My bastard on the Way of St James: Pilgrimage by bike - Book tip

The Munich restaurateur Alexander Altmann presents with "My bastard on the Way of St James" an unusual travelogue that describes the classic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from a special perspective. In his work, published by Bruckmann, it is not the author himself who recounts his experiences on the famous Way of St James, but his inner bastard. Altmann does not cover the 1,500 kilometre route on foot, but by bike - much to the chagrin of his inner bastard, who would rather have stayed on the couch.

A life change as a trigger

At the age of 50 and after three decades of self-employment in the catering industry, Alexander Altmann experiences an unplanned professional and personal upheaval. This life situation gave him the idea of taking a period of self-reflection and travelling the Camino de Santiago. While his inner bastard would certainly have had arguments against this gruelling tour, he is unable to dissuade the author from his plan. Instead, he reluctantly accompanies him on the 28-day journey through Spain and comments on his experiences from his very own perspective.

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By bike instead of on foot

Unlike most pilgrims, Altmann opts for the bicycle as a means of transport. This decision enabled him to cover the 1500 kilometre route in 28 days - a distance that typically takes pilgrims on foot several months. The choice of bicycle brings its own challenges, from steep climbs and rough terrain to the logistical issues of accommodation and catering. All of these aspects are examined in the book from the humorous perspective of the pig dog, who comments on the physical efforts and hardships with a sceptical eye.

The iron resolution

A central element of the journey is Altmann's resolution not to get angry with anyone or anything - a challenge that his inner bastard pursues with particular interest. In the course of the pilgrimage, this resolution is put to the test time and again, be it through adverse weather conditions, strenuous climbs, uncomfortable accommodation or encounters with other pilgrims. The question of whether the author will succeed in sticking to his resolution is a recurring theme throughout the book and provides humorous moments of self-realisation.

The journey as self-reflection

Behind the amusing narrative style lies a deeper level of self-reflection. The pilgrimage becomes an opportunity for Altmann to rethink his previous life and gain new perspectives. The inner bastard acts as a critical companion, scrutinising and commenting on the author's thoughts and decisions. This dialogue structure allows the reader to experience both the external journey through the Spanish landscape and the author's inner journey.

The author behind the bastard

Alexander Altmann, born in 1957, brings an interesting perspective to his travelogue as a restaurateur with a passion for the music of the 70s and 80s and for perfectly mixed cocktails. His professional experiences and his life's journey flow into the narrative and give the book a personal touch. The decision to tell the story from the perspective of the inner bastard reflects Altmann's capacity for self-irony and creates an entertaining distance to his own experiences and thoughts.

Other works by the author

In addition to "Mein Schweinehund auf dem Jakobsweg", Alexander Altmann has also published other books, including "Weisswurst Geheimnisse" and "Das schwarzrotgoldene Barbuch". These works demonstrate his versatility as an author and his ability to deal with different topics with humour and expertise. His gastronomic expertise is just as important as his gift for observation and his flair for entertaining stories.

Book "My bastard on the Way of St James"

• Price: 22,99 Euro >> available here
• Author: Alexander Altmann
• Publisher: Bruckmann
• Publication date: 30.07.2021
• Format: Hardback edition
• Page number: 192
• Dimensions: 23.7 x 17 x 2.4 cm
• Edition: 1st edition
• Language: German
• ISBN: 978-3-7343-2343-0