Book Review: Stones on the Camino

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Stones on the Camino; or, What It Was Like

by Lilly de Holanda
Austin Macauley Publishers, 2024
204 pages
on Goodreads

Reviewed by Allison Venuto | Dallas, TX

Lilly de Holanda’s Stones on the Camino; or, What it was Like, relays the author’s journey along the Camino Francés in 2016. Like many pilgrims, she begins her walk unsure of why she is walking yet with a deep conviction that she should be walking. Having learned of the Camino and making plans to walk, she encountered many reasons not to go. Yet, she perseveres and takes her first steps. Once she started, her narrative demonstrates her dedication to the ideals of the Camino.

At first, orienting along the Way was not a strong suit of hers, but she eventually falls into the rhythm of the Camino life. She finds direction from her relationships with those she meets along the way and those who sustain her at home. 

Interestingly, these relationships are evident in how de Holanda divides chapters into different sections. In regular type, she explains the day’s activities. In italics, she includes post-Camino reflections that demonstrate her insights and growth as she considers experiences. Also, the majority of chapters include text chains from two different group chats with her friends and family, encouraging her throughout her walk.

She writes of her daily activities, familiar to experienced pilgrims, which would be helpful to give new pilgrims a sense of Camino days. Many of her comments are streams of consciousness, which helps bring the author into the rhythm of her walk. The author discusses typical Camino concerns such as snoring, shoes, and sustenance. Additionally, she comments on the physical aches and pains widely experienced by pilgrims.

As she walks, de Holanda learns to delve deeper into her inner Camino. She learns to open herself to conversations with other pilgrims and finds a deeper spiritual connection to her walk.  By doing this, she learns to adjust to other pilgrims and the pilgrim life. Her connection to other pilgrims is evident in the inclusion of their stories within her narrative. 

Like many pilgrims, the author struggles with the initial part of the Camino and considers abandoning her quest. Once she reaches the end, the pilgrim discovers even more about herself.


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