Customer Reviews

Swamplands of the Soul: New Life in Dismal Places (Studies in Jungian Psychology By Jungian Analysts)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book brought me back from the depths of despair! I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone experiencing extreme guilt, grief, loss, betrayal, doubt, loneliness, depression, despair, obsession, addiction, anger, fear, angst or anxiety. The book goes through every one of these topics in great detail. It explains their causes, symptoms, and ways of overcoming them. It explains the opportunity for growth that is inherent in our struggles, providing inspiration and hope when it is most needed. I will warn that the author uses some vocabulary that non-psychologists won't know. Just keep your dictionary handy. It's well worth the effort.

This is the latest of a wonderful series of small, warm, wise books by Jungian analyst James Hollis. This one visits the dark places of our soul that are far too often avoided from fear or mere inattention. There is a poetry that runs through Hollis' work that is rare in Jungian literature. Perhaps it's there because he loves poetry himself so much and quotes it extensively and aptly, but his own prose reads like poetry, yet without sacrificing lucidity. I can't imagine anyone not learning something from this and other books by James Hollis.

For those of us who struggle with uncommonly difficult fates -- and the attendant uncommonly difficult mother, father and other nearly autonomous swollen complexes -- James Hollis is among the few unsentimental Jungian analysts who writes with an integral awareness of object relations theory and the DSM and the paradoxes of individuation and an authentically lived life of integrity. "Consciousness broadens and enriches us, though it may be dearly paid for." Good case and dream studies and a discerning teacher. An unfortunately melodramatic title, but recommended.

This book is absoultly great. The only drawback of the book, if there is one, is that after reading each page, I would sit and think for about 10 minutes. If you are open to the material, it will absoultly rock your world. Go for it. Take the journey. I'm reading his other books too and the guy is just amazing.

I have read several of this author's books. I found this book to be his most compelling book. Each chapter can be taken separately if you like and I like to wonder back through, re-reading different chapters to get a closer study. More than most psychology writers and even Jungian writers, Mr. Hollis adds beauty to his work with his extensive and well taken quotes from literature. I will never pass my copy on to a friend or to the used book dealer. Worth noting also is that this was one of his earlier books and I believe it introduces much of what he covers in later books.

I have read a few of Dr. Hollis's books but this is the best so far. He tackles the deep psychological issues of life with clarity and erudition. He is never an "easy read" though this seem easier than the others I have read. Especially useful are the brief case histories followed by an indepth discussion of what the symptons are hiding and keeping alive in the individual's failure to address the question: "what is s/he avoiding." This book demonstarts the connection between psychology and philosphy, in this case a Jungian-Existential view.

This is one of the few books in my library that I re-visit every so often. It ideationally captures the drivers of the unavoidable psychic roadblocks that all humans encounter. It frames these raodblocks as natural phenomena that actually contribute to "happiness" if they're faced creatively. Required reading for all those paying attention.

James Hollis has changed my life. His books show an incredible insight into the soul, and helped me become a person I really like. For the first time in my life, I am comfortable with who I am and how I relate to others. He answered questions I've had since childhood, questions that led me on a searth which left a lot of hurt women in my wake. I highly recommend any of his books for anyone interested in personal growth.

Another way to look at the pain and despair that is part of life. It is about the darkest spots that we fall into and the highest peaks we can attain. Read it if you care to take your emotions for one heck of a ride!

I have read meanwhile several books of James Hollis. I have bought all of them, but I am not through with all yet.
I am sorry that I have never met a person with his view in my whole life.
I enjoy reading his books, because they are profound and because they are written in a style that gives you the impression as if Dr. Hollis is sitting in front of you and talking to you in person. It is as if there is a genuine and wise friend in front of you, who understands life with all its ramifications and who teaches you about it. I prefer reading his books over talking to people.