Beyond the Mirror

Reflections on Life & Death

Henri Nouwen’s near fatal accident sparked a revelation. His transformative experience of unconditional love at the portal of death and his understanding of the events before and after his accident inspire us to embrace our vital connection to God.

Nouwen shares his understanding of the interruptions in his life—the things that stopped him from proceeding with business as usual—as the powerful manifestations of God’s teaching. Readers will be encouraged and heartened to reevaluate their own challenging circumstances to find the true message of divine love.

“This is not a book of easy answers as to why accidents happen. Instead, Nouwen’s story reveals God as one who will use these interruptions in life to show us that, being anchored in His love, we are free to escape the compulsions of this world.” —New Oxford Review

“The book is well worth reading for people who seek a deeper and richer glimpse into the mystery of the divine presence of God.” —Ashland Theological Journal

More About this Book

This book was written shortly after Nouwen was in a life-threatening accident in 1989.  It documents a near-death experience that gave him a “new knowledge of God’ and a clarifying vision of his vocation and identity.

Themes: Death and Dying, God, Interruptions, Writing, Identity, Reality, Portal of death, Jesus, Mary, Care, Spiritual freedom, Preparing for death, Dying to self, Choices, Being the Beloved, Eternity, Ministry from ‘above’, Being a witness, Busyness, Solitude and silence, Vulnerability, Becoming like a child, Henri Nouwen’s vocation

Crossroad, 1990

More Reviews

“As with Nouwen’s other works, vivid images, strong analogies, and keen reflection dominate. I commend the book as a gift that the busy preacher or academic might give oneself.” —Restoration Quarterly

“With his brutal self-scrutiny and honesty, Nouwen takes us through the interior meaning of his trip to ‘death’s portal,’ and gives us courage and hope for our own encounter someday.” —Church and Synagogue Library Association

Reviews for "Beyond the Mirror"

"Poignant, heartfelt and real. Very quick and powerful read. Highly recommended." -Brennan

"Beyond the Mirror can be easily read in one sitting, but its message is profoundly disproportionate to the size of the book." -Mark

"This is a must read for anyone who ponders death, especially their own, and life." -Dolly