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A review by ricefun
Paris to the Pyrenees: A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Way of Saint James by David Downie
3.0
This one took me a long time to read - and quite frankly I considered stopping in the middle. In preparation for my own Camino experience next year, I'm reading a variety of accounts by various voices. This book is a part of the collection at the Wichita Public Library and so I checked it out several months ago.
While I can appreciate that a skeptic (who remains skeptical and softens little) has important reflections to share about their own Camino experience - I barely connected with this book. An exception was the beautiful photography contributed by Alison Harris, Downie's wife. Based on his descriptions of her, I would have appreciated her walking memoir rather than his.
I was particularly bothered by the authors taunting and disrespect for people of true faith who undertake these journeys. Downie was particularly jaded about the Taize community - a place and experience I hold dear.
I'm intrigued by the route that this couple chose as their own Camino experience - as it is less traveled and therefore one that I've learned little about. Hearing more about the Roman roads and the local political history of France was engaging. And still, the whole work stemmed from cynicism that rarely appreciated or accepted the stories of others along "the way."
While I can appreciate that a skeptic (who remains skeptical and softens little) has important reflections to share about their own Camino experience - I barely connected with this book. An exception was the beautiful photography contributed by Alison Harris, Downie's wife. Based on his descriptions of her, I would have appreciated her walking memoir rather than his.
I was particularly bothered by the authors taunting and disrespect for people of true faith who undertake these journeys. Downie was particularly jaded about the Taize community - a place and experience I hold dear.
I'm intrigued by the route that this couple chose as their own Camino experience - as it is less traveled and therefore one that I've learned little about. Hearing more about the Roman roads and the local political history of France was engaging. And still, the whole work stemmed from cynicism that rarely appreciated or accepted the stories of others along "the way."