Walking the Camino

A Modern Pilgrimage to Santiago

By: Tony Kevin

Narrated by: James Millar

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In May 2006, armed only with a small rucksack and a staff, Tony Kevin, an overweight, sedentary, 63-year-old former diplomat, set off on an eight-week trek across Spain. But this was not just a very long walk - it was a pilgrimage.

From Granada, in the southeast, to Santiago de Compostela, in the far northwest, Tony followed the Via Mozarabe and the Via de la Plata, two of the many pilgrim trails that crisscross Spain and Portugal and that all lead to a single destination. In the Middle Ages, the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela was Europe’s most famous centre of pilgrimage, and in recent years it has enjoyed a remarkable revival; every day towards noon, hundreds of hot, tired, and dusty pilgrims stream into Santiago Cathedral for the daily Pilgrim’s Mass.

What, in our busy, materialistic 21st century, is this apparently anachronistic phenomenon all about? What drives tens of thousands of people of all nationalities and creeds to make long, exhausting walks across the cold mountains and hot tablelands of Spain, to take part finally in a medieval Christian liturgy of spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God?

Walking the Camino beautifully captures the flavour of what it was like to walk the camino, and is filled with fascinating observations and anecdotes about the nature of contemporary Spain. And because pilgrimage is such a deeply personal experience that has the potential to unlock the deepest recesses of hidden memory and conscience, it is also a profound personal meditation on the nature of modern life.

It will be of interest to people who contemplate making, or who have made this walk; to those interested in the politics and culture of contemporary Spain; and indeed anyone who appreciates fine travel writing.

Tony Kevin served in the Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister's departments over a 30-year period, and was Australia's ambassador to Poland and Cambodia. His other award-winning book is A Certain Maritime Incident: the sinking of SIEV X

©2008 Tony Kevin (P)2014 Audible Ltd

Bravo! Bravo!

Would you listen to Walking the Camino again? Why?

Yes I will listen to this book at least 3 times.

What did you like best about this story?

Best book on the Camino Pilgrimage. History of Spain, history of the pilgrimage over the years, the variuos camino routes, how to do it, gear, practical tips, good visuals, best exposition on the external and internal experience. A must read or hear for any potential pilgrim or vicariuos pilgrim. I love this book!

What about James Millar’s performance did you like?

Clear voice, keeps it interesting, I think he captures the voice of the author very well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

God and man in Spain.

Any additional comments?

I felt like was there with the author.

I'm Ready!

Tony was about the same age as I am. I feel something missing and think this would be a good place to find it. I enjoy his spiritual connections.

Lovely with the odd dry spell.

A well written book with some really interesting bits. There is the odd passage where the Spanish is read out that were too long for my liking but generally a small price to pay. Maybe 5% detraction and well worth persevering through.

Honest, personal account of one man's pilgrimage

I enjoyed the author's honesty and openness. I found him to be very humble. He added a significant amount of history and cultural observances to help the reader grasp a fuller picture of the areas he travelled. I honestly would have enjoyed a little less detailed history and more daily experience - but I was looking for a little lighter read and something to "take me there" rather than teach me about the various historic and political details. However, it was well written and enjoyable. This would be a good reference for one planning their own pilgrimage or a trip to these regions of Spain. I enjoyed the author's spiritual openness with his faith and learning about his growth along the Camino.

I typically like to read books narrated by the author, but I thought this was well done. I would read other books narrated by James Miller.

Great Camino Story: lots of background!

This pilgrims tale was very informative on a route much less traveled. Mr Kevin give us not only an account of a modern pilgrims Joy's and travails on what is considered by many to be a challenging route, he informs the reader/ listener about many aspects of the Caminos history, and Spains history and culture. I'd read a number of books about the Camino and Spain prior to doing two Caminos and was surprised by the wealth of information contained in this one. I' m inspired to both read further and to put the Via de la Plata on my must walk list.
The performance of this book on the other hand left much to be desired. As I assume Mr Millar was paid for this performance I would expect a more professional approach to the material performed.
Many place names and Camino related terms can be challenging to an English speaker; but the narrator is not a casual tourist but a professional speaker. Many of the place names and terms came up repeatedly and I hope I'm not being too harsh when I say it was like nails on a chalkboard hearing an otherwise solid performance so compromised. A bit more prep would have gone a long way.

Overall Is still heartily recommended this book to anyone considering doing a Camino, or reflecting back on one!

About more than just the pilgrimage.

I very much enjoyed it, and am listening again. Ruminations on country, faith, humanity, purpose.

Interesting book

If you could sum up Walking the Camino in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, friendly, satisfying

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator is a person I would like to go hiking with

Which scene was your favorite?

Tales of the different cities and pilgrim stays

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Walking the Camino with Tony

My go to sleep book

I have listened to this book many times… probably at least 200… I wonder is there a way of finding out how many times Excellent

Author went "left" at every turn.

A mediocre book that spends more time exploring the author's leftist ideology than the Camino. If you can slog through the typical and predictable liberal rants, he occasionally includes somewhat entertaining passages describing the actual pilgrimage.

For Medieval history lovers

The book was packed with the history of Spain which is not necessarily my interest but which I'm sure I will recall bits of when I attempt my own Camino next year.
Chapters 3 and 13 were particularly helpful to a contemplative pilgrim for which I'm grateful.