Out of the silence : memories, poems, reflections

by Terry Waite

Other authorsJenny Coles (Illustrator)
Paperback, 2016

Status

Available

Call number

B WAITE

Publication

London : Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2016.

ISBN

9780281077618

Local notes

inscription: donated by Bevianne Fitch

Description

At the height of the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s over 100 foreign civilians were taken hostage by Islamic Jihad. As the Archbishop of Canterbury's special envoy, Terry Waite conducted several successful missions to negotiate the release of numerous hostages. But in January 1987, while on one of his many visits to Beirut, he was captured himself. Imprisoned for nearly five years, four of them in solitary confinement, he was chained, beaten, frequently blindfolded, and subjected to a mock execution. In this moving sequence of poems and reflections Terry Waite recalls the highs and lows of his life, both during that ordeal and throughout the happier years of humanitarian work that have followed. They give us a glimpse into the depths of faith, hope and love that sustained him through that intense time of suffering. They also take us into memories of his later life, reminding us of the joy to be found in meaningful work, and in the humanity we share with those around us. Out of the Silence not only offers a rare insight into one man's experience in the throes of a bitter conflict of the past; it also bears witness to the enduring power of forgiveness, truth and reconciliation in the face of adverse forces still at work in the world today.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member cbl_tn
In the final decades of his life, humanitarian Terry Waite reflects on his experiences and relationships through poetry. Each poem is preceded by a short prose narrative that puts it into the context of Waite's life. Waite spent nearly five years as a hostage in Lebanon, and he seems to have become
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acclimated to solitude while in captivity. Solitude is a recurring theme in this collection of poems. Waite has earned worldwide respect for his survival through five years of captivity and for his many years of humanitarian work. Through poetry, he is able to share the wisdom he gained through the painful passages in his life.

The prose portion of this book was primarily written while Waite was on a retreat in New Zealand. Black and white drawings by Jenny Coles enhance Waite's poetry and prose. This collection would make a thoughtful gift for someone with an interest in humanitarianism, the events of the late 20th century, or New Zealand.

This review is based on an electronic advance readers copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member ReadingMeeting
Poetry and prose written by Terry Waite during and following his years as a hostage

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Call number

B WAITE

Barcode

5580
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