The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

The best story I ever read

If you're looking for a book that makes you question the very core of your soul, this is it. Powerful and moving, this novel recounts the life of a nazi soldier and jewish prisoner during WWII. This book sparked a lot of debate between me and my friends. Was the prisoner right in his actions? Was the soldier out of line? When is it ok to forgive, and who is at liberty to forgive some of the atrocities that occurred? Half the book is the true story between the soldier and prisoner; the other is a symposium from people from all walks of life (professors, religious leaders, etc.) answering the question the author's question: What would you have done in my shoes?

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This collection of essays provides a lot of scholarly insight into the differences between Christianity and Judaism

As a Jew that was not brought up very religious I really learned a lot about how both religions view forgiveness and repentance. I would definitely recommend this book for everybody.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A 'Must Read' Book

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I found Weisenthal's dilemma challenging. As Christians, I was taught to emmulate Christ and to forgive our enemies 70 times 7. But does that include extending absolution for crimes against those who can no longer speak for themselves? Where does personal responsibility begin in a world gone insane and dominated by groupthink? Can an individual speak on behalf of a people so persecuted? These are just a few of the questions this book made me think about (and I continue to ponder). I find myself thinking one thing, I look at the book again and find new questions and different answers each time. Even as I read different responses from others, I see a new dimension to the question. I highly recommend this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful!

The story of the 'sunflower' is itself worthy of reading this book. However, the dilemnas and questions and reactions Wiesenthal must deal with present a new opportunity for the reader to view the Holocaust and other atrocities in a way that I have never seen presented before. As a post-MEd student with a life long interest in the reasons behind man's inhumanity toward man, this book is a must read. The 53 responses of others who have been situated in horrific life situations are an invaluable contribution to this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Suberb

Amazing

Highly Recommend

The Sunflower is a book of enormous inspiration. Everyone should own this book and read it very often. I've read this one at least 1/2 a dozen times and will continue to go back to it. Also, I've enjoyed this book so much that I've given it to 4 people already and I will gift it again in the future. A truly beautiful and excellent examination of conscience.

First half good, second half not

First half of book was interesting, but got bored in the last half of book.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

"The Sunflower" is a very thought provoking, heart felt read. It allows you to question yourself.

Mr. Wiesentthal does a great job in presenting his battle and allows the reader to feel and understand his pain and suffer. The short writings that follow his actual narrative are also very informative and interesting. The book turn the reader to face himself and question himself. The book serves as a guide of different opinions. I truly don't think that an individual can answer the question of forgivness unless put in similar situations.

More than thought provoking!

Mr. Wiesenthal's story is one of the most difficult I have ever read and one that I am so very grateful that I did read.

UNBELIEVABLE

What Would you do? This is the main question that is asked in the book. A story that involves the ideas of forgiveness and guilt. How would you respond to a question asking for the fogiveness of an entire population. A must read especially if you are in to Holocaust History.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Classic!

'To forgive or not to forgive' that is the question this author poses to people of different backgrounds and different faiths. The responses are beautiful, profound, and heart-wrenching. You will not be disappointed in the faith-filled pages of this book. A Triumph!

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