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'The Santiago Pilgrimage' by Jean-Christopher Rufin


I hope you're in a good shape today... because you're about to join Jean-Christophe Rufin on a physical and mental experience, as well as a meditative journey of more than 800 kilometres!! Where to? Santiago de Compostela, through the "Northern Way". Much less crowded than the usual pilgrimage route, this one runs along the Basque and Cantabrian coasts in Spain and through the wild mountains of Asturias and Galicia.


Here's how Quercus, the British publisher of The Santiago Pilgrimage translated by Malcolm Imrie, presents the journey and the author of this travelogue:


About the journey


"Each year, tens of thousands of backpackers (Christian pilgrims and many others) set out from either their front doorstep or from popular starting points across Europe, to Santiago de Compostela. Most travel by foot, others ride a bicycle, and a few of them travel as did some of their medieval counterparts, on horseback or with a donkey.


In addition to those who undertake a religious pilgrimage, the majority are hikers who walk the way for non-religious reasons: travel, sport, or simply the challenge of spending weeks walking in a foreign land. Also, many consider the experience as a spiritual adventure, with a view to removing themselves from the bustle of modern life.


About the author


Jean-Christophe Rufin is a French doctor, diplomat, historian, globetrotter and novelist. He is the president of Action Against Hunger, one of the founders of Médecins Sans Frontières and the second youngest member of the Académie française. He was Ambassador of France in Senegal from 2007 to June 2010. His novel Brazil Red won the Prix Goncourt in 2007.

“Whenever I was asked: ‘Why did you go to Santiago?’, I had a hard time

answering. How could I explain to those who had not done it that the way

has the effect – if not the virtue – to make you forget all reasons that led

you to become involved in it in the first place.”

Praise for The Santiago Pilgrimage

“This is an unmissable book . . . a lively story, full of clarity and amusing anecdotes”

Étienne de Montety, Le Figaro

“A real delight. Rufin is at his very best, blending together the things he saw, the people

and anecdotes, juggling self-mockery and solemnity in equal measure”

Marie-Françoise Leclère, Le Point

“The Académie Française member has produced a fascinating account of his journey to

Santiago de Compostela”

Tristan Savin, Lire

“Walking in Rufin's company is a joy. There is not a second of boredom to be had

throughout these 900km and 270 pages, during which we witness his transformation

from Académie member and ambassador to celestial tramp”

Marianne Payot, L’Express

Over 450 000 copies sold in France... Can you beat this?

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