THE SHADOWED VALLEY

by H.J. Schachtel ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 23, 1962

Just a year ago (January 1961) C.L. Sulzberger's book, My Brother Death was published. Many hoped to find in it something of a philosophy for facing death, a consolation for those left behind. Instead, they found an extraordinary feat of research into world history in its approach to death. Now with Rabbi Schachtel's book, what was sought in the other can be found. For here in a profound and yet warmly human book, the eminent rabbi of a Houston Reformed congregation, has tapped the rich vein of experience and compassion for a book that never descends to the sentimental, to euphemistic evasion of the facts of death as a part of life, but who approaches it so that what he has to contribute will help those facing death to face it strength of understanding its spiritual significance; will help family and friends of the deceased to find in death a stimulus to memory rather than repining, to living so as to pay tribute to the dead. He confronts some of the problems of fear and guilt and resentment; he explores sources of the past and science of today for affirmations of immortality; he indicates ways in which music and prayer and reading from writers who have shared their own experiences in their writings, can help those approaching death of loved ones and those grief striken and alone. A book to which the reader must bring full measure of cooperation; it prescribes no antidote for grief.

Pub Date: April 23, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION