Gratitude and Grace - the Writings of Michael Mayne

For those readers who do not know the work of Michael Mayne, two of whose books I reviewed in Network 92 and 99, this is a very good place to start. Mayne died in 2006, and was Dean of Westminster between 1986 and 1996. He struggled with ME and latterly with cancer; his writing combines appreciation of life with an acute awareness of suffering expressed through his great love of literature. Joel Huffstetler has done a wonderful job of introducing the man and his work. So by all means buy this book as a first step, but I would encourage you to move on to the works of Mayne himself. One particular insight struck me where, Sam, the seven-year-old son of writer Ann Lamott it said to her 'I think I already understand about life: pretty good, some problems.' A wise observation at any age.