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A review by heidihaverkamp
Astonished: A Story of Evil, Blessings, Grace, and Solace by Beverly Donofrio
4.0
One of the most unique accounts of rape I've ever encountered. Years ago, I read Lucky, by Alice Sebold (writer of The Lovely Bones), about her traumatic experience of rape and its aftermath. Donofrio deals with serious trauma, too, but perhaps because she was in her 50s instead of her teens, she seizes control of her experience. I've heard women say, "I'd rather die than be raped." Donofrio doesn't minimalize rape, but she debunks the notion that it makes life not worth living.
She also takes us on her journey of discernment about a call to monastic life. She visits a quirky collection of American monasteries - a mix of Roman Catholic and New Age, young monks and elderly sisters, brand new communities and one that was closed shortly after she visited. Her observations of religious life are prescient and fun. Her observations about evil, sin, prayer, Mary, Jesus, and Roman Catholicism, are fresh and insightful, but not always, um, orthodox. She reminds me a bit of Anne Lamott, but a bit less edgy.
She includes many wonderful quotes from Christian divines, too.
She mentions crossing paths with a few other folks who sound familiar. A former roommate named "Renee" who worked for public radio in LA? Could that be Renee Montagne? Who knows. But I'm certain "Father Paul" is W. Paul Jones, writer of numerous books on theology and the spiritual life and his journey to become a hermit.
She also takes us on her journey of discernment about a call to monastic life. She visits a quirky collection of American monasteries - a mix of Roman Catholic and New Age, young monks and elderly sisters, brand new communities and one that was closed shortly after she visited. Her observations of religious life are prescient and fun. Her observations about evil, sin, prayer, Mary, Jesus, and Roman Catholicism, are fresh and insightful, but not always, um, orthodox. She reminds me a bit of Anne Lamott, but a bit less edgy.
She includes many wonderful quotes from Christian divines, too.
She mentions crossing paths with a few other folks who sound familiar. A former roommate named "Renee" who worked for public radio in LA? Could that be Renee Montagne? Who knows. But I'm certain "Father Paul" is W. Paul Jones, writer of numerous books on theology and the spiritual life and his journey to become a hermit.