Genius Born of Anguish: The Life and Legacy of Henri Nouwen

by Michael W. Higgins

Overview

An intimate look at this important spiritual writer’s life, enriched with the personal accounts of some of the people closest to him: friends, family, and colleagues. A twelve-page photo section is included.
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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781587682872
Publisher:	Paulist Press
Publication date:	01/16/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Shoes 11

Chapter 2 The Fall of the Leaves 53

Chapter 3 The Return of the Prodigal Son 87

Afterword: Listening to Henri 131

Notes 144

The Interviews 148

Henri Nouwen Resources 150

Books by Henri Nouwen 150

Books with a Foreword, Preface, or Introduction by Henri Nouwen 154

Excerpts and Anthologies 155

Henri Nouwen on Audio and Video 157

Books about Henri Nouwen 159

Editorial Reviews

Henri Nouwen was one of the most prolific and creative spiritual writers of the 20th century. Higgins and Burns, creators of a documentary about Nouwen's life scheduled for broadcast in September, fittingly offer an honest and profound examination told primarily from the perspective of those who knew him best. While he acquired tens of thousands of fans, Nouwen was plagued with self-doubt and anguish. His intense desire for emotional intimacy, combined with an unfolding self-awareness of his homosexuality, often bound the writer up, leaving him struggling with how to live an authentic life as a Catholic priest. Even so, the collection of dear friends Nouwen attracted during his life is most impressive. While the string of quotations from these folks can get tiresome, it also leaves no doubt about the love and respect so many felt for this humble and vulnerable soul. Ultimately, it was Nouwen's life challenges and ability to love deeply that made him such a gifted writer with an ability to connect with everyday people. (Sept. 4)

Publishers Weekly

Writer and Catholic priest Henri Nouwen (The Return of the Prodigal Son) was and remains one of the most beloved figures in contemporary spirituality. This brief examination of his life shows, in line with other recent revelations about Nouwen (including from some of his most personal writings) that all the light and joy he brought to readers and friends scarcely touched the misery, depression, and sexual confusion that darkened his days. Higgins (Suffer the Children Unto Me) is Nouwen's official biographer, and he is laudably clear about his subject's strengths and weaknesses. VERDICT The sad story of a remarkable life, this book should appeal to many seekers, but may come as a shock to Nouwen's less-informed readers.

Library Journal