The very concept of pilgrimage is ancient, as people historically saw walking as a meaningful method of exploration, leading to profound personal transformations. It comes as no surprise that this journey, whether for religious or spiritual reasons, has inspired lots of books. Here are 4 of our top picks:
Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”
Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” has achieved a remarkable title of being on The New York Times bestseller list for over 400 weeks in a row, selling more than 150 million copies worldwide. This makes it not only one of the best-selling books in history, but also arguably the most beloved pilgrimage tale of our time. This story follows an Andalusian shepherd boy and his transformative journey across North Africa in pursuit of treasure. Ultimately, he finds the greatest riches within. In addition to the “Alchemist”, Coelho also penned “The Pilgrimage” – another book of his experiences walking the infamous Camino de Santiago in northern Spain.
Rachel Joyce’s “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry”
Released in 2012, “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” was Rachel Joyce’s debut novel, which immediately received incredible popularity, giving her the UK National Book Award for New Writer of the Year. The story follows a retired salesman who sets out to post a letter but, instead, decides to walk 500 miles across England to visit his ill friend Queenie. In 2023, the book was adapted into a film, starring Jim Broadbent, and there is a musical adaptation coming in 2026.
Phil Cousineau’s “The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred”
Cousineau’s philosophical work opens with the powerful declaration: “The object of pilgrimage is not rest and recreation – to get away from it all.”. His book is a practical guide that transforms ordinary travel into a sacred journey, offering wisdom on how to approach any trip as a pilgrimage of personal growth and spiritual discovery. Holding excellent reviews, it’s a must-read for all travellers seeking more.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”
Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is often considered the grandfather of pilgrimage literature, still as relevant today as when it was first released in the 14th century. This masterpiece follows a diverse group of around 30 pilgrims, all setting off on a pilgrimage towards the Canterbury Cathedral. The 24 short stories are full of wit, wisdom and timeless human observations, representing how this journey is not just about the destination, but also about the people we meet and the stories we share.
Starring in your own story
If these books have left you feeling inspired, why not go on your own pilgrimage? The Camino de Santiago is an increasingly popular trip, amongst other walking holiday routes. Modern pilgrims have the advantage of using specialised travel agencies, such as Orbis Ways, who will help make this dream into a reality. They will plan all of the logistics for you, allowing you to focus on yourself and your journey within.
As literature so beautifully demonstrates, something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other can lead to one of the most sacred and life-changing experiences of your lifetime.
