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When Life Calls Out to Us: The Love and Lifework of Viktor and Elly Frankl
“The only authorized biography of Victor Frankl, whose life story and reflections have inspired tens of millions. Haddon Klingberg records and preserves the Frankl legacy, with his own eloquent and moving reflections.” -- David G. Myers, Hope College, author of The American Spiritual Hunger in an Age of Plenty
Written in response to the horrors he experienced and witnessed during the Holocaust, Viktor Frankl’s landmark book, Man’s Search for Meaning , has sold millions of copies and been translated into twenty-seven languages. But although Frankl’s thought and philosophy have been widely analyzed, until now little has been written about his life, and about the deeply loving, intensely spiritual relationship that led him and his wife to dedicate their lives to reducing pain and oppression in the world.
In a book that is at once a wonderful love story and a tribute to two extraordinary people, Haddon Klingberg, Jr., draws on a wealth of anecdotes, told to him by the Frankls themselves, to describe their separate early lives and their fifty-two years as husband and wife. Returning to Vienna after spending three years in four different concentration camps, Frankl, whose first wife and family died in the camps, turned to writing as a way of finding some purpose in his life. But it was Elly Schwindt, a woman half his age, who helped him put the pieces of his broken life together. Married in 1947, the Frankls created a life of hope and faith, a life committed to proclaiming the oneness of the human family, challenging materialistic values, and encouraging the pursuit of meaning.
When Life Calls Out to Us chronicles a spiritual journey infused with tragedy but sustained by love, wisdom, faith, and humor. Klingberg’s extensive interviews, not available anywhere else, reveal the full richness of the Frankls’ lives and beautifully illuminate their enduring contributions toward a better world for all people.
From the Hardcover edition.
Written in response to the horrors he experienced and witnessed during the Holocaust, Viktor Frankl’s landmark book, Man’s Search for Meaning , has sold millions of copies and been translated into twenty-seven languages. But although Frankl’s thought and philosophy have been widely analyzed, until now little has been written about his life, and about the deeply loving, intensely spiritual relationship that led him and his wife to dedicate their lives to reducing pain and oppression in the world.
In a book that is at once a wonderful love story and a tribute to two extraordinary people, Haddon Klingberg, Jr., draws on a wealth of anecdotes, told to him by the Frankls themselves, to describe their separate early lives and their fifty-two years as husband and wife. Returning to Vienna after spending three years in four different concentration camps, Frankl, whose first wife and family died in the camps, turned to writing as a way of finding some purpose in his life. But it was Elly Schwindt, a woman half his age, who helped him put the pieces of his broken life together. Married in 1947, the Frankls created a life of hope and faith, a life committed to proclaiming the oneness of the human family, challenging materialistic values, and encouraging the pursuit of meaning.
When Life Calls Out to Us chronicles a spiritual journey infused with tragedy but sustained by love, wisdom, faith, and humor. Klingberg’s extensive interviews, not available anywhere else, reveal the full richness of the Frankls’ lives and beautifully illuminate their enduring contributions toward a better world for all people.
From the Hardcover edition.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 26, 2014
Needed now for this generation
In a materialistic and narcissistic generation the words of Frankl are desperately needed to guide them to understand that true love and happiness only comes when self is forgotten, money is a means to help others, suffering is inevitable but must not be avoided but accepted..used as a means for helping others without judgement....
I am convinced that Frankl's ideas and living each of these shows us the answer to a deeper love and a deeper life.....
I have taught over 30 years. More and more I see a loss of personal responsibility, money used for a means to feel superior, and a growth in self-centeredness.
As a result teenagers lack a direction, a compassion, an understanding of others feelings....an apathy....
My prayer is that we can bring this generation and their parents the understanding of Frankl's knowledge of how to find that life does expect something from them and by following this they will be richly rewarded....
Life, with all the suffering and joy is to be embraced and shared.....
It's simple but not easy at times...
I just love this book and others by him...
In a materialistic and narcissistic generation the words of Frankl are desperately needed to guide them to understand that true love and happiness only comes when self is forgotten, money is a means to help others, suffering is inevitable but must not be avoided but accepted..used as a means for helping others without judgement....
I am convinced that Frankl's ideas and living each of these shows us the answer to a deeper love and a deeper life.....
I have taught over 30 years. More and more I see a loss of personal responsibility, money used for a means to feel superior, and a growth in self-centeredness.
As a result teenagers lack a direction, a compassion, an understanding of others feelings....an apathy....
My prayer is that we can bring this generation and their parents the understanding of Frankl's knowledge of how to find that life does expect something from them and by following this they will be richly rewarded....
Life, with all the suffering and joy is to be embraced and shared.....
It's simple but not easy at times...
I just love this book and others by him...
October 1, 2022
Fascinating story of two lives that meshed. The writing itself leaves a lot to be desired. I want to give it a 5 star for content, but it was a bit tedious to read many extraneous and repetitive details.
November 30, 2024
Viktor Frankl's book, 'Man's search for meaning' has been a cherished favourite of mine for around 40 years. This biography of Frankl and his wife, Elly, filled out the broader canvas around their lives. An inspiring reminder that acceptance of others is to be valued.
April 18, 2023
The story behind "Man's Search for Meaning".
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews