Henri Nouwen and the Return of the Prodigal Son

“Gabrielle Earnshaw’s Henri Nouwen & the Return of the Prodigal Son: The Making of a Spiritual Classic (Paraclete Press, May 2020) is a genuine gift of a book, a gift that is filled with surprising insights and rare material that has never been presented in print before.” (from a review by Kevin Burns)

“Earnshaw writes both with scholarly care and deep insight into Nouwen’s journey of writing this book. One ordinarily would not think of an account of how a book was written as spiritually edifying. This was different because Earnshaw helps us enter into Nouwen’s journey with Rembrandt’s painting. She captures the “wounded healer” Nouwen, one who answered the vocation to become a father, even as he wrestled to believe in his belovedness. She traces the transforming process in his life, and the blessing he offered to the members of his community and thousands of readers. Reading this book not only points us to a classic. It points us to the Father whose hands rest in the prodigal’s shoulders and invites the elder son to share his joy.” (from a review by Bob on Books)

Henri Nouwen and the Return of the Prodigal Son: The Making of a Spiritual Classic (Paraclete Press)

Published on May 12, 2020; 176 pages; ISBN-10: 1640601694; ISBN-13: 978-1640601697; ISBN-13: 978-1640601697

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is Henri Nouwen’s most popular book, selling seven million copies since its publication in 1992. What accounts for its ongoing popularity as a spiritual classic? Drawing from extensive research in Nouwen’s archives, author and Chief Archivist for the Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, Gabrielle Earnshaw, provides a detailed account of how the book came to be written, shedding light on Nouwen’s writing process and aspects of his life experience that influenced his insights and ideas. Earnshaw examines Nouwen’s intellectual formation as well as the impact of his family and friends on the shape of the book. Letters, many published here for the first time, give us a privileged look at Henri’s world during the nine years he took to complete the book. Earnshaw considers how it compares to other books published at the same time to place the work and its author in a historical, cultural and religious/spiritual context. Finally, she explores how Nouwen himself was changed by the book and why twenty-three later it continues to touch the hearts and minds of 21st century readers.

Reviews

Review by Bob on Books, September 24, 2020

The Gift of a Book by Kevin Burns, March 29, 2020

Review by Ray Glennon on Goodreads, May 12, 2020

Review by Charles Ringma, Emeritus Prof. Regent College, Vancouver, Canada; author of Dare to Journey with Henri Nouwen (Albatross/Pinon) and The Seeking Heart: A Journey with Henri Nouwen (Paraclete)