A Will and A Way: On Foot Across France by Jennifer Andrewes

‘Nothing is impossible; the word itself says “I’m, possible”!’ Audrey Hepburn

This is the opening quote used in Jennifer Andrewes recounting of her remarkable undertaking to walk sections of The Camino de Santiago. It’s a fitting description of her journey.

In this book, she shares her daily progress as she undertakes to walk firstly, La Voie du Puy, and later La Voie de Vézelay, two lesser-known sections of the Camino de Santiago. Walking the Camino has become very popular of late, with most pilgrims choosing to walk the whole or part of the 790km Camino Frances, which goes across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Jennifer was in search of something that offered more solitude. After being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's in 2020, she was determined to make the most of her mobility. Walking to stave off the progression of Parkinson's became a necessity.

Jennifer had previously spent some time living in France on a sabbatical with her husband and three children, residing in Quillan in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. During that time, she joined a local walking group and became aware that a section of the Camino de Santiago passed through. With her French speaking ability and her love of the area, she returned to take on her walking challenges armed with some confidence and prior knowledge of the countryside.

The book is a diary of both of her walks, a daily record of the distances travelled between small villages, and her thoughts and encounters along the way. Aside from dealing with sore feet and scorching heat, there are fabulous descriptions of the surrounding landscapes, the wildlife and the appreciation of the simple things in life, like good coffee and a comfortable place to sleep. She meets people as she travels, who are all walking for their own reasons, and there are some fascinating dinner conversations shared.

Peppered throughout the book are some lovely poems written by her children for her. It must have been incredibly hard to distance herself from her family, but knowing they have her support helps her to keep going day by day. Her husband sends her a playlist every day on her second walk, sharing a piece of themed music which seems very fitting to the day’s adventures.

This is a lovely book to read. It’s enlightening, encouraging and it feels very humbling to be able to share such a personal journey. Jennifer’s positive attitude and determination are an inspiration to us all.

Reviewer: Rachel White