Memoirs fail to reveal author

Reviewed by David R. Dyck.

Elie Wiesel, a well-known Jewish author, one of the more outspoken survivors of the Nazi camps of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, sees his life as "a book of commentaries", and his memoirs reflect that view. Rather than an autobiography, this work is a series of reminiscences on various aspects of his life, and essentially ceases when Wiesel is 40. The overriding impressions are of the influences of Wiesel's death camp experience, of his youthful passion for Jewish religion and philosophy (renewed later in his life), of the emergence of the state of Israel and of the importance of the many friends and acquaintances he introduces to the reader. Based on this book alone, one does not really get to know Wiesel.

David R. Dyck is a retired professor of History of Science at the University of Winnipeg and a member of River East MB Church in Winnipeg.

Shillington explores Irish roots

Reviewed by Dora Dueck.

Not all Mennonite Brethren forages into the past turn up tales of wealth and woe in Russia. The roots that George Shillington, professor at Concord College and member of the Portage Avenue MB Church, explores are Irish ones. Did Elijah Die? tells the story of Edward Henry (Eddie) Shillington (1880-1967), who "earned the right to be described as prophetic." (The reader who sleuths in the family tree at the back of the book will discover Eddie is the author's father.) Against a backdrop that includes Gladstone, Methodism and Bishop Taylor, and inside the daily realities of a dairy farm, we follow Eddie through his childhood, conquests as a farmer, marriage and raising nine children.

The author's attitude toward his main character seems eminently respectful. The determined, upright, and sometimes difficult Eddie--who influenced his children for good and yet needed to be "broken away" from--will be given a fair and honest portrait. He will be given context, and details. Other "characters" pique our interest as well. One is Eddie's sister Lizzie, who brings her powerful personality to bear in the naming of the Shillington children. Another is Drumbee, the family home, which warmly draws us into the book from the front cover.

Going "back home" to the houses and families of the past is an extremely worthwhile endeavour, I believe, and so I enjoyed this chronicle of Edward Shillington. There's universal truth about life and family dynamics in these specifics, which provokes reflection on one's own life and kinfolk. It also reminds that in looking back, God's grace can be seen and honoured.

Dora Dueck is a freelance writer and member of Jubilee Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.