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I found this very strange. Fellow pilgrims annoy her due to their physical appearance (she describes one large Spaniard in detail) and mannerisms. Despite her clever chapter titles that suggest wonderful life lessons, this book is laden with negativity. She contrasts her life in the US, where she has a choice of many outfits to wear each day, her precious privacy, her sumptious meals, her plethora of "material things".
There is the filthy communal bathrooms that digust her. If you want to tread through Oprah-like introversion and self-analysis, this book is OK. I was extremely disappointed in this book. It almost turned me away from my planned Camino later this year. Her walking companion gets on her nerves at times. It is the constant repetition and dwelling on all these difficulties that left me wondering what she was expecting.
When I walk the Camino I pray that God lets me meet Catholic priests and nuns who are not in disguise. Indeed, she succeeded quite well in disguising her true identity as a Catholic nunShe is even suspicious of 3 friendly priests when she finds they are Opus Dei. Yet she is able to "suck it up" and realize the lesson that even conservatives can be good people, and we should not judge them. She wants no special treatment due to her self-perceived real life status. She senses disdain and disapproval frequently due to her appearance. But in her heart, she really wanted them to be Jesuits.She decides not to let anyone know that she is a "published author" or a nun. Ms Rupp (who sort of disguises her true persona as a Catholic nun) complains about everything, not once, but continually.
God forbid. She is constantly anxious about where she will sleep each night. The food is substandard, and in short supply. She struggles with the difficulty of having to unpack and repack her things each day.
The author articulates that compellingly and without a surplus of Christian code language. I walked the Camino Frances and read about six books by authors who did as well. This is the best of the lot in my opinion especially if you are interested in the philosophy/theology of pilgrimage.
Finally, page by page as step by step, this book told me the essence of walking to Santiago. So far I have read two internet stories, one e-book, two travel guides and 4 books on the subject.
Enjoy it and keep it close to the bedstand. There are nuggets for contemplation in each section that invite a you to reread again as you learn to live in a calm manner while the world goes crazy around us. This is a worthy read for those who are preparing to go on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela or for those who just want to learn how to live life in a calm manner. Rupp is a writer of comfortable prose that leads the reader from one page to the next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the gentle "voice" of Joyce as she makes observations of her Camino trip, which also apply to everyday life in general, making this a must read for all planning to walk the camino, as well as for those looking for insights into themselves and life in general.Of all the camino books I've read, this one is by far the best.Ritawww.rita-underthemilkyway.blogspot.com
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