Torbjorn Ekelund is Norwegian. When he was in his 40s, he was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He could no longer drive. He had to walk. Although the author has walked many paths around the world, “In Praise of Paths” is about walking in Norway. Written in a very readable conversational style Torbjorn’s book begins and ends with a path he walked often in his childhood. In between these walks are adventures in getting lost in Norway’s very dense forests, while looking for ancient walking routes. “In Praise of Paths” is a very tender account of one family’s history, of the author’s attempt to hold onto the past and of the sadness we all must feel, when we know we can never go back.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a true story of family ties, the therapy of walking and the passage of time. There is a strong emotional undercurrent and a realization of what is really important in our lives. It’s a gentle read from a sensitive author on a timeless subject.