted to see.
The Camino was just another excuse to plan steps and do the walking math. I don't assume to know exactly what he experienced or what he thought on the path, but based on how he wrote things down he just had an urge to change scenery, go for a couple of days in a spa and brag about the little Spanish he knew. He was shocked to see a pilgrim walking the path as close as possible to Jesus in the desert (basically 100% based on charity offerings, with no money or food) while he had a fine bed and a rich lunch criticising the cheap wine served (surely a connesseur, expecting prime quality food and drink in the Mediterranean area and spending at best 10 quid... Applause).
And, funny thing, at the end of the book he has the guts to mock other pilgrims based on the mere kilometres walked. I mean, astonishing. What an example of new Siddhartha we have here.
I guess I can safely close the chapter about this person summarising him with the word "vaporous" and be done with it.
Something really disturbing about Dennis' mindset (and that brought me to hate the book) is this insatiable hunger for changing things and he stomps and rants about them continuously as if they were divine rules to be accepted. Like, there's a bit towards the end in which he pushes for same-gender restrooms. I guess some people never thought about gender differentiated bathrooms as a big achievement but, well, they are. A lot of women were raped in public bathrooms. I'm sure this still happens, but at the very least there's an extra step to ensure safety. On the same line, he rants about people not accepting particularly themed theatre shows. I mean, you can't impose that your ideas are accepted by everyone at all times. The world is made and thrives because of different thoughts.
I conclude obviously with a heavy critique and a very disappointed heart. I expected this book to be a revelation and a true change in the life of someone but in the end... it wasn't. I'd only recommend it to have an insight on the modern society paradox and the inability to break free from it. On the same line, what it's said about Dennis' daughter also gives plenty to think about (and there's no flowers here either).
This is probably one of the toughest review I made so far. I think if I were to give a title to the book myself, I'd go for "Pilgrimage to Santiago — rich wimp edition" or perhaps "Psychological inside of a person that tries hard to fit in instead of finding his own voice".
Now, it is hard to write a very objective review when you disliked much of what you read (and, believe me, I am pretty amazed by the fact I pushed myself to the end) but I'll try and be as impartial as I can possibly be.
The book is presented like an autobiography, Dennis', starting with a moment of crisis in his life which brings him to wear the shoes of a pilgrim and walk the path to Santiago de Compostela, during which journey he goes through some of the events that inevitably signed his life to these days.
So far so good.
The first paragraphs of the book are very fluid and enjoyable and get the reader to know Dennis just enough to "start walking" with him on the story. We understand he's a gay person, married to an awesome guy named Bruce and with whom he has a 12 years old child named Ashley.
Dennis talks about his life before Bruce — basically a drama queen (by his own words, mind you) who could never imagine himself for a whole day in a forest hut for a romantic escape. Bruce somewhat manages to turn him into a hiking freak and together they go up and about various trips that Dennis boasts about the entire first part of the book. Here I was already fearing of being in sight of a poser's journal. Not too far off into the book this fear becomes a huge wall I slammed my face against. You can tell this person puts into hiking and travelling some sort of desperation to make something of his life. I think that, pretty much like in the case of "Eat, Pray, Love" author, Dennis is so focused on his career and the idea of being productive and acknowledged as something that he constantly wears a mask. Sometimes this gets him out of his insecurities closet, sometimes he gets him to appear as some sort of a superhero in front of his audience. But this is okay —the world has this kind of people, too, and I'm as entitled to avoid them as they are to exist. Peace and love. What I didn't like at all is that Dennis transformed a sacred journey for self-discovery into some cheap mottos and much-bragged-about fake awakening. For him the most important thing was receiving a sign, a guidance from some divine entity, to basically ensure he was the best theatre director and needed to keep on his beloved artist (?) life. Well, first of art isn't acknowledgment. Second, you just don't take on a spiritual journey for something as flimsy as career uncertainty. But never mind that, the most hilarious bit of the entire diary is that I saw signals everywhere and he couldn't grasp them because he was so focused on seeing only what he wanted to see.
