Reviews

I've enjoyed Timothy Egan's books over the years. I saw him in person at the Tucson Book festival several years back when he was promoting his book, The Immortal Irishman. In this book, Tim discusses his journey on the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. Moved by his mother's death and his Irish Catholic family's complicated history with the church, Tim decided to follow in the footsteps of centuries of seekers to force a reckoning with his own beliefs. Along the way, he provides historical footnotes of churches, Abbys, Saints, and the many wars conducted on behalf of religion in this cradle of Christianity. I found the historical information fascinating. Although there weren't any hard and fast conclusions for Tim regarding the nature of his faith, I believe he came to the conclusion that there is a God, in faith.

freckleduck's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this book and the journey of the author. I liked the blend of religion and travel and a journey.

rienthril's review against another edition

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4.0

A 60-something raised Catholic walks a pilgrimage from England to Rome, assessing his skepticism and the manifestations of faith (and its demise) around him along the way. Honest, personal rumination; historical snippets; anger and hope - all of these emerge as Egan walks the path.

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