Years ago, the story goes, an old lawyer built a
sanctuary in a large
city. The sanctuary was intended to be a temporary
refuge to all
who were overburdened by life and in despair. All who were in
need could go to the
sanctuary at any hour of the day and night to
confide in the Man Who Listens, whose name is never given.
The sanctuary was surrounded by several acres of beautiful parkland so
that, although in the centre of a great city, the interior of the
sanctuary was quiet. The building consisted of only two rooms –
one for those waiting and another where visitors met with the Man Who
Listens. The waiting room was quiet and comfortable; a gong
sounded when it was time for the next person to go into the inner
room. Visitors could take a city bus to the park, where a path
led up to the sanctuary.
This book is a collection of stories told to the Man Who Listens.
Although the book was published in 1966, the
problems, resentments,
grief, and anger described are as relevant today as when they were
written. Some will resonate with the reader, while others will be
merely familiar, but none of the situations can be outdated because
they deal with fundamental human attitudes and problems.
This is a book for any who feel life closing in or getting too heavy to
bear. It is inspiring without being maudlin or cloying. The
stories are interesting. They serve to remind the reader that
most problems are experienced by others and, even aside from the Man
Who Listens, no one is really alone and there is always reason to hope.