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Was R100.00Now R80.00(eB 800)
Delivery time: Usually within 5 working days.
Average customer rating:  Country: South AfricaFormat: Trade paperback
Editor: Jeanne HromnikPublisher: UmuziISBN: 9781415200391
Publication date: July 2007
Length: 222mm
Width: 146mm
Thickness: 15mm
Weight: 227g
Edition: New title
Pages: 168
Illustrations: illustrations
Algeria’s way
Author: Alex Smith
Was R100.00
Now R80.00
Satisfying story of a troubled soul finding unconventional peace ... written with confidence and a mature and original voice
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Algeria's Way review by Phil Murray in Cape TimesReviewed by Unknown from South Africa on 17 October 2007
119 of 266 people found the following review helpful:
"Algeria's Way is a sultry and simply told tale of exploration, truth and individuality...set in Spain on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela - an ancient Catholic pilgrimage which ends at the burial place of Santiago, the patron saint of Spain...One of the pleasures of this novel is that it surprises at every turn. The book may be about a "300-kilometre walk along the ancient pilgrim paths of El Camino", but each chapter begins with a picture of "Major Arcana images from the Tarot de Marseilles and other occult decks". Each card is a metaphor for its chapter but is, at the same time, a fresh spritz in the face of staid religion.
Smith's style is effortless, magical and beautiful to read - reminiscent of Paulo Coelho's writing. It is not just the obvious link of the Camino that binds these two writers, but also a rhythm usually only found in Latin American languages. Coelho's novels are translated from Portuguese, whereas Smith has captured the beat of Spain through style and pace.
She describes Madrid, through the eyes of Algeria, as a place "which is old enough to be melancholy … The buildings of Plaza Major, with their wreaths of fruit and flowers, recall a time when buildings were feminine and women were voluptuous. Fat buildings, made of fat bricks, not towering transparent skeletons".
Throughout the novel, Smith describes the food of Spain. The aromas are heavy and intoxicating as Algeria watches people eating in cafés and on town squares - she feels she is witnessing "a courtship of consumption". The joints of cured meats, olives, spiced potatoes, crusty breads, slices of chorizo, figs and plump maroon cherries make the pilgrimage like a Mediterranean food tour - cleverly crafted, as both Smith and her character, Algeria, are vegetarians.
Along the way she meets two men, Miguel and Simon. One is a Don Juan and one possibly her soulmate, but she resists the attentions of both."
Extracts from review published in Cape Times on October 11, 2007.
The link for this review is:
http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4077197&fSectionId=375&fSetId=251
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