A Million Steps: A Novel Set on the Camino de Santiago
The Camino Frances has been walked for centuries by millions of peregrinos from all over the world, some drawn by its spirituality, others by the chance to see half of Spain at the pace of their own steps, and most hoping that the pilgrimage will be the prelude to a change of life. It is the same landscapes, paths and stones trodden again and again, but the pilgrims are different. Each with their own story, their own fears and longings, their own hopes, and a personal reason for walking a million steps along the Way of the Stars.
“The Camino is the people who walk it.”
Four peregrinos and two female pilgrims from different countries, with their problems, traumas, dreams and hopes, show us the Camino Frances and the Camino Aragones through their own eyes. We discover the benefits of walking each day carrying only what is necessary, in contact with nature, talking to strangers, with time to think and get to know yourself, living a simple life, marvelling at every discovery, with a dream to fulfil. But as in life, not everything on the Camino is wonderful. You also have to deal with suffering, exhaustion, toxic people, sexual abuse, and even death.
This is not a travel guide. You can enjoy this book whether you are a lover of the Camino or not, since it has all the elements a good novel should have.
Based on true events, whether experienced directly by the author while walking the Camino, or told by the hundreds of pilgrims and hospitaleros interviewed for the writing of the book.
Some reader reviews:
“A must-read for pilgrims and those who want to become one. INCREDIBLE”
“A book you can’t put down. I honestly loved it. Each story, the way they’re woven together, the descriptions of the places, the ease with which it reads makes you keep turning the pages.”
“Great stories about the Camino.”
“I relived the Camino. I loved it and it took me back to the Camino, reminding me of many of the experiences there and its magic.”
“The human soul of the people who share the Camino de Santiago.”
“Pilgrimage in its purest form. Beautifully interwoven stories of pilgrims that make for a very enjoyable read.”
“It describes the Camino exactly as it is, with different pilgrims of various nationalities and their different personal motivations for doing it.”
“A must-read for pilgrims and those who want to become one.”
“Just about to start the Camino, this novel literally gripped me and I devoured its pages. Fast-paced, well put together and free of cliches.”
“This wonderful book took me back to the Camino and kept me intrigued and moved right to the end.”
“If you can’t walk the Camino, read this book”
Daniel Zaragoza is the author of 11 books, a tireless traveller, mountaineer, cycle-tourist and pilgrim.
In his most widely read novel, “A Million Steps”, he shows how the Camino de Santiago changes the lives of peregrinos.
