Bound To Forgive: The Pilgrimage to Reconciliation of a Beirut Hostage

by Lawrence Martin Jenco

As a chronicle of events, this book offers a riveting account of Martin Jenco's kidnapping and resultant 19 months as a hostage of Shiite Muslims. With pathos and humor, he unflinchingly journeys back through the time, events, circumstances, and people of his incarceration.

Genres: Memoir

135 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Elliot Ratzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second Beirut hostage memoir I’ve read, which begins roughly when Jerry Levin escapes his captors. If Levin’s captivity was marked by radical deprivation, Jenco’s treatment is, by contrast, three-star service. His bondage in a kitchen enables him to sneak a few potatoes and pee in the sink; later, he is moved in with three other fellow hostages and they establish a relatively tolerable community, bound as they are to radiators and beds. Jenco’s memoir is bookended with some reflections on Camus’s “The Plague” and punctuated with theological and scriptural meditations. Jenco prays the rosary with his chains and then a Muslim prayer bead. At first, he is physically and psychically manhandled, but by the end of his 18 months, his captors end up giving them cake and ‘celebrating’ Easter. If Levin’s memoir’s emergent theme is the failure of government and media, Jenco’s is the failure of the Church. Most importantly, this memoir treats theological and practical questions of forgiveness.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very powerful account of Father Jenco's kidnapping and his experiences as a hostage in Beirut in the 80's. Very easy to read and thought-provoking. I would have liked to learn what happened to the other hostages after his release.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lesson in humility and faith this book was for me! I admire Fr. Jenco for staying so focused on the Lord throughout his trials. Being able to love and forgive your enemy is a difficult task, but this book is an amazing example of why it is so vital. I loved it. Very inspiring.

[Maryann Brodeur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! So many Christian Principles come into play. Made me more grateful for my freedom. See glimpses of God working even in the guards. Learned so much about forgiveness and faith. Loved Gods little messages at the end, two things that happened toward the end made me say wow!