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On the Primitive Way
On the Primitive Way recounts two Texan Brothers’ pilgrimage on the Way of St James, or El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Commencing in Oviedo Spain, the author, the older brother, chronicles their journey through the mountains of Asturias that brought them together after over a decade of estrangement due to the younger brother’s drug abuse, addiction and imprisonment. As they endure torrential rains, blindsiding blizzards and grueling climbs, the author comes to realize that the real challenge is not to survive the elements but to reconcile with his brother after a tumultuous past.
- GenresMemoir
228 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2015
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481 people want to read
About the author
Landon Roussel
2 books19 followersLandon Roussel is a three-time pilgrim on the Way of St James, or El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. He has written articles on El Camino for pilgrim publications such as La Concha or El Peregrino. He was inspired to write his first book, On the Primitive Way, after the death of his younger brother Cory, with whom he walked El Camino just before he died. In addition to writing on the Way, Landon also hosts a blog site, Communitas Blog, and is a direct primary care doctor at Communitas Primary Care. He and his wife Amanda, Saint James Parish, Louisiana with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 17, 2016
On the Primitive Way is the true story of two brothers who decide to walk the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a long and grueling trail that winds through Spain. Author Landon Roussel and his brother, Cory, aren't on the best terms. In fact, though they have never been close (to say the least), their relationship is especially distant since Cory has just been released from federal prison after a long stint served for attempting to sneak immigrants over the Mexican/US border. Despite their lack of connection, however, the brothers commit to hiking the trail, and, inevitably, the experience brings them closer together.
This book is well-written. Roussel alternates between describing the trail and then describing what it was like growing up with Cory. The memories he shares are unique, interesting, and well-presented. I've read several "hiking the trail" memoirs lately, and this one certainly has its own twists and turns that set it apart from the rest. For the most part, I really enjoyed the story. It could get tedious, at times, with the daily-life play-by-play (e.g., here's how we booked our plane tickets, here's how we coordinated our travel times, etc.), but it definitely kept my attention.
Still, I do have a minor gripe. The more I read this memoir, the more it became clear to me that a big chunk of this story is missing. Cory exists in this book...but also kind of doesn't. Even after reading so much about him, I felt like I never KNEW the man, you know? I started this book thinking I'd get to know BOTH brothers as they got to know each other, but I finished the book understanding that this memoir isn't about a relationship. It's about Roussel's fear. On the surface, it's about his fear of and for his brother, but I can't help but wonder if there is more to it than that.
I really wish Roussel had talked more about his family life growing up. I could tell right away that there were some unhealthy dynamics there. It seemed like over and over again the family would just shut down and go silent when there was conflict, emotion, or even minor disagreements. Anxiety is a major player in this story, but it's rarely acknowledged. There's a lot of tiptoeing around feelings--which means, on some level, everyone knows SOMETHING is going on--but emotions are never deeply talked about. It all stays weirdly superficial.
Ultimately, I am glad for Roussel that he was able to take this trip before his brother was (SPOILER ALERT) unexpectedly killed. It sounds like the trip was healing in many ways, and that's always a good thing. But I also still wanted more from this traumatic and complicated story. I wanted Cory's side. I wanted to understand the genesis of HIS pain--especially since, I suspect, the author may share a bit of that, too. The pain that lies beneath his brother's addiction--that's what I'm curious about.
At any rate, this was an engaging read and well worth a few hours of reading time. My fingers are crossed that Roussel will give us a second book that digs a little bit more deeply into his own feelings about his family and past.
This book is well-written. Roussel alternates between describing the trail and then describing what it was like growing up with Cory. The memories he shares are unique, interesting, and well-presented. I've read several "hiking the trail" memoirs lately, and this one certainly has its own twists and turns that set it apart from the rest. For the most part, I really enjoyed the story. It could get tedious, at times, with the daily-life play-by-play (e.g., here's how we booked our plane tickets, here's how we coordinated our travel times, etc.), but it definitely kept my attention.
Still, I do have a minor gripe. The more I read this memoir, the more it became clear to me that a big chunk of this story is missing. Cory exists in this book...but also kind of doesn't. Even after reading so much about him, I felt like I never KNEW the man, you know? I started this book thinking I'd get to know BOTH brothers as they got to know each other, but I finished the book understanding that this memoir isn't about a relationship. It's about Roussel's fear. On the surface, it's about his fear of and for his brother, but I can't help but wonder if there is more to it than that.
I really wish Roussel had talked more about his family life growing up. I could tell right away that there were some unhealthy dynamics there. It seemed like over and over again the family would just shut down and go silent when there was conflict, emotion, or even minor disagreements. Anxiety is a major player in this story, but it's rarely acknowledged. There's a lot of tiptoeing around feelings--which means, on some level, everyone knows SOMETHING is going on--but emotions are never deeply talked about. It all stays weirdly superficial.
