Etty Hillesum

July 15, 2009
Etty Hillesum was born in the Netherlands in 1914 and died in Auschwitz in 1943. Woodhouse ("Beyond Words: An Introduction, Guide and Resource for a Contemplative Way of Prayer") uses Hillesum's diaries and letters to describe her friends, lovers, readings, and interior life during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Her experiences as the only daughter of a troubled assimilated Jewish married couple who had two mentally ill sons are honestly discussed. Hillesum's views of God and her acceptance of suffering and sorrow allowed her to redeem life and love in the midst of death and despair. Woodhouse describes the outer life and inner thoughts of Hillesum, portraying her as a mystic and moral saint. The final chapter is devoted to the lessons and teachings Hillesum can give to contemporary humanity. VERDICT This serves as a good introduction to Hillesum, especially for readers interested in difficult contemplations about life. Academics will be better served by collections of Hillesum's writings (e.g., "An Interrupted Life and Letters from Westerbork").Gene Shaw, NYPL

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.