Customer Reviews

Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer, and Contemplation

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Excellent book that brought a lot of closure to certain episodes in my life. Nouwen had a great gift for being able to write in very easy to understand ways about topics such as celibacy, solitude and contemplation. He gave wonderful insights into why these virtues are so wonderful and necessary for those wanting to grow in holiness. His section on celibacy was very enlightening, especially in this world where it is so misunderstood. I'm thrilled the book is now available again to buy!

This book may never hit the top of the charts or appeal to the general christian populace, but if you want to develop your spirit-man so as not to offend the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit, this book will stir you to contemplation and quieting the noise of your flesh so that your spirit may hear deeply. Though it is small, this is not a book to be read quickly. Allow it to seep into your spirit and gradually change your heart.

A few months ago I read Nouwen's classic The Wounded Healer. I loved Nouwen's ability to be very deep and serious while remaining personable. Clowning in Rome was recommended to me by a friend, and I look forward to reading another gem from Henri Nouwen.

The first couple of chapters were great. Drawing upon the image of clowns, Nouwen talks about the characters life and how they can be the real show even when they are on the sidelines, similar to clowns at the circus. I thoroughly enjoyed his discussion on solitude and its effect on the individual and the community. Who were are in solitude helps us understand who were are not and how God works with us, things that we can take into community.

The other topics in the book are dull and boring. I was looking forward to his chapter on celibacy however if he admits that he avoids the more obvious questions.

In the end, it's still a good read, but not a life changer or a thinker.

This is one of my favorite Nouwen books, along with Compassion (which I'm about to read again) and Return of the Prodigal Son.

I think that what I appreciate and enjoy most about Henri Nouwen is his taste for the paradox, the upside-down-kingdom perspective on things that must be under a lord who declares that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. And that sense of upsidedownness is probaby in its finest form in Clowning in Rome -- hence the title. In his quiet yet confident voice, Nouwen speaks of profound paradoxes -- how solitude is the foundation of community, celibacy the key element of a good marriage (or any intimate relation), and silence the basis of conversing with God.
I am learning how to read Nouwen's books as well, and it is something like the prayer life he talks about. I have been frustrating by the somewhat repetitive content of them in the past, but in some way, it is good and true that he sings the same tune repeatedly, with different variations. Somewhat in the same way of the Gospels -- it is good that there are four, though the story is basically the same. I am learning to quiet myself when I read Nouwen's books, not to read them quickly or intellectually or academically or even necessarily for content. It is amazing to me how often the Spirit speaks to me while reading these books: sometimes directly related to the content, sometimes not related at all. I am thankful for Nouwen's willingness to be a vessel for the Spirit through his writing, and for the environment these books help create within my spirit -- one in which I am especially attentive to the Spirit's whisperings.

I strongly wish that more people would read brother Nouwen's books, and hope that others find the same gold in them that I do. I strongly, firmly believe that it is Christianity of this sort -- this quiet, irrelevant, powerless spirituality -- that has the power to profoundly affect the world: indeed, that it is this kind of Christianity that has changed the world in past centuries.
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While this is perhaps the oldest of Nowen's mainstream published works, it is still worth reading today. Written in the late 60s (some of the psychology is dated) Nouwen explores some of those basic human issues that rest at the center of relationship. The focus is clearly geared toward seminarians and religious, but the text offers much for layperson as well.

Like most of Nouwen's work, this is a very approachable. His writing style is engaging and this little book will take no time to finish. It's style, an adaptation of presentations, allows for the reader to take in a little at a time and rest with it, intellectually digest it. A good book to reflect on.

Clowning in Rome is a must have for anyone who is serious about seeking the face of God! I am an avid reader and there are honestly only 4 books total that I can recommend as highly as this one. The vocabulary is unique (ie. solitude, celibacy) but if you can look past it to the virtue Henri is alluminating I promise you, you will be forever changed.