top 10 books inspired by the Camino de Santiago
the Camino de Santiago has inspired many to write about their experiences along the pilgrimage. many novelists have chosen the road as a setting. some, like paulo coelho, have even found their true vocation thanks to their way to santiago. Here are our top 10 books on the Camino de Santiago, both fiction and non-fiction.
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1. The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
the pilgrimage (or diário de um magico) is one of the best-known novels about the road. Set in 1986, it follows the adventures of Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian who sets out on the road as part of a quest to get started in a Catholic organization. the pilgrimage is a mixture of adventures and a guide to self-discovery. we follow paulo’s journey along the way and read the author’s reflections and insights on life.
The novel was inspired by Coelho’s own pilgrimage to northern Spain in 1986. In addition, this journey led him to become a novelist. in fact, during his journey he became determined to stop dreaming of writing and start a writing career.
After the publication of the novel, many Brazilian pilgrims began to walk the path, inspired by the author’s words and experience.
2. the road to santiago by kim hyo sun
korean journalist kim hyo sun is already an expert on the way: she has written three books, each one for one of the most popular routes: the french way, the portuguese way and the silver way. her work inspired many Koreans to walk the path themselves. But she’s not the only one: Kim Nan Hee, also a Korean, remembers her experience traveling the French road on a solo woman’s journey. this is a travel book that has helped promote the road in korea.
The two writers’ road books are one of the main reasons why the road is so popular with Koreans. in fact, the country went from just 24 pilgrims in 2004 to being the 9th largest nationality to travel the Camino in 2017.
3. I’m leaving then because of hape kerkeling
german comedian hape kerkeling undertook his pilgrimage to santiago in search of meaning. As he walked, he began the diary that eventually became this book. In it, we follow not only his struggles as he deals with his own physical limitations and the difficulties of the pilgrimage, but also his achievements and growth. At the end of each day, he recalls his experience and writes about the lessons learned.
kerkeling’s story shows that anyone can do the trail, regardless of their physical condition. In addition to his own personal growth, the book gives us many glimpses of the pilgrimage, as we follow him through historic landscapes and meet his fellow pilgrims, all told through his trademark humor.
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I’m leaving then has sold more than 3 million copies, and its popularity may be one of the reasons why the number of German pilgrims has skyrocketed.
4. roads to santiago by cees notebloom
roads to santiago is a travel book by dutch author cees notebloom. NoteBloom’s journey is not a usual pilgrimage: along the way, he makes stops in Granada, Aragón, Soria, Madrid or even on the island of La Gomera.
His unconventional way of wandering Spain offers insight into the country’s history and customs as seen through the eyes of an outsider.
5. Back to Compostela by Edith Wharton
edith wharton, author of the age of innocence, is one of the most recognized american writers of the early twentieth century. The novelist She traveled twice to Santiago de Compostela, in 1925 and 1928. On her return to Compostela she compiles her travel diaries that recount her first trip, as well as an unfinished essay inspired by the second.
wharton’s writing allows us to experience the road as it was nearly 100 years ago.
6. pilgrimage of matilde asensi
Set in the early 14th century, Peregrinatio is a historical novel that follows Jonas, a young man who travels to Santiago seeking to become a knight.
in peregrinatio we accompany jonas and a templar knight as they walk through 14th century spain. the highlight of asensi’s novel are the detailed descriptions of medieval cities and architecture. also, the history of different religious orders and social customs.
7. on the primitive path of landon roussel
On the primitive road is the story of two Texan brothers traveling the primitive road through the mountains of Asturias. is the story of two brothers trying to reconnect after years of estrangement caused by their younger brother’s addiction and drug abuse.
roussel wrote the book inspired by the death of his younger brother cory, with whom he had walked the path.
8. the killer of the milky way by gabriel martinez
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A serial killer is on the loose and the roncal inspector from the Civil Guard is in charge of the case. After two pilgrims are murdered in hostels along the way, the inspector begins to discover all the clues to find the murderer.
the killer of the milky way is a thriller set on the road that has led book sales on amazon. In the novel, the author, Gabriel Martínez, combines his passion for traveling with his love for writing.
9. your inner path & after the road, by karin kiser
It’s been a year since our interview with Karin Kiser, we still remember her books as recommended reading for the road.
The first, your inner path, will show you how you can free yourself from those thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that restrict our own spiritual development and happiness.
The second, after the journey, will give you the key to assimilate the experiences along the way to your own daily routine. Therefore, if you are looking for spiritual answers along the way so that your eyes can see life in a simpler way, these Camino de Santiago books are a must!
10. To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela by Kevin A. code:
the author, kevin a. Codd candidly shares the stories of other pilgrims, their challenges and triumphs along the way. he brilliantly captures the essence of the pilgrimage and reveals a spiritual and emotional journey in which the pilgrims confront their own humanity.
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