by Antxon (Bolitx) González Gabarain (Author), Rebekah Scott (Translator)
“The Great Westward Walk” is the long-awaited English translation of “El Gran Caminante,” the best-selling contemporary Spanish narrative of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The tale is told by “Bolitx,” a Basque pilgrim who walked in 2008 from his hometown on the Cantabrian Sea along a disused pilgrim trail, joining “the Mighty Camino Frances” in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Along the Way to Santiago he spins colorful tales of family life in a Basque village: ghost trains, kindly nuns, and card-shark grannies; as well as his daily dealings with pilgrims: the pot-smokers, saints, liars, and scholars who share his journey. Peppered with camino history never before seen in English; it’s an unforgettable view into the character of a witty soul both Spaniard and Basque.
“The Great Westward Walk” was this young author’s great and final work: he finished the written journey three days before ALS ended his life at age 41.