The Camino was just another excuse to plan steps and do the walking math. I don't assume to know exactly what he experienced or what he thought on the path, but based on how he wrote things down he just had an urge to change scenery, go for a couple of days in a spa and brag about the little Spanish he knew. He was shocked to see a pilgrim walking the path as close as possible to Jesus in the desert (basically 100% based on charity offerings, with no money or food) while he had a fine bed and a rich lunch criticising the cheap wine served (surely a connesseur, expecting prime quality food and drink in the Mediterranean area and spending at best 10 quid... Applause).
And, funny thing, at the end of the book he has the guts to mock other pilgrims based on the mere kilometres walked. I mean, astonishing. What an example of new Siddhartha we have here.
I guess I can safely close the chapter about this person summarising him with the word "vaporous" and be done with it.
Something really disturbing about Dennis' mindset (and that brought me to hate the book) is this insatiable hunger for changing things and he stomps and rants about them continuously as if they were divine rules to be accepted. Like, there's a bit towards the end in which he pushes for same-gender restrooms. I guess some people never thought about gender differentiated bathrooms as a big achievement but, well, they are. A lot of women were raped in public bathrooms. I'm sure this still happens, but at the very least there's an extra step to ensure safety. On the same line, he rants about people not accepting particularly themed theatre shows. I mean, you can't impose that your ideas are accepted by everyone at all times. The world is made and thrives because of different thoughts.
I conclude obviously with a heavy critique and a very disappointed heart. I expected this book to be a revelation and a true change in the life of someone but in the end... it wasn't. I'd only recommend it to have an insight on the modern society paradox and the inability to break free from it. On the same line, what it's said about Dennis' daughter also gives plenty to think about (and there's no flowers here either).
July 23, 2023
This is not it for me. As much as I wanted to like the book, the more I progressed, the more I didn’t want to read it anymore. To me, these are basically the memoirs of a well-off gay man, who gets burned out during COVID and despite it being a global pandemic and red travel zone (which means: stay the f***k home) travels from Canada to Spain to walk a sacred pilgrimage route. But apart from very deep soul searching, we read about spa days and mocking other people who are walking the same route. That’s not cute, Dennis…
Perhaps other people will enjoy the book more, but for me, this was not it.
Perhaps other people will enjoy the book more, but for me, this was not it.
December 26, 2023
I hate giving low stars to memoirs, because there something questionable about rating someone else's experiences that I am uncomfortable with. But I've read several memoirs about walking the Camino, and I liked this one the least.
Part of it was the "first I did this, then I did this" style of writing. Part of it was the setting of Covid- times lockdown, which is not a time I enjoy reading about - ESPECIALLY reading about someone taking Covid precautions lightly, treating them as if they were hassles meant to constrain human relationships. Part of it was that he walked the Camino as a rich person - stopping for spa breaks and staying in nice hotels when the urge hit. And part of it was how willing he was to share what he discussed with other pilgrims. Did the French couple consent to having their sexual discussions included in this book??? Maybe, but if so, I would rather be told right away.
It was enjoyable, but it was definitely not high on my list of memoirs I read this year.
I think I just had high hopes because I've seen some of the author's theatre productions and was blown away. They were incredibly creative. I had high expectations for this book, and they weren't met.
In the end, not every book is for every person. *shrug* I think this book just wasn't for me.
Part of it was the "first I did this, then I did this" style of writing. Part of it was the setting of Covid- times lockdown, which is not a time I enjoy reading about - ESPECIALLY reading about someone taking Covid precautions lightly, treating them as if they were hassles meant to constrain human relationships. Part of it was that he walked the Camino as a rich person - stopping for spa breaks and staying in nice hotels when the urge hit. And part of it was how willing he was to share what he discussed with other pilgrims. Did the French couple consent to having their sexual discussions included in this book??? Maybe, but if so, I would rather be told right away.
It was enjoyable, but it was definitely not high on my list of memoirs I read this year.
I think I just had high hopes because I've seen some of the author's theatre productions and was blown away. They were incredibly creative. I had high expectations for this book, and they weren't met.
In the end, not every book is for every person. *shrug* I think this book just wasn't for me.
September 9, 2022
It is a good book and an honest book. Dennis entwines what is a heartfelt personal story with his journey of discovery along The Camino. Having twice made the pilgrimage to Santiago myself I felt Dennis accurately encapsulated its character, both physical and spiritual. His prose is easy to follow and he deftly relates his epiphanies along the Way with stories of his own personal journey up to the moment he takes his first steps on this storied path. It is a journey which forces one to examine the minutia of our own lives and how they intersect with others. Dennis has eloquently placed his heart on his sleeve with this book and through great humour and tears has allowed us to share what it is to be both a pilgrim and a human being. A truly enjoyable and enlightening read.
