Monday, May 12, 2008

Father Joe, the man who saved my soul: Tony Hendra

In a kind of joint biography, Tony Hendra tells the story of his life as would-be Catholic monk, then a famous atheistic satirist (inventor of 'Spitting Image'), and finally, recovering Catholic. The constant in his life is Father Joe, a monk who spends all his days on the Isle of Wight and patiently counsels Hendra through good and bad days.

The language is fruitier than you will find in your average 'Christian bookshop' but Hendra's wit and honesty and Father Joe's wisdom and grace, and the un-theologized clarity of the story, make for an inspiring read. You'll never despair for a prodigal again, even if the prodigal is you.

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