Off the Road

A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route into Spain

By: Jack Hitt

Narrated by: Jack Hitt

When Jack Hitt set out to walk the 500 miles from France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, he submitted to the rigorous traditions of Europe's oldest form of packaged tour, a pilgrimage that has been walked by millions in the history of Christendom.

Off the Road is an unforgettable exploration of the sites that people believe God once touched: the strange fortress said to contain the real secret Adam learned when he bit into the apple; the sites associated with the murderous monks known as the Knights Templar; and the places housing relics ranging from a vial of the Virgin Mary's milk to a sheet of Saint Bartholomew's skin. Along the way, Jack Hitt finds himself persevering by day and bunking down by night with an unlikely and colorful cast of fellow pilgrims - a Flemish film crew, a drunken gypsy, a draconian Belgian air force officer, a man who speaks no languages, a one-legged pilgrim, and a Welsh family with a mule.

In the day-to-day grind of walking under a hot Spanish sun, Jack Hitt and his cohorts not only find occasional good meals and dry shelter, but they also stumble upon some fresh ideas about old-time zealotry and modern belief. Off the Road is an engaging and witty travel memoir of an offbeat journey through history that turns into a provocative rethinking of the past.

©1994, 2005 Jack Hitt (P)2022 Tantor

The Way

If you liked the movie, The Way, you will enjoy this story. Well-written and well-read.

Very enjoyable

This was a thoroughly entertaining book to listen to. I listened while walking. And thought the author did a great job both with his writing and his reading of the book.

Jack Hitt’s journey El Camino

Well done. I appreciated listening as the way Hitt writes brings the reader along on his journey,

So well researched, written and read

So well researched, written and read. The background information is detailed without being tedious. I appreciate the humor throughout.

Descriptions of pilgrims and events. I felt like I was there. I didn’t want this book to end. Fantastic writer.

I was sad the book ended. I also bought the printed book and will read.

Great travelogue

I listened to this after I walked the Camino & now I want to walk it again! Thanks for a great listen!

Great Narrative of a Glorious Adventure

Mr Hitt gave an excellent account of his adventures on the trail! A wonderful weaver of words that painted a such a picture you felt you were on the trail as well. He also made it not on interesting but fascinating as he included the rich history of the trail. Well done!!! If you have a curiosity about the trail, I highly recommend “Off the Road”!

Excellent read and listen

Perhaps the best of the Camino books. Hitt makes you want do the Camino. So I am. Great travel book. Great history book. An enjoyable read. I have both the Kindle and the Audible versions.

Irreverent toward religion

Nice historical vignettes. Interpretations of Catholic motives, especially ancient ones, were off base and especially in the context of the times. The chapter of relics of Saints was informative but sometimes insulting. The epilog was fantastic.

Too scattered

Missed the mark on the beauty of the Camino. While the author retold his experience it felt forced and negative.