Mary Craig’s moving account of how she found the strength to cope with the overwhelming problems of bringing up a profoundly disabled child, and how she survived when tragedy struck a second time, is one of the most outstanding autobiographies of our day. Against all the odds and despite her own crippling fears and anxieties, Mary found joy in the face of deep suffering by turning outwards to the needs of others, volunteering in the Sue Ryder Homes where concentration camp survivors enabled her to find fresh courage.
Since it was first published in the late 1970s, Blessings has won various awards, been serialized on BBC radio, appeared in numerous national bestseller lists, chosen by several eminent figures as their book of the year, published in a dozen languages and been the focus of television documentaries in the UK and the US.
This is an inspirational book for all who are struggling to make sense of any kind of suffering.
‘If only everyone could read this intensely profound book. We all suffer, but never has the experience of how to combat its effects been so lucidly explained, nor the hope that lies beyond it so movingly illuminated. It is one of the most moving pieces of writing I have ever read and over the years has helped me put so much in perspective.’
Mary Craig is an example to us all and I urge you to read her story.’
'What keeps me coming back to read Craig – over and above a way with words usually absent in accounts of faith and suffering - is that she offers no answers, no prescriptions, no rallying talk. Hers is an unflinching account of her own weaknesses and prejudices, but it is that sense that she never reaches a place of serenity and sureness, but continues instead to flail about, only inching towards understanding, that makes Blessings so compelling. For those inches, she knows, are enough.'
'The minute you open the first page of a new book, you know whether it is well-written or not. This one is. It blossoms. It captivates. …Do not miss this book. You will be the poorer if you do. I have not read such a narrative for many years which I wanted to recommend with more enthusiasm.'
'A brave, poignant account of how the author has faced and overcome double tragedy… it is a beautiful little book that will bring immense comfort and understanding to anyone who is suffering, bereaved, depressed or just sad. I beg you to read it.'
