Customer Reviews

Holy Abandonment

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I'm not sure what the other reviewer of this book wanted, but I want to offer a different perspective, as I've owned and used this book for years. I own a whole shelf load of books on abandonment, including the great classic, Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence, by JP de Caussaude. This book, Holy Abandonment, exceeds them all.

The author, a Cistercian priest writing in the early 20th century, takes the entire Catholic tradition of suffering and abandonment, and develops and summarizes it in a very helpful and methodical way. It is also laced with countless practical examples from the lives of the greatest Catholic saints. I learned more on the subject from this one book than from all the other books on abandonment combined, not only on a theoretical, but a very practical level. Has helped me immeasurably through all the difficulties and contradictions of life I've encountered since, and in a way the helps me really grow in holiness and trust in the Lord, regardless of what is happening in life. I'm very appreciative of Tan Books for keeping this in print, and recommend it to everyone. It is a real classic and one of the best books on my shelf.

The book first lays a foundation for understanding the concept of abandonment and how to recognize the will of God in your life. It then, chapter by chapter, explains how to practice abandonment in virtually every sort of difficulty in life: prosperity and adversity, health and sickness, reputation, humiliations, works of zeal, prayer, interior trials, you name it, in really detailed and specific ways. It is exhaustive and practical, and based on sound theology and the experience of the saints.

This is not lightweight, watered-down spirituality, but real meaty stuff, solid food for those serious about growing in holiness and real closeness to the Lord. Truly an irreplaceable book.

Years ago I heard a talk on the subject of "Holy Abandonment" and hoped this book would have some of the same ideas in it: it did not fill the bill, although I have to admit that I did not read every word of it.