The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal

Forgiveness:  Possibilities and Limits

The Sunflower,  it inspires by the many responses  to the question:     “You are a prisoner in a concentration camp.  A dying Nazi soldier asks for your forgiveness.   What would you do?”       It is a thought and soul provoking work.    Truly a wonderful book , first recommended by a friend years ago.

The first part of the book is Wiesenthal’s own story and experience.    Equally important is the discussion of forgiveness that follows.  Theologians and philosophers address this question.

People as diverse as the Dalai Lama, Matthew Fox, Archbishop Tutu, and Martin Marty discuss the implications, benefits, and blessing that come with forgiving.  It is not easy, but necessary for our own wholeness.

Review by Pamela Bundy