Each book relating to the Camino de Santiago presents the author's unique view of the journey, and I look forward to the read. As a Caminophile, I find them all interesting, but I do realize that others may not appreciate a sense of déjà vu when they read multiple Camino narratives. I guarantee that you will not have this experience reading Babette Gallard's account.

This is very much a story of horses and riders, secondarily a story of a ride from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela. Those who have walked from Le Puy will enjoy the encounter with familiar small town names - Montbonnet, Aumont-Aubrac, Estaing, Lectoure, Ostabat. The main characters are Babette, her husband, their three horses, and their dog. They face doubts, and overcome problems as does anyone making this trip, but they are not the problems of a walker. You as a reader cannot relax and know based on your own experiences that they are going to be ok.

You do know that you will be entertained. The book reflects the author's wry sense of humor. She might sometimes have a few unkind words about a dictatorial hospitalero, or some pilgrim littering the Spanish countryside, but puts her money where her mouth is by dedicating half the book profits to an anti litter poster campaign in coordination with the Spanish Tourist Board.

On a practical note, anyone thinking about taking a donkey or a dog on the Camino should read this book first and learn the realities. I'm assuming no one is thinking of taking a horse.

I recommend this as entertainment for anyone who has walked, or plans to walk the Camino. For those of you thinking about taking a four footed beast, read it seriously.