The Return of the Prodigal Son Anniversary Edition: A Special Two-in-One Volume, including Home Tonight

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Genres: Catholic, Christian, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2016

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parable of the Prodigal Son just becomes more and more special to me. Reflections on the two sons reminded me of the repeated voice of the father, with his hand in my shoulder, saying “I love you daughter.” Each son has a personal invitation into the party, and even further to become like the father, a call to move from being welcomed to welcoming others.

[Darrin Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a Sage. The author is not one I would typically read, but upon hearing that I would find myself in 2–3 places in the book I was intrigued. It is a book that is meant to be savored and meditated upon. One section I read twice. The recommender was correct, I did find myself in multiple places. This is a book I will return to, and a book from which I will make notes in my journal. I gave it four stars, because there were 3–4 places where I disagreed with the author's theology. I am so glad to have received this recommendation. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time.

[Trey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon my first reading of The Return of the Prodigal Son, God really changed my life and how I viewed Him. So naturally, I wanted to read it again and felt like this version would supplement the original book with the “Home Tonight” add-on.

I still give the Prodigal Son part 5 stars.

I’d give the Home Tonight lecture transcription 3 stars. It was very repetitive and didn’t add much value to the existing book. There are some really great quotes here and there that supplemented the first book’s reading, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the overall repetitiveness.

I would recommend anyone and everyone to read the stand-alone book version of The Return of the Prodigal Son. This version, however, unless you didn’t understand the original book at all, you can save your time by not picking it up.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for The Return of the Prodigal Son; 2 stars for Home Tonight, the second volume included in this anniversary edition. I gained much from Nouwen’s personal experience plumbing the depths of this passage of scripture specifically through Rembrandt’s painting. (His insights on the older son in particular were heavy-hitting for me personally.) I also loved learning more about the painting itself and the context of Rembrandt’s life. That said, Home Tonight did not add any value to my reading experience and seemed kind of a bizarre compilation to me— it’s not even directly written by Nouwen but essentially paraphrases the initial workshops he offered (that were taped) that eventually inspired the writing of his book.

[Agnieszka]

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming ?* ?/?/? (?)
First published on Kindle: 11/20/2013; original publication: 1991

Home Tonight: Further Reflections on the Parable of the Prodigal Son ?* ?/?/? (?)
Published: 3/19/2009 (original publication: 1/1/2009 doubtful, there seems to be no edition published earlier)
*

[sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

henri muito obrigada por esse livro.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two works of meditations by Nouwen on the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Older Brother, especially as portrayed in Rembrandt's painting of the prodigal's return.

"The Return of the Prodigal Son" is a work composed by Nouwen himself. In it he explores his deep affection for Rembrandt's painting and narrates the story of his own faith development as he envisioned himself as the prodigal son, the older brother, and the father figure in turn.

"Home Tonight" is a later transcription of sorts of some lectures and classes Nouwen taught based on his experiences with the story and the Rembrandt painting. It follows the same general pattern.

The same general theme is manifest throughout both works. They both seek to encourage the reader through the author's own experiences in his faith journey, recognizing the type of person he was, proving willing to accept the Father's gracious love, allowing himself to admit his failings and weaknesses, and finding a profitable pathway for ministry and service.

These are emotionally affective books; one must be in a good contemplative mood in order to be willing to absorb its lessons and for it to truly "speak" to you. A powerful work for those willing to consider it.

**--galley received as part of early review program

[Gabriel Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, a colleague recommended me this book during a difficult time. It was so touching that I was moved to tears even while reading on the train. I have been the Prodigal Son, the elder son and look forward to the day I can embrace and be embraced by my loving Father.

The sequel, Home Tonight was more in-depth, including 9 "Wisdom Practices" for those on a spiritual journey. These include components for Listening, Journaling and Communing.

[Ryan Geer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a long time and a variety of reasons, I avoided reading anything by Nouwen. That was a mistake.

While there are a handful of things I struggled with in reading this book (e.g. a section where he talks about the motherhood of God and uses female pronouns), it is an extraordinary dive into the parable of the prodigal son that I found extremely moving and helpful. I'll likely revisit this book in the near future.

[Carol Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Nouwen aptly uses the parable of the prodigal son allowing the reader through our life experiences to see ourselves in all three characters; the returning son,the elder son and the father. In addition, the depth he goes into to explain Rembrandt’s painting is insightful and enlightening. In the second book “Home Tonight” the exercises of listening, journaling and communing moved me.

[Samuel Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Home

I absolutely loved every sentence this book.
Highly recommended, a must read Heart speaks to heart!
Added to favorite books.

[Allison Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and contemplatively written, thought-provoking

[Simon Karmarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant interpretation of Rembrandt's master piece!

[Heidi Creasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as people are still admiring Rembrandt's painting, in 100 years people will still be reading and drawing deep encouragement from this book.