Like the simple faith aspired to in The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy by Richard Robbins, the story moves with basic grace as a young Guatemalan girl experiences first the raw violence of a seemingly forsaken world, then an apparently guided journey – like a spiritual pilgrimage of engagement – toward the birth of a daughter who might, in turn, be the world’s next savior. This tale is told with heartfelt belief, but also with an unswerving directness that feels preordained, lending to the book an aura of religiosity relevant to the hybrid teachings of the Maya/Catholic merging, and appealing to the contemporary Christian message of love and kindness. The narrative is presented more like a truncated spiritual message than any deep plunge into the murkier depths of authentic faith.

At the beginning of The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy, Richard Robbins introduces Hana, the story’s early protagonist, who endures the wretched violence of a war-torn world, culminating in her utter silence and abandonment. Her story is haunting and touching but soon hands itself over to that of her unasked-for child, a daughter with immaculate perception and a resonant message for the masses. Her hyperbolic path to spiritual acclaim captures even the attention of the Pope, who seeks to merge her miraculous credentials with those of a more orthodox institution. Josefa’s calling is more populist in nature, however, and she proceeds on a course more suitable to her calling. In a climax suggestive of rapturous prophetic teachings, this well-written story charges headlong towards an eternal conclusion.

I chose to read and review The Tormenting Beauty of Reality by Richard Robbins as I was intrigued by the title. The story begins in
Guatemala and the horrifying atrocities perpetuated there, especially in the rural areas. After inadvertently betraying her family, Hana, at the age of five, remains mute. She flees with her friend to the next village and, at first, finds sanctuary, but even there, their lives are uncertain. A final flight is to the United States where Hana is parted from the last person with a link to her village and early life. The book is not about Hana but her daughter Josefa who develops into an extraordinary young woman. The latter part of the book is set in Florida and explores the difference between organized religion and the religion we could all find within ourselves, by ourselves with a little guidance.

I enjoyed reading Richard Robbins’ The Tormenting Beauty of Reality. It is not a long read but is a thoughtful take on an age-old theme. I thought the characters were well defined, and I think it takes a lot of courage to weave scenes around one character who is mute. While Hana is the main focus in part one of the book, her daughter Josefa is the star in part two. While the reader may have a hint of what is about to happen, it still came as a shock. An early character has not changed, despite the life he has led. A short read that kept me turning the pages. A book I really enjoyed and something a little different to many books on offer today.