The Sunflower

On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

By: Simon Wiesenthal

Narrated by: Robertson Dean, Laural Merlington

While imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, Simon Wiesenthal was taken one day from his work detail to the bedside of a dying member of the SS. Haunted by the crimes in which he had participated, the soldier wanted to confess to - and obtain absolution from - a Jew. Faced with the choice between compassion and justice, silence and truth, Wiesenthal said nothing. But even years after the war had ended, he wondered: Had he done the right thing? What would you have done in his place?

In this important book, fifty-three distinguished men and women respond to Wiesenthal's questions. They are theologians, political leaders, writers, jurists, psychiatrists, human rights activists, Holocaust survivors, and victims of attempted genocide in Bosnia, Cambodia, China, and Tibet. Their responses, as varied as their experiences of the world, remind us that Wiesenthal's questions are not limited to events of the past. Often surprising and always thought-provoking, The Sunflower will challenge you to define your beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility.

©1969, 1970 Copyright 1969, 1970 by Opera Mundi Paris. Copyright renewed 1997 by Simon Wiesenthal. Preface and Symposium copyright 1976, 1997, 1998 by Schocken Books Incorporated. (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"In simple yet elegant prose, Wiesenthal recreates the grim reality of a time when Eastern Europe was hell. Never lapsing into the maudlin or self-pitying, his matter-of-fact realism makes the images all the more horrifying." ( Publishers Weekly)

Can we really forget and forgive?

This journey of forgiveness really makes one reflect how we have forgiven in the past and present, and more importantly, how to forgive in the future. It’s when someone has experienced a certain kind offense, can one truly speak to it and offer or deny the forgiveness being asked by the offender.

A must for have those inclined to self reflection!

This is a truly profound book. Not only does it challenge the reader to endure a small window the true horror of WWII, but it also engages with you to emotional and intellectually process through you, the reader, would handle the situation.

Forgiveness

Very passionate on this subject - it never to be in our hearts -‘one must read Genesis 12:3 - Gods people

Forgiveness: Possible or impossible?

For anyone seeking wisdom in what it means to forgive and forget, if either are possible, will find an irresistible read.

Fantastic meditation on the legitimate bounds of forgiveness!

This book is enormously eye-opening. Legitimate arguments as to the limits or limitlessness of forgiveness. Strongly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with resentment or anger in their heart.