The Pilgrim, by Joy Margetts
Before Hal joins the Cistercian Abbey in the heart of medieval Wales and adopts the new name of Hywel, his selfish lust has already done immeasurable harm to those closest to him. When a careless slip of the tongue deeply hurts his fellow novices, he expects to be banished. Much to his amazement, his mentor instead suggests he accompany a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints.
He soon discovers the other members of the group each have their own hangups and aspirations.
Margetts has cleverly constructed the pilgrims’ journey from one way station to the next. Each stopover reveals a prevailing feature – sometimes positive, sometimes negative – of community life. And at each stage, one of the group’s members faces the primal affliction weighing on their soul and seeks healing from God.
The pilgrims
In Myfanwy’s case, this involves a two-step process: her emotional burden has to be lifted before her body reflects her release. Tomos’ epilepsy, resulting from a childhood injury, is cured, but before long he is called to meet his Maker, much to the chagrin of his devoted brother Rhys. Only Matthew, summoned home by his father, abandons the party without resolving his identity crisis.
Both Hywel and Madoc, whose past misdeeds weigh heavy on their hearts, require a deeper touch from God, before they experience the joy and freedom of forgiveness.
Conclusion
This book – a prequel to The Healing – is very well written. The characters truly come to life, and the progressive restoration of each soul’s wellbeing is carefully developed. We find ourselves identifying with one or other and are led to examine our own relationship with God.