June 19, 2025
Dennis Garnhum was the artistic director for Theatre Calgary for over a decade, and for many of those years I subscribed to TC and saw almost all of their shows. So when I found out about his book, I knew I had to read it. Especially as I had recently visited Spain and heard a lot about the Camino de Santiago.
I really loved hearing Dennis's journey both on the Camino and leading up to it. And given that his camino took place in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic played an important role in everything that happened here. I loved how Dennis saw the camino as a possibly solution to the burnout and breakdown he experienced due to the pandemic and the restriction on the arts. His story of the camino unfolded in a very engaging way, and I loved reading his stories. It was like a friend was telling me the experience.
I really loved hearing Dennis's journey both on the Camino and leading up to it. And given that his camino took place in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic played an important role in everything that happened here. I loved how Dennis saw the camino as a possibly solution to the burnout and breakdown he experienced due to the pandemic and the restriction on the arts. His story of the camino unfolded in a very engaging way, and I loved reading his stories. It was like a friend was telling me the experience.
October 15, 2022
A real winner! Follow Garnhum on his Covid-spirit-crushed 825K walk on the Camino Del Norte, and you'll begin to find yourself walking it with him. When better reading experience could we hope for than one that lures us from observation to participation. So many of us during these Covid years have realized that our pilot light inside flickered and died, and maybe like me are
hoping to get it burning again. "Walking softly" with Garnhum sure got me feeling warm inside where my own pilot light always was.
It is very special and infrequent to read a book by a sensitive person trying to be whole again, feel and get involved with that struggle, and emerge refreshed and eager to push on again through the mystery of life.
hoping to get it burning again. "Walking softly" with Garnhum sure got me feeling warm inside where my own pilot light always was.
It is very special and infrequent to read a book by a sensitive person trying to be whole again, feel and get involved with that struggle, and emerge refreshed and eager to push on again through the mystery of life.
October 24, 2022
This was a book that I didn't want to put down for a second. As the story unfolds, each page, each chapter, just made me want more. The story of Dennis' journey is so heartfelt and so beautifully written, that at times I felt that I was on the walk with him. I loved being so immersed in the story that I was sad when I reached the final page. We never truly know what is going on in another person's life. I admire how Dennis wrote with such honesty about what lead up to his decision to walk the Camino. What a wonderful read. What a fabulous journey. I look forward to more books from this very talented author.
September 7, 2022
This book is a thing of beauty! I loved it! A wonderful (literally: wonder-full) bit of writing and experience, Garnhum’s Camino journey is woven with reflections that connect and build understanding, both personal and universal. While his lived experience is unique (no spoilers here!), his hardships, challenges and realizations are ones we can all learn from, as we walk with him on the beautiful Camino. Reflections on art, family, beauty, vocation pulled me into the narrative step-by-step across a remarkable countryside, and many striking images stay with me beyond the book's end.
November 1, 2022
In the time of the pandemic, a man loses his light and walks the Camino to rekindle it. Garnhum has an irresistible love for what is human (and for Garnhum, I am guessing love and beauty are interchangeable). He compells us to walk with him, and we are charmed, brought to laughter and brought to tears as pieces of ourselves are deeply moved and even restored by his pilgrimage.
This is a story about courage, faith, hope, love, and not as it is found on the Camino, but rather as it is found in the wide-open human heart.
This is a story about courage, faith, hope, love, and not as it is found on the Camino, but rather as it is found in the wide-open human heart.
November 3, 2022
What an amazing book by the author, Dennis Garnhum, of his experiences as he set out to ‘find’ himself and renew his life goals and his spirit during his Camino pilgrim walk! Beautifully written and very personal! It touched me in 2 very special ways: one, my daughter and I have just returned home after doing a very abbreviated Camino de Santiago walk and two, I live in the author’s home town of London, Ontario and have attended many wonderful plays and concerts in the Grand Theatre where he is the artistic director! His book really touched me!
