Book Review: The Camigas Scarf – Maiden
The Camigas Scarf – Maiden (Book Two)
by Alder Allensworth
The Alder Tree, 2025
291 pages
on Goodreads
Reviewed by Amy Horton | Warrenton, MO
The Camigas Scarf: Maiden is the second novel in a planned three-part series inspired by an actual scarf passed from one woman to another to carry on pilgrimage. In The Camigas Scarf: Mother (Book One), readers followed Helen on her Camino Francés pilgrimage; at the end, Helen bestows the scarf to Valerie. In Book Two, readers accompany Valerie on Camino.
Structured as a hero’s journey, Valerie’s tale features a cast of archetypal characters. Valerie sets off from Florida intending to walk 100 kilometers of the Camino Francés from Sarria—the shorter distance a compromise with her protective mother, the story’s threshold guardian. Inflight to Madrid, Chase charms Valerie and convinces her instead to follow him on the Camino del Norte.
Chase appears as a herald, announcing a need for change in Valerie’s life (to be less cautious, more carefree) and singling her out for a journey she wouldn’t otherwise take (in ways even beyond the Camino). Chase is a shapeshifter, too, offering a tempting combination of appeal and possible danger, blurring the lines between friend and foe. Chase is also a shadow figure, casting darkness and worry over Valerie’s journey, even when not directly in-scene. That Chase fits several archetypes makes him a pivotal even if unlikeable character, delivering necessary tension for Valerie to advance on her maiden voyage.
Many allies come and go to support and accompany Valerie—Emilia and Carl, truth tellers and protectors; Fiona, Gretchen, Mercedes, and Katova offer hospitality and wisdom in equal measure; and the Doran siblings and their dog Maeloc, her Camino family.
Valerie also benefits from mentors. Helen gifts Valerie the Camigas scarf and pilgrim insights to send her off. Emily guides Valerie through a significant predicament. Mrs. Doran gifts Valerie a new talisman to carry when Valerie is ready to surrender the scarf.
And there’s the Camigas scarf, Valerie’s loyal sidekick every step of the way. There to wipe sweat or rain from her brow, sweep away sand, and dry her tears. A security blanket to stroke when she seeks comfort, reassurance, or peaceful slumber. And sometimes a clever trickster, simultaneously lending protection and levity, like when it snags on a bush to tug Valerie away from Chase’s kiss or when it flies off Valerie’s neck and onto the floor, tripping Chase as he angrily lunges at her.
Fiona observes there’s something special about this scarf, woven in the region’s ancient traditions by craftswomen who “infuse their sacred energy into the wool as they wash, comb, dye and spin it.” Its color combination represents the life force, and “anyone who wears this scarf is a recipient of the gift.” The scarf helped Helen “love like the mother,” and Valerie “dance like the maiden.” Readers can anticipate Book Three to discover how the scarf will help Dot “think like a crone” on the Camino Portugués.
Editor’s note: Find the La Concha review of The Camigas Scarf: Mother (Book One) here.
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