Living L’Arche
Stories of Compassion Love and Disability
by Kevin S.Reimer
GoodBookStall Review:
This is the first 'academic' study of L'Arche communities in the United States. Jean Vanier, L'Arche's founder, in the 'Foreword', highly commends the author's investigations and findings - that is recommendation enough.
The book revolves round 'compassionate love'; it 'is rooted in habits which are intuitive in nature.' (p. 110); it 'is...about relationships between core members and caregiver assistants.' (p. 83). 'The simple fact is that relatively unremarkable individuals...constantly do rather remarkable things.' (ibid). The title refers equally to the experiences of 'core members' and 'caregiver assistants'. 'They [the core members] help the assistants grow to greater maturity; they lead the way into a deepened vision of Christianity, a way of unity and of love.' (Jean Vanier, p. vii).
Kevin Reimer lets his interviewees and the events he describes provide a narrative which leads on to his comments. Despite his objective approach, he clearly becomes in awe of, admires and respects all the people he meets. His style is very easy for the general reader, without losing its vigour and scientific rigour.
Brief 'Notes' include bibliographical references; there is no index (or need for one). An excellent book, moving and instructive, which may lead readers to reflection on their own lives.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (29/09/09)
This is the first 'academic' study of L'Arche communities in the United States. Jean Vanier, L'Arche's founder, in the 'Foreword', highly commends the author's investigations and findings - that is recommendation enough.
The book revolves round 'compassionate love'; it 'is rooted in habits which are intuitive in nature.' (p. 110); it 'is...about relationships between core members and caregiver assistants.' (p. 83). 'The simple fact is that relatively unremarkable individuals...constantly do rather remarkable things.' (ibid). The title refers equally to the experiences of 'core members' and 'caregiver assistants'. 'They [the core members] help the assistants grow to greater maturity; they lead the way into a deepened vision of Christianity, a way of unity and of love.' (Jean Vanier, p. vii).
Kevin Reimer lets his interviewees and the events he describes provide a narrative which leads on to his comments. Despite his objective approach, he clearly becomes in awe of, admires and respects all the people he meets. His style is very easy for the general reader, without losing its vigour and scientific rigour.
Brief 'Notes' include bibliographical references; there is no index (or need for one). An excellent book, moving and instructive, which may lead readers to reflection on their own lives.
Reviewer: J.Nicholas Latham (29/09/09)
