I'm Off Then

German comedian Hape Kerkeling chronicles his 500-mile journey along the Camino de Santiago, one of Europe's oldest pilgrimage routes. This bestselling memoir documents his six-week trek across Spain, recording daily encounters and observations while walking toward Santiago de Compostela. The narrative captures both physical and personal challenges as Kerkeling navigates mountain paths, small villages, and pilgrim hostels. His account includes interactions with fellow travelers from around the world and descriptions of Spanish landscapes, culture, and local customs. Through his journey, Kerkeling explores themes of spiritual seeking, self-discovery, and the universal human experience of searching for meaning. The book speaks to the transformative power of stepping away from everyday life to undertake a significant physical and spiritual challenge.

Readers describe this Camino de Santiago memoir as funny and heartfelt, with many appreciating Kerkeling's self-deprecating humor and observations about fellow pilgrims. Many German readers note it captures his comedic voice well. Liked: - Honest portrayal of physical/emotional challenges - Cultural insights and interactions - Balance of humor and spiritual reflection - Practical details about the pilgrimage Disliked: - Some found the English translation lacking compared to German original - Multiple readers called early chapters slow - Several noted repetitive descriptions of meals/lodging - Some wanted more spiritual depth Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon DE: 4.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.2/5 (200+ ratings) "Made me laugh out loud while also providing genuine insight into the Camino experience" - Goodreads reviewer "Lost some charm in translation but still worth reading" - Amazon reviewer

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★ The book was originally published in German under the title "Ich bin dann mal weg" and became one of Germany's best-selling books of all time, with over 3 million copies sold ★ The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) traditionally ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the apostle Saint James are believed to be buried ★ Hape Kerkeling was primarily known as a comedian and TV personality in Germany before writing this book, making his spiritual journey and serious writing endeavor unexpected for his fans ★ The author completed his pilgrimage in 2001 while taking a break from his entertainment career due to health issues, walking approximately 800 kilometers in 36 days ★ The book inspired a successful 2015 German film adaptation starring Devid Striesow as Kerkeling, helping introduce the story to an even wider audience