Hope's Work: Facing the future in an age of crises

by David Gee

Hope is a determination to live for what is worth living for today, whatever tomorrow may bring. In the bleakest of times hope may seem beyond our grasp, but David Gee’s stirring book helps us to see where we might find it, step-by-step, moment-by-moment, in ourselves, in those alongside us, and in the world around us. Hope’s Work is written to re-fresh and re-engage people who struggle to keep faith with hope in an age of violence and crisis, and is essential reading for our times. Drawing on stories of hope and resistance from past and present, this short, beautifully-designed book goes in search of what is worth living and working for, even as the future becomes harder to face.

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

David Gee is a writer and activist. His previous work has included the Informed Choice report on the ethics of military recruitment and managing the Alternatives to Violence Project. Today he works on the campaign to raise the minimum age of military enlistment to 18. He lives on a boat in Oxford.

http://hopeswork.org

http://slumgullion.blog

Reviews

[Lydia Ratto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that covers this much needed topic in an understated but truly thoughtful way.
The individual stories offer a healthy reminder that it's not time to give up just yet.

[Helen Meads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly good!

Based on myth and real experience, an interesting analysis of As You Like It alongside Palestinian experience, commentary on child soldiers, campaigns for justice and much more. All written in a very accessible, poetic style.

Hope is different from optimism, is to be found now, in simple actions and in continuing without wavering. I love the notion of Sumud: steadfastness.

The book is a beautiful artefact in itself as well.

Very very highly recommended.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This forges indelible markers in my understanding of the world but more importantly it will undoubtedly provide a much stronger bond with hope, for those who really need it the most.