One Small Plot of Heaven: Reflections on Family Life by a Quaker Sociologist

by Elise Boulding

Book by Boulding, Elise

225 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1989

Reviews

[Carl Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this collection of essays, originally published else where, 25 years ago when the house was full of our kids and foster kids and kids’ friends and what felt at the time like an ever-growing menagerie. And it’s lost none of it allure and potency re-reading it in a much quieter house.

Boulding, a sociologist and a Quaker—both seem important, reflects on family—building them, being in and with them, upholding them—in distinct and loving ways. And she has given me, in the essay “Family and the Way to the Future, originally published in 1978 as a Pendle Hill Pamphlet, my favorite and most enduring metaphor for marriage. Two trees are planted next to each other and over the years the roots and the branches grow into each other, intertwine and become inseparable. They also grow out away from the center finding new light and new soil. Both are necessary. (p 211) This resonates with me, and is my experience.

The essays stand the test of time and are well worth the read.

[Rachel Kopel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so glad that I accidently came upon this book by a Quaker sociologist. While it is a bit disjointed, being composed of essays from other sources, there were many things I found applicable to my own life, both good and bad. It is always helpful to discover that my circumstances are not unique, but that they are shared by others in my own faith community and other communities as well. I especially appreciated her autobiographical chapter about being the daughter of immigrants.