The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming [Deckle Edge] [Paperback]

Henri J. M. Nouwen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1994

The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return -- a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers -- and its enduring lessons for Christianity.

Full-color photographs with gatefold.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is a spiritual adventure story. A chance encounter with a poster depicting a detail of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son set in motion a chain of events that enabled Nouwen to redefine and claim his vocation late in his life. In this book, which interweaves elements of art history, memoir, Midrash, and self-help, Nouwen brings the parable to life with empathic analyses of each character. Nouwen's absorption in the story (and the painting) is so complete that the father's challenge to love the son, and the son's challenge to receive that love, become Nouwen's own. And Nouwen's writing is so clear and his tone is so appealingly frank and humble that readers--no matter how far from home--will find hope for themselves in the prodigal peace Nouwen ultimately achieves. --Michael Joseph Gross

From the Publisher

The beloved spiritual writer meditates on the parable of the prodigal son's return -- a powerful drama of fatherhood, filial duty, rivalry, and anger between brothers -- and its enduring lessons for Christianity.

Full-color photographs with gatefold.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 151 pages
• Publisher: Image Books / Doubleday Publishing Group; 1st Image Bks Ed Publ. April 1994 edition (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385473079
• ISBN-13: 978-0385473071
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (136 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism > Roman Catholicism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

451 of 476 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God we need this, October 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (Paperback)

God's love is unconditional is real that is the message. I loved the book. I would also recommend An Encounter With A Prophet for the same message

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Return of the Prodigal Son, May 2, 2000

By 

danny twork (Thomas Neslon Publishers, Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (Paperback)

Henri Nouwen has a way of making us look into the places that we would rather not look. When we are drawn into this study of the Rembrant painting we find a darkness that leads us to an illumination of our own lives. In this book it is with great joy that we discover love and forgiveness as well as hope. This book is a must read for all Christians. In going to the place that I did not want to go I found the place that I needed to go. This is the best spiritual book that I have read in years. I wish we had published this book.

72 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book; a simple but profound message, December 6, 2000

By 

William Krischke (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (Paperback)

What an incredible book. What a simple message, deeply explored and wonderfully exposited.

Henri Nouwen is a master of reflection, study, self-knowledge, and of writing beautiful, profound books. This book is amazing, perhaps life-changing. It has spoken to me in profound and deep ways, and I am deeply thankful for it.

Nouwen's main message, I think, is the unconditional, unfailing, all-surpassing love of the Father, this love that meets all needs easily. He puts himself in the place of the younger son, the older son, and the father, and considers this love - and the things that keep us from fully experiencing it - in all of these places, places that ring universal.

The media of realization here is the parable of course, but also Rembrandt's painting, Return of the Prodigal Son. It is profoundly helpful, fun, and provoking to consider this representation of the story and let it work spiritually in us, as it has in Father Henri. This book has more than opened my heart to the love of my Father, it has given me a new love for art, and a side education on Rembrandt and one of his most famous paintings.

In short, this is another truly rare, truly wonderful book from a modern mystic. Nouwen will be remembered, I hope, alongside Augustine, Lewis, and others I have yet to discover but now believe exist.

A sample:

"Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: "You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests"-the same voice that gave life to the first Adam and spoke to Jesus, the second Adam; the same voice that speaks to all children of God and sets them free to live in the midst of a dark world while remaining in the light. I have heard that voice. It has spoken to me in the past and continues to speak to me now. It is the never-interrupted voice of love speaking from eternity and giving life and love whenever it is heard. When I hear that voice, I know that I am home with God and have nothing to fear. As the Beloved of my heavenly Father, "I can walk in the valley of darkness: no evil would I fear." As the Beloved, I can confront, console, admonish, and encourage without fear of rejection or need for affirmation. As the Beloved, I can be tortured and killed without ever having to doubt that the love that is given to me is stronger than death. As the Beloved, I am free to live and give life, free also to die while giving life."

If you'd like to discuss this book with me, or recommend others, or just chat, e-mail me at [e-mail]. I'd love to talk with you.