The Pilgrimage

Summary:

“The Pilgrimage” recounts the spectacular trials of Paulo Coelho and his mysterious mentor, Petrus, as they journey across Spain in search of a miraculous sword.

“The Pilgrimage” paved the way to Paulo Coelho's international bestselling novel “The Alchemist”. In many ways, these two volumes are companions—to truly comprehend one, you must read the other.

Step inside this captivating account of Paulo Coelho's pilgrimage along the road to Santiago. This fascinating parable explores the need to find one's own path. In the end, we discover that the extraordinary is always found in the ordinary and simple ways of everyday people. Part adventure story, part guide to self-discovery, this compelling tale delivers the perfect combination of enchantment and insight. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

I have a fascination with the pilgrimage to Santiage and visited Santiago de Compostela when I had the chance partially because of this book.  I really enjoyed reading the journey and the evolution of Paulo during it even if the mysticism was a bit too much for me.  Paulo has a flair for the magical realism even when talking about real life and I’m not sure I “buy” all of it.  That being said, I completely understand other of his experiences so it’s hard for me to judge.

I think this is a book that will the reader will have some things you relate to and some that you will have to skip.  The Tradition is never fully explained and I found myself resisting that at times.  That being said, it wasn’t a bad read and added interest to everyday life.

Rating: 4 stars!

Who should read it? Folks with an open imagination and interested to hear about the Camino de Santiago.