The utterly compelling and inspirational account of how two very different Australian writers tackle their demons walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, the legendary medieval pilgrimage across Spain.

Two writers, barely acquainted, decide - pretty much on the spur of the moment - to seize the day and go on an 800-kilometre hike along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. With its history and legends of Templar Knights, Holy Grails and bandits, there's bound to be a book in it!

But what happens when two vastly different people find themselves confronting their pasts - and each other - beneath the stark glare of mid-summer heat-waves? Bound by a promise and fuelled by lashings of local vino, what might have been a travelogue soon becomes an epic tale of tragedy, triumph and fierce loyalty as a scenic walk through mystic lands gives rise to far greater personal journeys.

Set amidst the olive groves, rolling hills, castles and cathedrals of Northern Spain; and featuring a supporting cast of eccentrics - from mad monks to angry nuns, lycra-clad cyclists, international soul seekers and boisterous boy scouts - The Year We Seized the Day is the inspiring, moving and blackly funny account of two hapless pilgrims on an extraordinary journey to the end of the earth...and beyond.

'...a gripping tale of endurance laced with heartache and wry humour.' Sun-Herald

'Their courage and honesty in facing their demons makes this book a compelling read.' Woman's Day