Ultimately, I am glad for Roussel that he was able to take this trip before his brother was (SPOILER ALERT) unexpectedly killed. It sounds like the trip was healing in many ways, and that's always a good thing. But I also still wanted more from this traumatic and complicated story. I wanted Cory's side. I wanted to understand the genesis of HIS pain--especially since, I suspect, the author may share a bit of that, too. The pain that lies beneath his brother's addiction--that's what I'm curious about.
At any rate, this was an engaging read and well worth a few hours of reading time. My fingers are crossed that Roussel will give us a second book that digs a little bit more deeply into his own feelings about his family and past.
April 21, 2016
This author deserves a medal for bravery, as this couldn’t have been an easy book to write. It’s the story of his brother’s drug addiction interspersed with the tale of the one and only occasion on which the author and his brother walked the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain.
I was interested in the subject matter as my wife and I live in southern Spain and we spent a few days in Santiago de Compostela not long ago It’s the town where the bones of John the Baptist are reputed to be buried, and it’s the destination for the holy pilgrimage to the town. I have to admit that my wife and I only walked from the bus station to our hotel, but we met many pilgrims who had finished the walk and we found it to be a very spiritual place.
The book is beautifully written, although some readers may perhaps find some passages rather graphic. Typically, a chapter about the people and places the pair encounter on the walk will be followed by a chapter about his brother’s drug addiction -.and the author pulls no punches in his description of the netherworld of the drug addict. He clearly has undying love for his brother despite everything he has had to endure.
Landon Roussel clearly went through hell and back in his relationship with his brother, and you get a real sense of his frustration at feeling powerless about his brother’s addiction. However, this book is a deeply felt vindication that you can truly love someone in spite of their flaws. If only we could all do likewise!
After I finished the book, it occurred to me that this is one author whom I’d really like to meet. I’d like to give him a big hug and thank him for sharing his story. I reckon that it will remain in my memory long after most other books have been forgotten. I can highly recommend it to all who are interested in humanity.
I was interested in the subject matter as my wife and I live in southern Spain and we spent a few days in Santiago de Compostela not long ago It’s the town where the bones of John the Baptist are reputed to be buried, and it’s the destination for the holy pilgrimage to the town. I have to admit that my wife and I only walked from the bus station to our hotel, but we met many pilgrims who had finished the walk and we found it to be a very spiritual place.
The book is beautifully written, although some readers may perhaps find some passages rather graphic. Typically, a chapter about the people and places the pair encounter on the walk will be followed by a chapter about his brother’s drug addiction -.and the author pulls no punches in his description of the netherworld of the drug addict. He clearly has undying love for his brother despite everything he has had to endure.
Landon Roussel clearly went through hell and back in his relationship with his brother, and you get a real sense of his frustration at feeling powerless about his brother’s addiction. However, this book is a deeply felt vindication that you can truly love someone in spite of their flaws. If only we could all do likewise!
After I finished the book, it occurred to me that this is one author whom I’d really like to meet. I’d like to give him a big hug and thank him for sharing his story. I reckon that it will remain in my memory long after most other books have been forgotten. I can highly recommend it to all who are interested in humanity.
January 5, 2016
A remarkable diary of a man’s tender but fraught relationship with his addict brother and the pilgrimage journey he organises in the hope of re-establishing their relationship when his brother seems to have broken with his addiction. Written in a clear matter-of-fact style, the narrative cleverly intertwines the story of the brother’s descent into a drink and drug taking, and as the book unfolds, we relive the trauma of the author and his family live through as the havoc is wreaked.
Touchingly the author never seems to give up on what appears to be a hopeless case, and for me, this aspect is the crux of the book. The pilgrimage they take together, although interestingly descriptive of the history, the surroundings and the privations they endure, is very much secondary to the insights that the author gains into his brother’s mind and into their past relationship.
In a way it is a heartbreakingly sad book, as the reader experiences the anxiety of the author and the family and the feelings of guilt that one suffers from in these circumstances. But in the end, a sort of redemption is found when the brother relapses into drugs shortly after the pilgrimage and dies – leaving his brother free at last of the burden, and now able to devote his life to medicine and good works.
It’s easy to be either over-dramatic, maudlin or self-pitying when recounting true-life tales such as this, but throughout the book, the author manages to keep his head above this and writes with an admirable objectivity.
Touchingly the author never seems to give up on what appears to be a hopeless case, and for me, this aspect is the crux of the book. The pilgrimage they take together, although interestingly descriptive of the history, the surroundings and the privations they endure, is very much secondary to the insights that the author gains into his brother’s mind and into their past relationship.
