The Singular Pilgrim : Travels on Sacred Ground

by Rosemary Mahoney

Release Date: 27 March, 2003

Edition: Hardcover

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A Little Bit Lost

Rosemary Mahoney is, I think, one of the best travel writers around. Nothing can beat her "Whoredom in Kimmage," in fact, for writing about a place by a person not from that place. This book is more about spiritual traveling, though, and I sense that Mahoney was on more alien ground. It's just as beautifully written, but not always as insightful as one wants. But that doesn't detract from the experience of reading it, which will leave you feeling as if you have been on an amazing pilgrimage of your own.

Best American Travel Author

I never purchase books, and I've bought three copies of the Singular Pilgrim to give away to friends. Yup, it is that good. Not only does Ms. Mahoney achieve the rare state of sublime travel writing in which you feel that you are with her as a fellow pilgrim, but she manages to add little surprizes within several of her adventures that add extra insight. In addition, she struggles with her Catholic background in a very clear-eyed way without indulging in self-pity or excessive anger.

I agree with a fellow reviewer that the chapter on the journey to Varanesi was especially moving.

I think Rosemary Mahoney is second only to Colin Thubron in travel writing, and I've read dozens of travel books. My only regret is that she did not visit a Buddhist country, where I believe she might have had a more spiritually satisfying experience.

Many thanks Ms. Mahoney!

Carl Strasen