Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A True Classic!, 28 Feb 2008
Brandon Wilson has outdone himself with "Along the Templar Trail." I'm a fast reader, but I immediately realized this is one of those books you slow down and pace yourself like a pilgrim, because the wonder is in the journey. I found it astounding how, in short time, I found myself feeling as though I was walking with Brandon (and, for a time, his companion, Emile) for the entire 2,620 miles and experiencing with him the many faces of a world which, while at war, yearns for peace at the common level.
Wilson explains to one reporter along the way that, while the route was once followed by Templars and soldiers marching to Jerusalem, he "would like to see it developed as an international trail of peace for all nationalities and religions." Indeed, he seems to find a receptive audience along the new and old roads as he walks, but always among the common people who share food and drink and share his frustration that "it is the politicians who want war, not the people."
Along his journey Wilson talks with people of all leanings and faiths, learning that simple things like water and a gift of food are the universal language they have always been for centuries. With each week, he finds greater recognition and encouragement. A young Muslim sits with him and, as they share commonalities of religions, the youth remarks, "We need to work together to survive."
There is excitement and wonder in the sites visited along the path, but none so moving as when Wilson reaches the Holy Land. He speaks with deep, stirring passion of the cathedrals and shrines, the revered temples of Christians, Jews and Muslims. And, as he concludes his journey, he reflects on how deep his lessons have been on the five month road to Jerusalem--his suffering and hunger making him ever mindful of the suffering and hunger in a world that would rather build weapons to destroy than care for its own people.
Take your time with this book--it should take you weeks. Savor every step. Brandon is at his best ever in Templar Trail, a truly heartwarming story of dedication, hope and love.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
...a fast-moving and inspiring book!, 6 Jan 2008
Brandon Wilson is the award winning author of adventure travel books. His photography has won awards from numerous magazines including National Geographic Traveller and Islands. Brandon enjoys trekking long-distance walks to inspire others to discover life's possibilities.
When Brandon is not doing what he loves best (trekking hundreds of miles) he can be found on the slopes of a volcano in Hawaii where he currently lives.
Along The Templar Trail is a book destined to inspire others. It is the quest of two men who decide to trek across eleven countries and two continents towards their chosen
destination - Jerusalem. Together they cross lands that were once used as battle fields and with each new place they encounter, they learn about the cultures of the people. For every step of the way, Brandon hopes to be able to spread the message of peace. Can he spread his message and what's more, can the two friends complete their challenge?
Through their adventures, we see how these two new friends interact with one another and build up a close friendship, share laughs and ultimately help each other when their spirits are low.
I was a little put off by the beginning, I didn't quite understand it and I thought the author could have made it much more exciting. However as I read on, I managed to get into this historic quest shared by the duo. Wilson gives us a rich detail of the surroundings, the people and how he feels. Every now and again, we are given a "planned route map" on which we are able to see the route Wilson and his walking companion trekked. It is good that Wilson managed to include this in his book as it really does give readers a clearer vision of his route. Towards the middle of the book there is a photo montage, with pictures of the areas he visited during his time trekking to Jerusalem.
There are some interesting photos, one of the Good Enough to Eat sculpture of a hand holding a bowl of fruit in Turkey. Another is inside a Mosque in Edirne where we can clearly see the detail on the walls and pillars. Another one is of The Edicule, Tomb of Christ. Fascinating stuff, especially to those people interested in that kind of thing.
This is a fast-moving and inspiring book aimed at readers who enjoy travel memoirs. With every chapter, we learn about the challenges that faced Wilson and his French friend as they walked the seven million steps for peace. We encounter the friends they made and the cultures they were lucky enough to learn about.
I feel sure there is a big fan base out there for this kind of literature and previous readers of Brandon's other books, will be snapping this up. Great, touching and hugely interesting. Get this now!
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