Book Review. 'Benedictus. A Book of Blessings' by John O'Donohue. Reviewed by Virginia Hainsworth

This book will not suit everyone.  And yet, I believe that it is a book which, in parts, will appeal to anyone.  Its author describes it as a book of blessings.  Some may regard the blessings as prayer-like and, certainly, O’Donohue refers to God in some of his pieces.  But please don’t let this put you off, if indeed it does.  I look upon it as a book of poems, some of which resonate with me and some which I find less appealing.  But all are exquisitely penned.

The blessings, or pieces, are arranged under various headings and invite you to dip into the book at whatever section appeals to you at any particular time.  For example, one of my favourites ‘For Courage’ has the lines

‘Know that you are not alone

And that this darkness has purpose;

Gradually it will school your eyes

To find the one gift your life requires

Hidden within this night corner’

How fitting for the present circumstances.  These lines, like many in his pieces, feel to me like cooling lotion applied to a sunburnt skin.  They soothe and heal.

In all his poems, he weaves his words into a tapestry of magic and if you are drawn to a particular piece by its title, as you will be, it is as if he has peered into your being and prescribed just what you need at that moment.

I remember when, as a child, I found some fairy tales so frightening that I could barely look at the pictures.  And yet, it was hard to resist the temptation of opening the page just a little, to peer inside at what awaited.   Well, for me, some parts of this book are a little like that too.  For example  ‘For a Destructive Encounter.’  I hope this provides solace for some.  I hope never to be among those who need it.

As an aspiring writer, I put down his poetic lines and vow never to pick up a pen again, for how can I ever be even one tenth a crafter of words as he is?  And yet, I eagerly pick up the book again, greedy for the inspiration it brings.  And so, I struggle on, trying to construct some word pictures which can unshackle the mind.

In the words of O’Donohue

‘May my mind come alive today

To the invisible geography

That invites me to new frontiers,

To break the dead shell of yesterdays,

To risk being disturbed and changed.’

Blessings.  Have you counted yours lately?

‘Benedictus.  A Book of Blessings’ by John O’Donohue.  Published by Penguin Random House.  ISBN 9780593058626