In a way it is a heartbreakingly sad book, as the reader experiences the anxiety of the author and the family and the feelings of guilt that one suffers from in these circumstances. But in the end, a sort of redemption is found when the brother relapses into drugs shortly after the pilgrimage and dies – leaving his brother free at last of the burden, and now able to devote his life to medicine and good works.
It’s easy to be either over-dramatic, maudlin or self-pitying when recounting true-life tales such as this, but throughout the book, the author manages to keep his head above this and writes with an admirable objectivity.
January 22, 2016
The general story was quite interesting. He reconnected with his brother through a spiritual journey called the Way in Spain. Their conversations widely ranged in topic, and it was a simple tale. I liked how Roussel interspersed the journey with tales of his brother and their relationship. Semi-autobiographical, partially his brother’s story, this was a very personal book.
I had a hard time with the writing style and grammar. There were typos and many errors that made this book difficult to understand at times. The print and spacing were both large which enabled me to get through this book quickly, but I think a good editing and proofreading would’ve done this journey some good.
I also had trouble with the beginning that discussed being “addicted” to weed. I think there was more going on there that perhaps wasn’t discussed as well as it could have been.
I did learn some historical things about Spain and some contemporary knowledge about the prison system that made this book more worth my while. I would have liked to hear more descriptors about the actual walk. I think that’s what I went in looking for from this book. The ending did elicit an emotional reaction from me, as I felt very involved in these brothers’ relationship. For that, I commend you, Roussel.
Roussel walked the way three times and was inspired to write this book after the death of his brother. He also writes this blog and is a doctor in Louisiana.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had a hard time with the writing style and grammar. There were typos and many errors that made this book difficult to understand at times. The print and spacing were both large which enabled me to get through this book quickly, but I think a good editing and proofreading would’ve done this journey some good.
I also had trouble with the beginning that discussed being “addicted” to weed. I think there was more going on there that perhaps wasn’t discussed as well as it could have been.
I did learn some historical things about Spain and some contemporary knowledge about the prison system that made this book more worth my while. I would have liked to hear more descriptors about the actual walk. I think that’s what I went in looking for from this book. The ending did elicit an emotional reaction from me, as I felt very involved in these brothers’ relationship. For that, I commend you, Roussel.
Roussel walked the way three times and was inspired to write this book after the death of his brother. He also writes this blog and is a doctor in Louisiana.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2016
“On the Primitive Way” written by Landon Roussel is a powerful memoir of man who together with his brother went on El Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
Their journey started in Spanish city Oviedo Spain where the author, who is the older brother, starts their story of journey that led them through the mountains of Asturias. The time they spent together again made them close after younger brother’s troubled past marked by time spent in prison, addiction and drugs.
While together going through all the natural challenges, Landon would find out that the physical struggle and natural hazards are much smaller problems than the past that stands behind and between them…
Though I will not disclose the events portrayed in the story not to spoil the book impression that it would certainly leave on every reader, I have to say that “On the Primitive Way” is not only book based on actual events but story of past and present, mistakes and corrections that these brothers went through.
In life all around us there are rarely happy endings and for this book characters one could ask what that term would actually mean - but for all those who are going through similar hard times in their lives Landon Roussel’s book could provide strength for the necessary changes.
And this is certainly reason why “On the Primitive Way”, this intimate, yet immensely courageous book, can be recommended.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
Their journey started in Spanish city Oviedo Spain where the author, who is the older brother, starts their story of journey that led them through the mountains of Asturias. The time they spent together again made them close after younger brother’s troubled past marked by time spent in prison, addiction and drugs.
While together going through all the natural challenges, Landon would find out that the physical struggle and natural hazards are much smaller problems than the past that stands behind and between them…
Though I will not disclose the events portrayed in the story not to spoil the book impression that it would certainly leave on every reader, I have to say that “On the Primitive Way” is not only book based on actual events but story of past and present, mistakes and corrections that these brothers went through.
In life all around us there are rarely happy endings and for this book characters one could ask what that term would actually mean - but for all those who are going through similar hard times in their lives Landon Roussel’s book could provide strength for the necessary changes.
And this is certainly reason why “On the Primitive Way”, this intimate, yet immensely courageous book, can be recommended.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
January 21, 2016
As a Camino enthusiast, I have read a few books about the historic pilgrimage, but this one was different. Not only does Dr. Roussel show what the less-traveled Camino Primitivo route is like, but he also tells a personal story of his brother who had a lifelong struggle with addiction. After his brother had been released from prison, the two of them walked the Camino together. The narrative shifts between two timelines—the present experience on the Camino, and memories of his brother, some of which were painful. Dr. Roussel is a skilled storyteller, so he manages to pull it off without the reader getting lost in the two worlds. The transitions were easy to follow and it succeeded in being a real page-turner!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone interested in the Camino. It will also be of interest for those who know someone struggling with addiction. Landon Roussel did a brave thing by openly writing about addiction, a subject that is usually kept locked away in a vault of family secrets. His Camino was more than just a long walk in Spain with his brother. There is an important lesson here.
