Book Being Reviewed:
Nouwen, H., (1992). The return of the Prodigal Son: A story of homecoming. New York: Image Books.

Reviewer:
Kelly Kozlowski

Genre:
Spirituality

Subject Headings:
Spiritual journey

Review:
Populations:
Spirituality, Development, Aging, Relationships, Family counseling

Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest, felt driven to view Rembrandt’s moving representation of the parable the prodigal son. The telling of a story that begins as one mans journey to stand before a beloved painting, becomes an account of one man’s journey to understand himself. The author parallels not only his own life’s journey to that of the prodigal son, but also Rembrandt’s life-journey. A powerful shift in the story takes place early on when it is suggested that the author might also find himself represented in the father figure that embraces the son. Not only are the wounds of the father and the son reflections of his, and our own, woundedness, but so too are the wounds of the elder son and the onlookers.

This beautiful metaphor hints at the readers own woundedness safely allowing for self reflection and healing. The power of this small, unassuming book is its ability to speak to us and for us, giving voice to the silent pains we carry. As I read I too found myself longing for the embrace of the Father, yearning to hear Him whisper the words, I am well pleased. I saw within myself the sorrow and longing of the father for the loss of his beloved. I understood within myself the hard conversion of the elder brother and the discontent of the onlookers. As a counselor I came to embrace my wounded spirit, allowing me to better behold the wonder of a living soul.