November 1, 2022
I enjoyed Toward Beauty by Dennis Garnhum. I have read a few books about the Camino de Santiago and this book was a delight for me. Between descriptions of the landscape, the interactions with the other pilgrims and the personal transformation the author experienced, this was everything I want a book about the Camino to be: insightful, thought-provoking and beautifully descriptive.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC of this book.
March 5, 2023
A highly inspirational read showing the vulnerabilities of the human condition with the Camino Trail as a metaphor for reflection, resiliency and reconciling the challenges life brings to each of us. As a young man, Garnhum disclosed his homosexuality to his Roman Catholic family with some trepidation only to discover their love and support continued. Church teachings, however, rejected his life choice leaving him with a sense of disappointment and anger. Garnhum visits many churches along the Trail, where he felt his beloved late mother’s presence and where he came to terms with Christian rejection. The beauty of his relationships with husband Bruce, their daughter Asher and other family members and friends is uplifting. And, his story about his emotional crisis brought on by the pandemic and its effect on his artistic creativity and family is personal, brutally open and honest. I was literally on the kitchen floor feeling his pain. Garnhum’s Camino Trail walk is one each of us must take if we are to overcome obstacles, find peace and set new goals…..move forward
Toward Beauty and push away fear.
Toward Beauty and push away fear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read in many years. I had a hard time putting it down. I felt like I was along the path with the author. I laughed and cried and kept reading.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a thoughtful and interesting read that will make you stop and think about where you are in life’s journey!
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a thoughtful and interesting read that will make you stop and think about where you are in life’s journey!
September 5, 2023
So much vulnerability and insight into a dark period in many of our lives. Dennis Garnhum faltered like so many during covid. But he was strong enough to recognize that he needed a break, to step away for a reset. He found that reset on a Camino pilgrimage to Spain. Kudos to you for breaking, but more importantly, for finding your light again. Great journey you share with us Dennis!
October 28, 2022
I am also a pilgrim and can share and relate to Dennis experiences that he is able to write in an enjoyable, funny, spiritual, emotional and completely readable way. The book flows and is a real page turner. I may have to read it again - will definitely walk the Camino again.
November 16, 2022
This book is so much more than another travel narrative about the Camino de Santiago. Dennis Garnhum's story of his journey on the Camino is like the trunk of a beautiful tree, which branches out into many other personal stories from his life. It is genuine, poignant, and brave.
December 19, 2022
I loved this book. Part travelogue, part journal of self discovery, always engrossing and entertaining. Dennis Garnhum is a very talented writer who can be deep and insightful one moment and wonderfully humorous the next.
January 2, 2023
I loved this book! The author's journey should remind us all to take care of our emotional and spiritual health, especially because of COVID-19. This story makes me want to walk the Camino. What a great way to reignite oneself!
November 4, 2022
Loved this book. Dennis takes us on a deeply personal journey that allows the reader not only to walk along with him, but also to take their own journey of self reflection and discovery.
December 12, 2023
Loved this walk along Northern Spain during a time of transition when the writer needed to set his soul on fire once more.
September 9, 2024
I loved this book. Wonderful writing. Inspiring. A book about resilience, reflection and relationship building. One man's Camino walk to rediscover his passions.
June 27, 2025
Still processing how illuminating this book was. Will come back to finish this review.
September 26, 2023
Lovely book, and is as much about the emotional journey people were forced to take during the pandemic as it is about the Camino, or Spain.
March 13, 2024
I have read many books about the Camino and I found this book was very hard to put down. Dennis Garnhum is a talented person who has brought many amazing plays to The Grand Theatre in London and has made coming to the theatre a great experience. I was sad to hear that he was stepping down as director.
During Covid when everything shut down, Dennis was unable to express his creativity through theatre since everything came to a standstill. He decided to embark on a journey on the Camino, a pilgrimage that many people take. This book is honest about his feelings as he reflects his life and challenges he experienced in life along the way. I loved his description of how he planned Bruce's birthday.
Definitely recommend this book.
During Covid when everything shut down, Dennis was unable to express his creativity through theatre since everything came to a standstill. He decided to embark on a journey on the Camino, a pilgrimage that many people take. This book is honest about his feelings as he reflects his life and challenges he experienced in life along the way. I loved his description of how he planned Bruce's birthday.
Definitely recommend this book.
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