Each year an increasing number of people join the tens of thousands of pilgrims who walk the spiritual road of the Camino de Santiago across the north of Spain. Listed as a world heritage site, the Camino extends some 798km and when averaging 24km per day, will take approximately 34 days to complete. The increasing popularity of this spiritual pilgrimage has resulted in a number of books reflecting on the journey appearing in recent years. What sets Camino Footsteps apart from these other books is Kim Wells’ skilful travel narrative which accompanies the many colour photographs throughout, combined in a beautifully packaged hardback edition serving as a most agreeable gift. The text ambles along the trail almost like a meditation so that as a reader you almost feel as though you are walking beside the book's creators. As we reach the cities and towns the history and architecture is revealed and we are reminded of the profound spiritual significance of the journey. The narrator’s presence is felt, however the voice is of experience and acts only as a guide because the personal journey is not the focus of this book. For those who are seduced by the reflections and pictures, the final pages are dedicated to ‘Planning and Photography Hints’ to get you started.

Candice Cappe is the manager of the National Library Bookshop in Canberra

Tags: Kim Wells