These are excerpts from reader reviews of Shadow of a Pilgrim published on amazon.com. To respect their privacy, the readers are identified here only by their initials.
1. “This witty, thoughtful and engaging narrative takes the reader on two 500 mile journeys along the two ‘Caminos’ that traverse the northwest of Spain – every step of the way by foot. As I read the book, I found myself learning, laughing, and vicariously living the ‘Camino experience.’
The author has keen powers of observation, a biting humor -- directed as much at himself as the international cast of fellow ‘pilgrims’ of all types he encounters along the way -- and an encyclopedic knowledge of the architecture, and cultural and political history of Spain.” (5/3/19) (CG)
2. “This is a wonderful book that can be savored day by day just as Thomas walked the Camino day by day. Most importantly, it is real and authentic. [The author] is full of awe for the land, architecture and the wonderful people that he does meet. I am thoroughly enjoying it.” (9/8/21) (CLB)
3. “I have read several books about walking the Camino and found Tom Connell’s book, ‘Shadow of a Pilgrim,’ to be most satisfying. It is part memoir. He writes with authenticity.
It is part travel guide. Tom obviously has a passion for history, art and architecture. The insights and references, including many photographs he shares, so enrich the journey. It feels as though you are walking through history and not just a 600 mile traipse through Spain.” (6/8/21) (GC)
4. “A thoroughly enjoyable book. This book is for anyone who wants to walk El Camino or anyone who can't but wants to know what it is like. The author really makes you feel like you are there. Of course, the over 300 beautiful colorful photos also help you to completely visualize the whole trip. I was rooting for Connell during the whole book. He is funny and honest and a great photographer. I am so happy he wrote this book and I got to read it.” (5/19/21) (FA)
5. “I loved the book. Loved the simplicity of the narrative, the anxiety and stress discussed in detail, the way he got lost when trying to leave every large town, the annoying French, the food, the wine, and of course the way every high and low was shared without restraint. I liked that it wasn’t easy, but not a test, just a commitment to the Camino…all of it, no shortcuts. And most of all, I loved how cranky this author got about things and how he didn’t edit his journal to make it anything but what it was for him. It’s just a great read.” (9/11/21) (SL)
6. “I was pleased to find this book on a Facebook post. I have had an interest in this ‘walk’ for a few years now (especially since seeing [the movie] ‘The Way’), and reading Mr. Connell's book confirmed that I will make every effort to start planning for it. I felt as though I was traveling along with him. He includes beautiful pictures, descriptions of the landscape, and documents his experiences with fellow pilgrims along the way. Shadow of a Pilgrim was a hard read to put down.” (4/19/21) (AC)
7. “This book tells you the fascinating journey of a non-conventional and irreverent pilgrim. Do not expect a simple travel guide. Mr. Connell’s book is a compelling real-life travel memoir that documents in a funny and sometimes sarcastic way the tales of exploration, endurance, and reflections that he experienced as he walked two pilgrim routes (Caminos) in Spain. His trip will take you across mountains, forests, seaside villages, and big cities. Additionally, each chapter includes beautiful pictures. Great book!” (3/18/21) (AC)
8. “This book is hard to describe easily as it's almost equal parts memoir, adventure saga and travelogue. If you are attracted to any of these genres, it will likely win you over. At its heart is a richly layered meditation by a man deeply intrigued by people, places and history who has a refined ability to lace all into fascinating stories. His singular writer's voice pulled me across Northwest Spain -- twice! I am a selective reader who loses patience easily for books that don't compel me to turn the page after a couple of chapters. This one had me before the introduction was over and never let up.” (3/7/21) (JB)
9. “I've read a fair number of travelogues over the years, and especially so in the past 18 months as the pandemic has made actual travel more difficult. This book is one of the better travelogues out there. It strikes a nice balance between all of the essential elements of this genre — informative and entertaining, at times irreverent and witty, and at other times touching and insightful.
Part guide to the Camino and part memoir, and yet fully original, enlightening and entertaining. People have been walking these ancient routes in search of answers to life's most enduring questions since at least the 9th century. As you join Thomas on his journey, he shares the rich history of the Camino and of those who have walked it before him, and offers profound observations on what it means to walk it in the present day. He does so with a real love and sensitivity for the people, the land, and the past that make up this celebrated pilgrim path. For a book that is basically about a guy who takes a really long walk, the pacing is perfect thanks to his engaging style of writing.” (11/13/21) (JK)
10. “I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the author's two Camino walks thru Spain. While the book could be considered simply a day by day journal by some, it's filled with hardships, humor and a feeling of wonderment as I envisioned myself traveling from France to Santiago, Spain. The photography accompanying each day's walk is an added bonus.” (11/7/21) (K)
11. “Great book! Well written and inspiring. I am ready to go on a very long journey. It is packed with knowledge and step by step the author takes you along with him describing the sights, the people along the way and things you might need to know before you go.” (8/18/21) (CF)
12. “Beautiful attention to detail. Wonderful depictions of unforgettable people and places. And sprinkled throughout with Irish wit. A pure joy to read from cover to cover. When my reading came to an end, it felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend who had taken me with him on a trip (actually two trips) of a lifetime.” (3/30/21) (DF)
13. “Perfect book for the adventurous soul. Beautifully written—exquisite detail that makes you feel like you're right there hiking the Camino alongside the author.” (3/2/20) (MD)
14. “I couldn’t stop reading this book. Page after page are delightful descriptions of the terrain of the Camino, beautiful scenery, unusual homes and churches, all accompanied by photographs to bring the words alive. I could feel the wide open expanses and the joys of the walk, as well as the agony and trials of walking in pouring rain. Mr. Connell is definitely made of hardy stuff, and his personality comes through loud and clear. Anyone considering walking the Camino should read this book in advance.” (2/27/20) (TS)
15. “My husband and I have chosen to walk the road less traveled Norte Route of the Camino and wanted a book to prepare us for what to expect each day of our walk. This book fit the bill perfectly and then some. His descriptions of the terrain and towns were great and we loved the added humor he shared of unexpected things that happened to him along the way which will be helpful for us not to make the same mistakes. We loved this book.” (5/26/21) (JFS)
16. “A steady pace with a panoramic view of the unfolding countryside, architecture, changes in landscape, cultural idiosyncrasies and languages accompanied me in this humorous and kindly read. You will know what the journey can hold for you if you read this before you decide to go! And then? Start walking.” (6/4/21) (JS)
17. “Wonderful account of not just one Camino walk but two. Mr. Connell tells the daily ups and downs of his adventures in such a way I could not stop reading. Beautiful photos accompany his daily journal. Great book!” (3/18/21) (BM)
18. “This book was both informative and entertaining. It gave a detailed account of what it is like to walk the pilgrimage of the Camino trail, with all the sights and interesting characters met along the way. The author's experiences and self-reflection make this much more than a travel diary, and well worth a read.” (3/29/21) (TP)
19. “Beautiful book, beautifully written. This is truly a delightful book. I've enjoyed it as an entertaining well written story and the pictures are beautiful. Good history of the Basque country.” (1/9/21) (GA)