Book Review: Spiritual Places by Sarah Baxter
Spiritual Places by Sarah Baxter
Illustrated by Harry & Zanna Goldhawk
One thing that my favourite fiction titles have in common is the genre: magical realism. Blurring the lines between what is real and what is felt, what is imagined, what is magical. Presenting the extraordinary as normal, every day things.
Sarah Baxter’s book isn’t fiction and isn’t magical realism. But I had this in mind when reading it because, in her descriptions of the deep connections people have to certain places on Earth, I felt these places calling me to experience the magic of something more.
Much like magical realism, spiritual places can look normal to those who don’t know the full story. Indeed, millions of people pass through spiritual places every year without truly understanding their importance. I enjoyed this book so much because it added an extra layer of meaning to places I already knew were significant. It helped me understand why certain areas of the world have become ‘must-see,’ but also made me realise that ‘must-see’ won’t do these places justice at all. To truly understand them, you have to feel them.
Travel the World in 25 Chapters
The book is divided into 25 short chapters, each one focussing on a different more-than-it-seems location. Some are destinations that are widely recognised: Uluru, Jerusalem. Some are geological wonders that became culturally significant: the Ganges, Mount Olympus. From churches to villages, lakes to temples, cities to pilgrimage routes, this is a collection of places that have meant something - have meant everything - to millions of people in the past, present and future. As the author puts it:
There are certain places that manage to seep into your soul. They don’t stop at delighting your external senses with their drama or design. No, they have a way of inching further; of permeating your skin and sinking deep deep down inside; of making you ask new questions about yourself, maybe even about the crux of human existence.
Illustrations that are Works of Art
I can’t go any further without mentioning the illustrations in this book. They are works of art. I wish they were sold as prints to buy - they are so beautiful. Each chapter has one or two full page illustrations showing the artists view of the location. Even in the imagery evokes the mystery and divinity surrounding these locations: pink and orange skies, purple mountains and red rocks bring the legends to life.
I’m so glad they used illustration in the book rather than photographs - whilst I’m sure each of the places is beautiful to look at, it is the stories behind and the feeling of these places that is truly special, and that is for everyone to interpret in their own way.
The beauty of this book hit me the most when I read about a place I had already visited - Uluru. I had researched and understood the history of the area when I visited, and even had a guide with me, but reading Baxter’s poetic, almost lyrical description of the place made me look back on my visit in a different way.
I read this book in the context of a global lockdown with no travel on the horizon, so I’m sure my wanderlust was at a peak in any case. But this book inspired me to want to visit places I had never considered, to learn more about the stories and significance behind places I have heard of and look at places I have been in a whole new light.
So pick up this book to travel across the world through a range of religions, beliefs and spiritual teachings. Add places to your bucket list that will send transcendent shivers down your spine. Plan to visit them and connect both to the beauty and to the magic of this world.
Spiritual Places by Sarah Baxter
Illustrated by Harry and Zanna Goldhawk
Part of the Inspired Traveller’s Guide series
ISBN 978-1-78131-742-6
RRP: £14.99
Buy from your local independent bookseller.
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