It is what it is described to be.

I bought this book for two reasons...

1. had a fiver credit
2. planning to go on a (different) pilgrimage

Worth every penny, and I don't mean this facetiously. Just accurately. Basically it's a deadpan reading of the author's Facebook posts , an interview plus a packing list. Concise, practical, secular. I have no idea if the walker is Catholic or even Christian. Pilgrimage strictly speaking is not what this winter hiker's guide is about.

I learned some useful tips. Examples...

- Hiking in winter verus autumn is a tradeoff.
- Japanese toed socks prevent blisters
- many foreigners do this hike
- Destination church gives you one of two versions of a certificate if you get stamped along the way
- walking backwards downhill can be useful
- no need to carry much water as not long distances between settlements
- Hostels along the way

I liked the author's plain narration and diary writing. No pretences. Don't expect but a few tidbits of history. This is not Saint John of the Cross either.

I must read a different guide to find out the story of St. James and what the trip budget range is. I am perplexed why the author ate in restaurants rather than self-catering with cheese, fruit and nuts. Perhaps for the warmth and to socialize? He hints that eating out in Spain is affordable, but being the EU I will just presume he was on a higher budget than I will be in Sri Lanka.

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