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Eanes' deep feeling for and knowledge of the life of St. Francis of Assisi inspired him to explore the "Way," the places inhabited by the patron saint of, among others, animals, ecology, and people who lead lives that move towards spiritual development and away from material possessions. Realizing that this trip—their second pilgrimage—would be fatiguing, he and his wife made a list of rules to work and walk by. As they traveled on foot, by bus, and in spirit, the pilgrims encountered situations, people, and places that the author often construes as extremely significant to their spiritual education. Throughout the journey, the author feels Francis' guidance and protection. Eanes and Jane rarely are without necessities or adequate (at times, luxurious) comfort. To reach Assisi is the objective, but to know St. Francis is the ultimate goal.
The author first became interested in the life of St. Francis when he saw the film Brother Sun, Sister Moon, which was based on the saint's life. The author's phrasing is exquisite—smooth and clear so that it draws the reader into the story. Even people who have neither hiked nor climbed on a trek are able to empathize with the couple's experiences. The author's technique is honest, simple, direct, and positive. perhaps symbolically reflecting St. Francis' philosophy. Throughout, the story is packed with surprises and emotional and spiritual rewards. The tale truly takes the reader on a spiritual journey. This work differs from other books about pilgrimages in that it is, in many respects, a love story, engagingly describing the author's quest to fulfill his dreams about learning, in as many senses as possible, the ways of the remarkable man who taught simple, truthful lessons and experienced a particularly deep connection to God.
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