Full review at:
http://thecaminoprovides.com/2016/01/...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone interested in the Camino. It will also be of interest for those who know someone struggling with addiction. Landon Roussel did a brave thing by openly writing about addiction, a subject that is usually kept locked away in a vault of family secrets. His Camino was more than just a long walk in Spain with his brother. There is an important lesson here.
Full review at:
http://thecaminoprovides.com/2016/01/...
May 17, 2016
Reseña en mi blog
4 of 5 stars
Muchas gracias al autor por mandarme, junto al libro firmado, una carta :)
La sinopsis ya adelanta algo de lo que el libro tratará: Un viaje espiritual de reencuentro entre dos hermanos distanciados por la adicción, el alcohol, las drogas y peleas.
Landon nos cuenta su historia de vida junto a los problemas que ha tenido que enfrentarse él y su familia por la adicción a las drogas y al alcohol de su hermano.
Una historia conmovedora que a medida que van pasando las hojas, uno empieza a encariñarse y descubrir cómo se destruyó y se va reconstruyendo la historia de los dos hermanos.
Yo no soy de leer novelas de los géneros auto-ayuda, sanación, espiritual, pero debo decir que me gustó. Muchas gracias a Landon por compartir su historia, proceso por el cuál él pudo encontrar el camino a la sanación luego del final. Valoro mucho el esfuerzo que ha dado Landon en compartir su historia con el resto de las personas :')
4 of 5 stars
Muchas gracias al autor por mandarme, junto al libro firmado, una carta :)
La sinopsis ya adelanta algo de lo que el libro tratará: Un viaje espiritual de reencuentro entre dos hermanos distanciados por la adicción, el alcohol, las drogas y peleas.
Landon nos cuenta su historia de vida junto a los problemas que ha tenido que enfrentarse él y su familia por la adicción a las drogas y al alcohol de su hermano.
Una historia conmovedora que a medida que van pasando las hojas, uno empieza a encariñarse y descubrir cómo se destruyó y se va reconstruyendo la historia de los dos hermanos.
Yo no soy de leer novelas de los géneros auto-ayuda, sanación, espiritual, pero debo decir que me gustó. Muchas gracias a Landon por compartir su historia, proceso por el cuál él pudo encontrar el camino a la sanación luego del final. Valoro mucho el esfuerzo que ha dado Landon en compartir su historia con el resto de las personas :')
December 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book as a beta reader for the purposes of providing critical feedback to the author prior to release. The decision to review was my own.
What struck me the most was while I was expecting the plot to reveal what Cory had learned about himself and focus on his journey, but in doing so, the main character learned more about himself and found ways to let go of the baggage he had been carrying as well. That part surprised me a bit and I found it to be very rewarding as a reader.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I had no issues with flow from chapter to chapter and definitely felt the emotion you were trying to convey. It's a very touching story. And I personally enjoyed the way in which it was written - meshing together the past and the present. It made it very realistic and I felt as though I was there watching it happen.
What struck me the most was while I was expecting the plot to reveal what Cory had learned about himself and focus on his journey, but in doing so, the main character learned more about himself and found ways to let go of the baggage he had been carrying as well. That part surprised me a bit and I found it to be very rewarding as a reader.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I had no issues with flow from chapter to chapter and definitely felt the emotion you were trying to convey. It's a very touching story. And I personally enjoyed the way in which it was written - meshing together the past and the present. It made it very realistic and I felt as though I was there watching it happen.
February 24, 2016
The book is an incredible true story of two estranged brothers who take a spiritual journey together on the Way of St. James, which unfortunately turns out to be their last. Dr. Roussel tells the story in a vivid and engaging way, weaving in the tumultuous backstory as flashbacks along the journey. As the story progresses, the peaces naturally fall together. The life events that brought the two brothers to the Way are quite a journey themselves. I enjoyed stopping to research and look up pictures of each place along the Way that he described. I almost felt like I was on the Way myself. As an only child who has never known what the relationship between brothers is like, I found the story fascinating, especially how the brothers' bond remained through so many years of turmoil and estrangement. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this book if any of the above interests you.
January 13, 2016
hmm....a lot of it is going from point A to B
very sad, startling, abrupt ending---Cory died, cause---probable homicide.
The most memorable part was Cory embracing forgiveness and consequently finding peace.
very sad, startling, abrupt ending---Cory died, cause---probable homicide.
The most memorable part was Cory embracing forgiveness and consequently finding peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 25, 2016kindle 226 hike santiago de compostela
February 17, 2024
Brothers going the less traveled route on the Camino. Cannot imagine how one's contemplative walk is ruined by boomer getting off tour buses to 'have the experience.'
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews