Customer Reviews

Book of Mercy

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Leonard Cohen, always the great poet, has done a masterful job of expressing the spirit of the Psalms in modern prosaic, poetic form. And like the son of the chief psalmist, Cohen has traveled a road that has taken him through many life experiences, only to come through them to arrive at the knowledge of that which truly matters. Book of Mercy is not only a literary gem, but a book of enlightening and thought provoking inspiration for Jew and Christian alike, not to mention that person we often refer to as a seeker.

Because I had bought and read his latest book I decided to buy an old one. Since his songs are poems set to music this book is prose brought to the level of poetry. Short thoughts on his relationship to a higher being or muse or idea. Thought provoking. A pleasure just to read. The man has spent his life finding the right words and metaphoric language for his deep thoughts on love and meaning and life. Thank you, Leonard

Although Book of Mercy is written in prose, its soul is poetic.

To try to describe it I must point at the Moon -- there are no words

in me, experience it for yourself. My best friend's roots are Jewish,

mine are Catholic, we have evolved into an inclusive state of being,

yet Book of Mercy shows us the origins of our religions respectively --

althouth it is beyond either.

Here are some publisher's quotes: "An eloquent victory of the human spirit in combat with itself." (Globe and Mail)

"One of the most honest and courageous attempts in Canadianwriting to grapple with ultimate truth." (Books in Canada)

"Resplendent evidence of an arduous spiritual journey." (Maclean's)

Nobody else in our times reaches the tundra of the soul's journey as does Cohen. A wonderful love-version of the Star of David graces the cover.

Perhaps Leonard Cohen has never been a King, as was David, but the passion of his reflections truly invites comparison.

Cohen struggles with G-d, in the finest tradition of Judaism-- indeed, of all spiritual combat. So he both speaks to G-d, and he listens. His listening compels me to listen with my own feeble ears.

This is a book for all spiritual combatants, whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim. Or any faith that is "of the book."

I love this book!!! Leonard Cohen is the arguably the most touching writer alive today. I always feel a real connection with his writing, and it always leaves me in total awe.

It takes a lot of courage to publish a book of spiritual exercises when your name is Leonard Cohen. But then, wouldn't we expect something different from Lenny? Yes, we do, and that's why this magnificent book is offered to us - for consumption, displays, adoration, negligence, dull moments. Take Lenny's longing from the book and understand that being alone in this world is impossible because Cohen will always be there. Wanna have a new friend? Try LC.

As I read these petitions to G-d I was transcended into the mind and soul of a very, very beautiful, gifted and learned Jewish man. I feel like I'm in a long past century while reading these psalms. When I think of Leonard Cohen, I ask myself how I can be so taken by a man 74 years old in age? The answer is quite simple. A man who has a love and awe of G-d will never grow old in my eyes. We are very fortunate that he has exposed his yearnings to us.

Dare I use his prayers as I beseech my Maker? I'd love to see this book translated into Hebrew.

We all wonder what glories and mysterious triumphs lie inside the simple fascinations of life. Here, Leonard Cohen briefs the impeccable medium of the melancholy and existence that surrounds the elite group of wanderers in life. When we wonder and search for the deeper significance in every day that we live, this book serves to us, the genius in the forgotten world of true humanitu, and the art that lies within it

This was a read from a long time ago. I chose to visit again, and also to offer it to my wife who needed to read such words in a difficult time. Leonard Cohen is an acquired taste when it comes to music, but his writing is for all.

I love the way Leonard Cohen writes! His poetry is thought-provoking and interesting. At times he is easy to relate to. This is one of those texts that will always stay on my shelf . . . not to be lent out. You could take it down anytime and give it a spin.