I’ve had the good fortune to have traveled in Europe and have walked by many of the places Trish Clark writes about in her book. I did not have the good fortune of having read or brought a copy of this book with me when I went. Therefore, I paid too much, stayed at less than quaint places, and missed an opportunity of a lifetime. I doubt I’ll get the opportunity to go back. Sounds like I’m suggesting you buy the book only if you plan on going to Europe and want a cheap night at some hostel, right? Wrong. This is no ordinary travelogue. Trish Clark has put together the ultimate guide book / travelogue / history / religious setting / and "must see and eat" companion any traveler might imagine or want.

Filling the 236 pages are wonderful descriptions of convents and monasteries that have opened their doors, many hundreds of years old, to travelers, offering much more than a worn-out hostel bed. She takes the reader through the convent or monastery, gives the location, phone, cost, accommodations, language, and local sights and eating establishments and in such a way as to make the reader feel as if he is packing for a flight right now. Thorough only vaguely describes Clark’s efforts. Her words and descriptions are beautiful, often putting the well known travelogues to shame. Even that is not enough. The book is beautiful, hefty, a keeper long after the traveler returns. She has even thought of a dustcover bookmark and a cloth page marker. What more could you ask for? Well done. Maybe I will go back to Italy for a short stay after all.