Our latest - April/May - Cook the Books Club selection has been Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn, and hosted this round by Debra of Eliot's Eats. This is Redfearn's latest novel, and as such was not in our library. I got my copy through Amazon.
Here's the story via the Publishers: From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a deeply moving novel following the transformative journeys of two women walking entwined paths on a legendary route across Europe a generation apart.
Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight. Seventeen years later, she still carries that grief. When her budding journalism career takes an unexpected turn, it leads her to the ancient five-hundred-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. Now she finds herself embarking on the same pilgrimage that her father made at her age, unaware of how profoundly it will change her.
Back in 1997, Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run. Fleeing from her boarding school, she heads straight for the Way of Saint James. She’s heard the Camino will provide. And so it does, in the form of a handsome young American and the promise of a new life. But it could all fall apart if her troubles catch up with her.
Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight. Seventeen years later, she still carries that grief. When her budding journalism career takes an unexpected turn, it leads her to the ancient five-hundred-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. Now she finds herself embarking on the same pilgrimage that her father made at her age, unaware of how profoundly it will change her.
Back in 1997, Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run. Fleeing from her boarding school, she heads straight for the Way of Saint James. She’s heard the Camino will provide. And so it does, in the form of a handsome young American and the promise of a new life. But it could all fall apart if her troubles catch up with her.
As for my thoughts, and research, I'm starting with the back story of Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James. There were three disciples by that name, none of whom ever made it to Spain, dead or alive. The Apostle Paul planned to go to Spain, and had also said he was resolved not to go where the gospel had already been preached. See Romans 15:20-24. One St. James was the brother of the Apostle John and early on was slain by Herod. The other James was the author of the book of James in the New Testament, written about A.D. 45-50, and had a leading role as head of the early church, mainly in Jerusalem to the Jewish believers. Paul's main outreach was to the Gentiles, hence his many journeys.
Enough of the background history on this legendary walk. Legend being the operative word. I focused on that mainly because the book itself was not appealing to me. The two story lines, and time lines were distracting and difficult to follow. The characters were not sympathetic and didn't engage my interest. From this novel, I do understand that many people going on the walk have a wonderful time, meet people they become friends with, and even experience spiritual dimensions. I wasn't tempted to take the journey myself.
I took cooking inspiration from the Sangria Isabella mentioned that her mother was famous for. "Her secret is that she adds a dash of brandy, green apples and blueberries -- a combination that tempers the sweetness and makes the drink deep, dark mulberry. She allowed me a taste each time she made a batch, and it's one of my favorite treats." They were sharing glasses of Sangria in one of their favorite villages on the walk, Najera.
Friends came over for a Cinco de Mayo dinner, for which I made a Mexican Lasagna, as well as a pitcher of Sangria. It was indeed very delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mine also had the dash of brandy, pieces of green apples and blueberries, as well as some tangerine segments.
Stay tuned for the Round-up, which should be posted shortly after the first of June. Linked to Cook the Books and Weekend Cooking, hosted by Marg, the Intrepid Reader and Baker.
