Customer Reviews

Meetings with the Archangel: A Comedy of the Spirit

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4 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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I knew I had to re-read this book even before I was halfway through the first reading. I found myself stopping to breathe between fantastically worded passages, only to dive in for more. The subtitle, A Comedy of the Spirit, best describes the book's unique voice. Meetings With the Archangel is the fictional autobiography of an author who pursues a meandering but intense path of spiritual training, from Hasidic Judaism to Zen training, with studies of numerous other writings on enlightenment and angels. The Archangel Gabriel visits him to reflect the author's own state of growth, as well as to amaze him with images of the heavens almost beyond comprehension. All this is done with unabashed passion and self-depricating humor. Even if you have little interest in angels, you will find a lot to chew on (and laugh about) from Gabriel's conversations. The character's exploration of the meaning of evil is also riveting and thought provoking. Stephen Mitchell balances mysterious thought-morsels with a light-hearted commentary that makes the consideration of spiritual journeys like playing frisbee with your soul. It is a goofy but rewarding challenge to catch what's being thrown at you.

What an astonishing experience this was -- I had just decided Zen was too cold and empty (like Jack Kerouac, another Catholic-turned-rabid-Zen-Buddhist, who later repudiated Zen, saying: "Zen leaves me cold now. I have felt the presence of angels.") So when I saw this title, "Meetings with the Archangel," I thought, "Yes! Let's forget Zen and read about gorgeous, colorful, swooping angels!" Imagine my surprise when the most riveting part of the book turned to be about, you guessed it, Zen. My mind is still reeling.

Having read numerous books on eastern philosopy, I was only mildly interested in yet another. However, Stephen Mitchell was appearing at a book-signing at the Harvard Coop Bookstore, and I simply could not pass it up. Accompanied by my daughter, we went, purchased the book and listened to Mr. Mitchell read portions from it. What a find! I have read Meetings with the Archangel twice and will read it again, I'm sure. Watching the development of the narrator as he progresses through several stages of spiritual enlightment was fascinating. The challenge, of course, is to launch yourself on such a mission. The story is entirely entertaining and one not to be put down once started. I suspect there is a great deal of Mr. Mitchell in this book, and it is especially wonderful to have a memory of his own voice reading selections from this excellent work of fiction. Well worth your time. Enjoy.

Even before I finsihed with this book, i found myself going back and re-reading sections. The author has the most amazing talant with words that I believe I've read to date. While the book can be a little slow, it is definately a must read for anyone with an appreciaiton for fine writing. It is funny, moving, and more than worth the time I've spent re-reading and highlighting my favorite passages. I tend to loan out books after I've read them and sometimes don't get them back. This book hasn't left my room for fear that I'll never see it again. I plan to tell any would-be borrowers that it's worth their money to buy their own copy.

I've read Mitchell's translations of Rilke (all of them); Rilke being my favorite poet, Mitchell has a place in my heart as my favorite translator. When I saw he had a bovel out, I decided to give it a whirl. Don't let "Comedy of the Spirit" fool you: there are some parts I found quite hysterical, but as a whole, I found myself reading the most comprehensible descriptions of Zen Buddhism I've ever read. This is a MUST for anyone who likes to think and feel deeply.

This was so fascinating and wonderfully written. I was glad that it was read by the author. I was pleased that it wasn't airy fairy, but showed the deep inquiring mind of the seeker. Enjoyed the way it twists and turned never knowing quite where it would go next. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this was an authentic experience by the author. It was so rich in description that I could easily see how this can be made into a movie. The character's inner conflict(Stephen's)resulting in a comforting resolution was truly inspiring. I certainly plan to listen and/or read it again. Bhavani from Windham NH

I highly recommend the tape version that i listened to. Mitchell has an excellent understanding of the world and presents it in a very approachable way.

I thought, "oh, angels. Right." Like the author I thought myself beyond such things. What he and his angel say is still reverberating through me. Read this.

I loved this book from the moment, go! Stephen Mitchell has a sure touch of the irreverent and absurd in the chapters where he recounts meeting the Archangel Gabriel. And even if angels really did all these things that Gabriel said they do (what? lovemaking in the heavens?), the ideas are innately profound and provocative. The other chapters where Mitchell dissects the process of his enlightenment are more discursive in tone, but there's plenty to be gleaned from here. And though some of the passages are as enigmatic as the koans that he provides as examples, one gets a wild sense of exhilaration in the joyous non-sense of it all. Heartily recommended for the searcher, as well as for those simply interested in what angels could possibly be up to.

Meetings with the Archangel is a tour de force, filled with the deepest spiritual insights from Eastern and Western traditions. I actually bought this book a decade ago, but let it sit on my shelf for all these years, not knowing what it was. Now I want to order more copies to give to friends. In the realm of spiritual fiction, I can't think of anything remotely like it and can't agree with the statement that it is as if the author had started to write three different books. A strength of the novel is that he takes diverse spiritual traditions and skillfully relates them at a profound level. Although it is no longer in print, this book should be a classic.