The book’s structure follows the path of the Camino, with a chapter per day over the course of the pilgrimage’s five weeks or so; as such, it recreates the loping, pleasant rhythm of the trail ... But if McCarthy is an open book, his son remains an enigma throughout ... It makes Sam a singularly frustrating travel companion at times, for his father as much as the reader ... But it’s hard to hold that against a 19-year-old. And the book, after all, isn’t titled Talking With Sam. The walk is the thing. Sometimes physical togetherness and shared experiences are the most you can ask for in a relationship, and there are lovely examples of both here.
McCarthy shares exquisite details of their surroundings, providing historical context ... The process of the two connecting over time is heartwarming and relatable ... A sweet gem of a tale that will appeal to McCarthy fans and those who appreciate a challenging journey.
As a travelogue, the narrative is no advertisement for the pilgrimage. The trail is blisteringly hot and dusty, and in villages along the way, the two encountered surly waiters, bad food, and inadequate places to stay. The walk, though, was never about the destination but rather about a father and son readying themselves for a new stage in their lives.
