Each year over 240,000 modern-day pilgrims hike to Santiago de Compostela
Learn why they walk over 500 miles across northern Spain, what is involved in this long-distance trek, and what are the benefits of doing so. Join the author and her journey and listen to the conversations she had with thirty-five women she met along The Way.
ABOUT THE BOOK
What do you like most when reading about adventures: descriptions about the terrain, the culture, the challenges, the personal growth, the interactions between other adventures? Women of the Way: Embracing the Camino successfully combines all these elements in a heartfelt and personal recounting of Jane V. Blanchard’s 2011 five-hundred mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago—hiking from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles in Spain, and then westward across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostella.
For over a millennium, Christians have made this pilgrimage to the cathedral in Santiago, where the remains of St. James the apostle are entombed. Today, this journey is known as a European Cultural Itinerary, attracting people from around the world. In 2011, more than 183,000 people completed the pilgrimage; 44% of these pilgrims were women.
Though Women of the Way is about Jane’s journey on the Camino de Santiago (also known as “The Way”) and discussions with women she met on the pilgrimage, this is not a “chic” book. It is about embracing the Camino, the changes, and the beauty and appeal of the most popular of all the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino Frances.
ENDORSEMENTS
An articulate, well-observed and thoughtful look at walking the Camino.
~Adam Nathan
Detailed journey with practical tips as well as emotional resonance…
I’ve wanted to do the Camino for years so I read a lot of books about it. Jane’s account has finally crystallized my plans because she goes through the practicalities as well as the emotional side of the Way. As a description of the route, it is useful but it also contains the perspectives of many women and what the journey means to them. Jane also has a no-nonsense style – even though there is some reflection – this is more of a narrative on the experience. Although this is about the women of the way, I love how Jane’s husband Dennis is a constant, jolly presence. The love of two older people journeying together is one of the most touching parts of the book. If you want to walk the Way, you will learn a lot from this book.
~Joanna Penn
I felt as though I, too, was a pilgrim as I saw the beautiful landscapes Jane described, felt the tiredness she experienced, enjoyed the food along with her, laughed and cried with her.
~Elizabeth Chandler
My husband, John (62), and I are reading your book while we prepare to walk the Camino in May of 2013. We are loving it! I like your honesty and factual approach. Your descriptions have caused us to laugh and almost cry at times. Thank you! We are reading a little each day and John reminds me to bring the book in the car or to bed. The spirit of the Camino is already appearing in our relationship as we prepare. I can see a change and it is wonderful!”
~Kim Todaro.
You can read the testimonials, the Table of Contents, or a sample chapter.
Here is a link to the media kit.