The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

Fresh, incisive study of the parable of the Prodigal. Everyone will find themselves somewhere in this book. Another work of word art from the heart of one who found his true self.

How can one improve on such a familiar and endearing story? By sharing an unforeseen personal "journey", Henri Nouven provides an answer that pierces to the heart. After a routine positioning of the circumstances that led to his own revelation, Nouven unveils the topic that one expects to be the book's conclusion. What could possibly be left? Quite a lot it turns out as Nouven introduces the reader to a cast of characters we have always overlooked and in whom the reader will see many familiar faces, including their own. This book offers substance for personal reflection or is suitable for family reading.

Nouwen's meditation on the Gospel parable and Rembrant's painted depiction of the Return of the Prodigal Son is amazing. Touching the heart with his honest and transparent identification with each of the three figures central to the story.

This book provides beautiful insights into the spiritual, intellectual and emotional struggles that accompany the various stages and experiences of embodying each of the three figures (Father, Older Son and Younger Son).

This is a book that is approachable and speaks to all. I highly recommend it.

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. I left the Catholic Church right after high school, and returned after being away 25 years, The Gospel reading the Sunday I returned was the Prodigal Son !

This book is short, simple and profound in helping to get over the hump of low self-esteem and not forgiving yourself for past failures. It doesn't sugar coat them - it just helps you to clearly understand that in order to love - we must allow ourselves to be loved and that can only happen by embracing the unconditional love of the Father as described in the book.

But it doesn't stop there. It goes on to explain how, in our spiritual growth, we are also the older brother in the parable, and to reach the ultimate in growth - we must strive to leave the child stage and reach the Fatherhood stage. To be able to love unconditionally as the Father does.

This book will lift you and your spirit to new heights !

JB
Dayton OH

THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON by Henri J.M. Nouwen, is a reader's journey into his own soul. When Nouwen is moved by Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal", he explores the Luke 15:11-32 parable as it relates to his own spiritual journey. He searches the depths of the father, the elder son, the younger son, and the role of forgiveness, compassion and unconditional love.

Having recently experienced the original painting in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, we were reminded of Nouwen's book. Each is intense and powerful in its grip on the reader or viewer, and on our return we bought several copies of this
book to share with friends who are experienceing difficulties in addressing weaknesses that can only be resolved through reconciliation.